Here is the story so far and the players who have impact in the first round of the World Cup. By Shwuaib Malik. 

Hirving Lozano 
It was an inspired performance from Mexico to beat reigning champions Germany, in their opening game. Mexico got their goal through some brilliant build up play, finished off by PSV’s winger, Hirving Lozano who did not flounder under pressure in front of goal, and beat Neuer to his near post.

Mexico’s top goal scorer in qualifying put in a man of the match performance to help his team secure an unlikely victory against one of the tournament’s favourites. 

Cristiano Ronaldo 
As usual, all the expectation was on Portugal’s star man going into their first game against Spain and Ronaldo did not disappoint. He calmly slotted away a penalty in the 4th minute after he was fouled by fellow Real Madrid teammate Nacho.
 His second was fortunate as David De Gea made an uncharacteristic goal keeping error but there was nothing taking away from Ronaldo’s third which secured him a hattrick in the opening round.

His freekick under pressure was sublime, and it proved crucial in earning Portugal a point against their toughest group opponents. Portugal needed Ronaldo to step up, and once again on the big stage, he did. If Cristiano keeps delivering, then Portugal may just spring a few surprises as was the case in France two years ago. 

Asian Image:

Russia's Denis Cheryshev celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup 2018, Group A match at Saint Petersburg Stadium. (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Denis Cheryshev 
The only player on this list to have not started in his teams first match, but nonetheless, Denis Cheryshev made a big impact off the Russian bench. 
The Villarreal winger came on in the 24th minute to replace injured Alan Dzagoev, and the forward bagged his first within 20 minutes of coming on, powering in a shot from close range into the roof of the net.

His second came in injury time, and it was even more impressive; an outside of the foot shot beyond the reach of Saudi Arabia’s keeper. 
Don’t be surprised to see it as a contender for goal of the tournament, and don’t be surprised to see Cheryshev as a regular starter from now on in Russia’s home campaign. 

Isco 
Even though Spain will have been disappointed to not have won their opening game vs Portugal, they played some delightful football at times, and showed glimpses of their real ability.

Isco was at the heart of everything Spain did well in their opening game, keeping the ball ticking in midfield and picking out some brilliant passes throughout the 90 minutes.

This is likely to be Iniesta’s last world cup, but it Spain have little reason to be concerned as Isco seems to be the perfect replacement, and he will play a key role in the nations pursuit of their second world cup. 

Harry Kane 
After another impressive season at Tottenham Hotspur, many saw Kane as England’s best hope of progressing well into the tournament, and the England striker delivered against Tunisia. 
He helped England take an early lead by poking in the ball after John Stones’ powerful header was superbly saved from the corner. His second was similar, but this time he was able to head in Maguire’s flick on, again from a corner, providing his nation with a late winner. Neither of Kane’s goals were sensational, but as is the case with the great centre forwards, Kane was in the right position at the right time and finished his chances when presented with them. 
It seems quite ironic now that he was the one taking England’s corners at the Euros…