World Cup First Round Ends With 24 Games and 75 Goals as Messi, Argentina Set Early Pace
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 18
World Cup First Round Ends With 24 Games and 75 Goals as Messi, Argentina Set Early Pace
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 18
Summary
Twenty-four opening matches produced 75 goals, wrapping up the World Cup’s first round with Argentina and Lionel Messi emerging as the standout early story.
Messi’s hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria drove much of that view, reviving belief in Argentina and making the 38-year-old the clearest pick as player of the tournament so far.
France also strengthened their case with a 3-1 win over Senegal, while the United States drew praise for a commanding display against Paraguay and Germany impressed in a 7-1 rout of Curacao.
Paraguay, Portugal, Brazil and Senegal were among the bigger early disappointments, with Brazil held 1-1 by Morocco and Portugal’s draw with DR Congo denting pre-tournament expectations.
With the group stage still having 10 days to run and the final set for July 19 in New Jersey, early winner picks centered mainly on Argentina, France and Spain.