DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF THE WORLD CUP

The Rondo, World Cup edition: Could Spain versus Cape Verde go down as the finest scoreless draw in tournament history? Are the USMNT genuinely among the elite? And which nation has been the biggest letdown so far?

The competition has already provided plenty of drama and entertainment, and after just a week of matches, there’s every reason to believe the best is yet to come.

We’ve now completed nearly a week of World Cup action. It’s astonishing to think the tournament kicked off only six days ago. Sixteen matches have already been played, featuring one major rout and several surprising results. The overall standard has been high, and no team — except perhaps the plucky underdogs from Curaçao — has been truly humiliated. This has been a strong tournament so far, filled with capable sides and quality football.

Yet, it feels like things are only beginning to heat up. This is the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams. FIFA President Gianni Infantino boldly declared there would be “104 Super Bowls”, which certainly sounds like an overwhelming number of spectacles. Up to this point, we haven’t quite had a match that stands as a true World Cup classic. There have been some immensely enjoyable encounters, balanced out by a few forgettable ones. Perhaps the tournament just needs one explosive fixture to really come alive.

Nevertheless, some early storylines are already taking shape. The USMNT’s commanding 4-1 triumph over Paraguay suggested they might be genuine contenders. Meanwhile, Cape Verde earned what could be the most celebrated goalless draw in World Cup history with their 0-0 result against Spain. Between these and other gripping moments, there’s plenty to unpack. So, the GOAL writers weigh in for another edition of... The Rondo.

What has been the match of the tournament so far?

Tom Hindle: It’s interesting because the tournament has simmered along without quite reaching a boil. That’s perhaps what we anticipated, but it’s also meant a few underwhelming contests. For me, the standout game so far had the fewest goals but the most intensity — Ecuador versus Ivory Coast. It’s remarkable that it ended just 1-0, and Amad Diallo’s late winner was a thing of beauty.

Ryan Tolmich: You could choose from any of Sunday’s fixtures. Germany versus Curaçao was entertaining, Sweden put on a show, and Ecuador against Côte d’Ivoire was superbly balanced. But for me, Japan versus the Netherlands takes the prize. Two high-quality teams trading blows, capped off by a late equaliser to share the points. That was a top-tier World Cup contest, the kind that wouldn’t look out of place in the knockout rounds.

Alex Labidou: There have been several impressive starts — from Australia to Sweden — but the clear choice is the USMNT. With the pressure of being hosts, Mauricio Pochettino’s team rose to the occasion and inspired the home crowd. It’s early days, but they made a real statement in that 4-1 victory.

Who has surprised you the most?

TH: The pretentious answer? No one, really. Cape Verde were always going to be tough to break down defensively, and most results have gone as expected. The real answer? The USMNT. That first half against Paraguay was astonishing — pure magic, far more than just the usual host-nation boost.

RT: Cape Verde is the obvious pick, but the USMNT also deserve mention. To perform like that under intense scrutiny was incredibly impressive — and surprising. Many expected them to win, but few foresaw such a commanding display. That kind of performance can genuinely change how people view this team.

AL: Australia. Based on their squad and pre-tournament form, no one expected them to dominate Turkiye as they did. The USMNT should be cautious ahead of facing them on Friday — Australia could easily take control of that group.

Who has been a bit disappointing?

TH: Spain. Yes, Cape Verde defended superbly, but the European champions lacked sharpness in attack. You’d think 90 minutes of Lamine Yamal might change that. Still, a frustrating outing for one of the favourites.

RT: Spain is an easy answer, but Ecuador also disappointed. Everyone knew their defence was elite but their attack questionable. Still, many tipped them as dark horses. Conceding so many chances to Côte d’Ivoire in their opener was worrying. It’s hard to see them as contenders now after those flaws were exposed.

AL: Spain is the obvious pick, but their result feels reminiscent of Argentina’s shock defeat to Saudi Arabia four years ago. They’ll likely recover — they’re too talented not to. So, I’ll say Turkiye. Some thought they could be this year’s surprise package, but they looked lost against Australia. Up next is Paraguay — it may look straightforward on paper, but another slip-up wouldn’t shock anyone.

Who’s had the best fans?

TH: There have been plenty of standout fanbases, but Scotland deserve a mention. They’ve taken over not just Boston Stadium but also Fenway Park — and seemingly the whole city — with their energy and humour. Their joy has added so much to the tournament’s spirit.

RT: Definitely Scotland. Their takeover of Fenway Park was something special — thousands of Scots singing at one of America’s most historic sporting venues. That’s the essence of the World Cup experience.

AL: Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti — in that order.

How shocking was Spain’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde?

TH: Considering Spain are one of the top two favourites and Cape Verde are debutants, it was quite a shock. But given the conditions — fatigue, heat, new venues, hydration breaks — a few surprises were always likely. Still, Spain should be winning those matches regardless.

RT: Extremely shocking. Spain have a reputation for dominating possession without always scoring, but even then, they should have managed at least one goal — or five. Now they face the prospect of meeting Argentina early in the knockouts if they don’t improve. It’s going to be a tense week for La Roja.

AL: Definitely worrying. Expect Lamine Yamal to start against Saudi Arabia — if he doesn’t, then Spain might be in trouble.

Who is your early favourite?

TH: Despite everything, still Spain. One bad result doesn’t change that — they’re simply better than most. This could be the classic case of getting the stumble out of the way before going all the way.

RT: I don’t think we’ve seen the eventual champions yet. France, Argentina, Portugal, and England look like the strongest on paper. Let’s revisit this after they’ve played a match or two.

AL: We haven’t yet seen the true heavyweights in action, but if we’re allowed a bit of early overreaction, Sweden deserve a mention. The Graham Potter redemption story might already be underway — his Swedish side looked superb in dismantling Tunisia, who promptly sacked their coach afterwards. Let’s see if Potter and his team can sustain that form against the Netherlands.

How far will Spain go in this World Cup?