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CHRIS SUTTON’s five of the best from the first week of the World Cup: Kylian Mbappé was the standout, Richarlison scored the most impressive goal and Japan’s shock win against Germany was the best match
There have been many memorable moments in the first week of the World Cup.
In addition to major setbacks, there were also some excellent performances by notable stars.
Sports mailChris Sutton gives his verdict on some of the high-profile incidents to date.
Japan’s shock victory against Germany has been the standout match of the World Cup so far
BEST GAME – GERMANY 1-2 JAPAN
You will yell Argentina v Saudi Arabia at me, but Germany v Japan was my favourite. I was there to watch Takuma Asano’s winner – a contender for best goal – as Japan turned this match upside down.
BEST PLAYER – KYLIAN MBAPPE
France has lost great players – Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba – but Mbappé has left. This will undoubtedly be the last World Cup of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappé seems to say: ‘I’m the best in the world now.’
French star Kylian Mbappé was the star in the first week of the World Cup
BEST GOAL – RICHARLISON V SERBIA
A few contenders. That header from Australia’s Mitchell Duke was satisfying to watch. Just like Enzo Fernandez’s attack against Mexico. But we can’t look beyond Richarlison’s bicycle kick for Brazil against Serbia, can we?
Richarlison’s superb bicycle kick in Brazil’s victory against Serbia was the best goal of the week
BEST NEWCOMER – GAVI
For his World Cup debut at the age of 18, in a 7-0 victory for Spain over Costa Rica, I nominate Gavi. Cody Gakpo from the Netherlands was also impressive, but Gavi gets my vote.
18-year-old Gavi put in a great performance as Spain beat Costa Rica 7-0
BEST SAVE – WOJCIECH SZCZESNY AGAINST SAUDI ARABIA
First, the Polish goalkeeper denied Salem Al Dawsari’s penalty. Then he got back on his feet with a stunning one-handed save to keep Mohammed Al Burayk from burying the rebound.
Wojciech Szczesny saved a penalty kick against Saudi Arabia and then held out the rebound