by sportswriters Cao Jianjie and Zhao Yan
MEXICO CITY, June 17 (Xinhua) -- The first round of the FIFA World Cup group stage has delivered an early rebuttal to criticism that the expanded format would weaken the competition.
Rather than exposing a shortage of quality, the opening fixtures have underscored the growing depth of the international game, with several of the tournament's less-heralded sides proving far more competitive than many anticipated.
At the same time, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland have ensured the spotlight remains fixed on football's leading figures, both in the race for goals and in the pursuit of history.
Cabo Verde's draw with Spain was perhaps the clearest example of a trend that emerged across the opening round. In other unexpected results, DR Congo held Portugal, Morocco frustrated Brazil and Egypt took a point from Belgium, while Saudi Arabia and New Zealand also drew against more fancied rivals.
Behind the results were stories years in the making.
Cabo Verde was appearing at the World Cup for the first time and arrived as one of the lowest-ranked teams in the field. Spain dominated possession and territory but found no way past a disciplined defense marshaled by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.
Australia's victory over Türkiye offered further evidence that reputation alone counts for little once the tournament begins.
Even in defeat, some of the tournament's newcomers left their mark. Curacao's first World Cup goal briefly stunned Germany and provided a landmark moment for the island with a population of little more than 150,000.
The goal was celebrated almost like a victory. For coach Dick Advocaat, who fought back tears during the anthem before the match, it represented a milestone.
The opening round has not belonged solely to the underdogs.
Messi has produced the standout individual display so far with the first World Cup finals hat trick of his career in Argentina's victory over Algeria. The performance drew him level with Miroslav Klose's tournament scoring record of 16 goals and reinforced his status as one of the game's enduring icons.
Mbappe has also made an immediate impact. The France captain netted twice against Senegal to become his country's all-time leading scorer and take his career World Cup tally to 14 as he also eyes Klose's mark.
Kane joined the early scoring race with two goals in England's 4-2 victory over Croatia. Thomas Tuchel's side was twice pegged back before Jude Bellingham helped restore its advantage and Marcus Rashford added a late fourth.
Norway's return to the finals after a 28-year absence brought a long-awaited World Cup debut for Haaland, and the striker responded with two goals against Iraq.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, joined Messi as one of only two players to appear at six World Cups.
The race for the Golden Boot has quickly emerged as one of the tournament's most compelling subplots.
Messi and Mbappe are pursuing records that once appeared untouchable, while Haaland and Kane have also made strong starts to their campaigns.
At 38, Messi remains at the center of the tournament's biggest storylines. Mbappe, more than a decade younger, is still chasing him.
The mix of fresh faces and familiar names has been reflected beyond the pitch.
More than one million supporters attended matches across the United States, Mexico and Canada in the first six days, while television audiences have reached record levels in several markets, according to FIFA. Stadiums have been packed, fan zones crowded and the atmosphere consistent with what is expected of the sport's premier event.
That enthusiasm has been visible across all three host nations.
Matches involving the United States, Mexico and Canada have attracted large crowds, while supporters from countries and regions making their World Cup debuts have often created some of the tournament's most memorable scenes in the stands.
The attendance figures are significant because they challenge another concern raised before kickoff: whether a 48-team tournament could maintain the competitiveness and sense of occasion that have traditionally accompanied the World Cup.
There are still weeks to play, and the tournament's defining moments almost certainly lie ahead.
For now, however, the enlarged World Cup has shown little sign of dilution. The cast may be larger than ever, but the stage feels no less compelling. ■
