Odd one out: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, Kane = 9 goals - Ronaldo = 3 shots off target

The clash between Colombia and Uzbekistan yesterday morning, which finished in a 3-1 win for Los Cafeteros, marked the end of the first group-stage round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The opening 24 games produced as many as 75 goals. With an average of 3.1 goals per match, this Mundial is more efficient than any other since 1958, and - it can be said with great certainty - all football fans hope this trend will continue.

There were seven braces and one hat-trick (courtesy of Lionel Messi), and the impression is clear: the tournament’s biggest stars have delivered. The most lethal scorers in world football - the players carrying the highest expectations - have stepped up when it mattered most, making blistering starts to the World Cup.

Okay, all but one.

Ronaldo’s fans turn on Portugal players

As mentioned above, Messi opened his sixth World Cup with a magnificent hat-trick, reminding everyone of his greatness once again. Kylian Mbappe led France to a 3-1 win over Senegal with a brace and a spectacular second goal.

Harry Kane crushed Croatia with a brace, as did Erling Haaland against Iraq. But what about the biggest scorer in today's football and the man who aims to reach the magical number of 1,000 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo?

Well, instead of a hat-trick or even a brace, he endured a frustrating outing, finishing with three shots off target against DR Congo.

The four aforementioned superstars handled the immense pressure really well. CR7 didn't.

They might be able to breathe easier after a strong start to the tournament. The Portuguese won't. The pressure will mount, and he'll either have to find a way to cope with it or accept that he is no longer among the deadliest finishers in football.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 2)

Group K

Tuesday 23.06

20.00: (1.22) Portugal (6.50) Uzbekistan (13.0)

Wednesday 24.06.

05.00: (1.50) Colombia (3.90) DR Congo (7.75)

***odds are subject to change***