THE OPENING GAME
It was a World Cup like no other, so nobody knew quite what to expect as hosts Qatar took on Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium. After a buildup dominated by controversy, the football began in one-sided fashion as Ecuador cruised to victory with a brace from the impressive Enner Valencia. Qatar would go on to suffer the ignominy of becoming the first team to be knocked out.
SAUDI ARABIA SHOCK THE WORLD
Argentina hadn’t lost for 31 games under coach Lionel Scaloni and as one of the tournament favourites, were expected to make short work of outsiders Saudi Arabia. All looked to be going to script when Lionel Messi scored an early penalty, but after seeing three further goals disallowed before half-time, they were floored by two stunning finishes by Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari early in the second half. Saudi Arabia then heroically held on to produce one of the most seismic shocks in World Cup history.
GERMANY MAKE A STAND
After FIFA threatened on-field sanctions for teams if they chose to wear OneLove armbands in support of
