Ronaldo’s record, Messi’s achievement and the longest match. What do you remember about the first round of the 2022 World Cup?

At the World Cup in Qatar ended the first round of the group stage. Judging by the intrigue, the number of goals scored, it turned out to be not very impressive: out of 16 round matches, four ended in goalless draws. If we evaluate the number of sensations, then the world championship began simply unbelievably – what are the defeat of Argentina from Saudi Arabia and the loss of Germany to the Japanese team. Gave the first round and some very bright records, which we now recall.

See also: Full schedule of the 2022 World Cup

Greatness Ronaldo

No matter how they talk about Ronaldo, no matter how much the Portuguese is hated for his arrogance, star disease and angst for clubs lately, the fact remains: Cristiano is one of the greatest players in history.

In Qatar, Ronaldo achieved a unique achievement: the Portuguese became the first player to score in five world championships. Even Pele couldn’t do it! And just think about these numbers: Ronladu scored his first goal at the World Cup in the summer of 2006, so far the last one in the fall of 2022: 16 years have passed between these events! And a couple more figures: Cristiano scored his first goal for the Portuguese national team in 2004 at Euro 2004. At that time, Ronaldo was 19 years and 128 days old. Krish struck the gates of the Ghana national team at the age of 37 years and 292 days. These are truly incredible numbers!

Longest Match

In Qatar, the referees began to rigidly record long stoppages of the game, adding time to the prescribed 90 minutes. To do this, FIFA even introduced a second reserve referee, whose duties include fixing stops. As a result, less than nine minutes were added in only three out of 16 matches – eight each.

And the longest match – 117 minutes – was the duel England – Iran.

See also: World Cup 2022. Will England win the tournament for the second time?

Sensational ending to Argentine history

36 matches were unbeaten by the Argentina national team. Before the start of the championship, many believed that the albiceleste series would last for at least one match in Qatar. In any case, Saudi Arabia, with which Argentina played in the first round, was not considered as a serious rival for Messi and Co.

In fact, it has turned out to be the loudest sensation of the tournament so far: losing 0:1, Saudi Arabia snatched a 2:1 victory. And Argentina for the first time since 1990 lost the opening match at the World Cup. 32 years ago, by the way, Albiceleste reached the final of the tournament.

Make way for the young

Spanish midfielder Gavi, who scored his team’s fifth goal against Costa Rica, became the second youngest player to score at the World Cup. The first is Pelé, who scored his first World Cup goal at the age of 17 years and 249 days. Gavi, at the time of the match with Costa Rica was 18 years and 110 days old.

By the way, Gavi became the second player born after 2000 to score at the World Cup. The first was England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who scored in his team’s match against Iran.

Respect for Veterans

And back to Ronaldo. But this time, let’s remember Messi. The two greatest football players are among the players who have played in five World Cups. Previously, this achievement was submitted to Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Marquez (both from Mexico) and Lothar Matthäus (Germany).

Not to mention Croatian midfielder Luka Modric and French forward Olivier Giroud. Modric, 37, is the first footballer in history to play in both the World Cup and the European Championship in three different decades. Giroud, 36, who scored twice against Australia, has overtaken Thierry Henry as the Tricolor’s all-time leading scorer, both with 51 goals. True, Giroud may soon reach a clear first place.