My FIFA World Cup Diary
TORONTO (TIP): For fans of Cristiano Ronaldo, age does not matter. They believe it is the spirit and not the number of years that decide the fitness and capability of a star to continue his playing days. And when Congo took to the field against fancied Portugal, mercurial Cristiano Ronaldo was on the roster.
Though Congo claimed its first ever FIFA World Cup™ goal and point as Yoane Wissa’s strike in first-half stoppage time pegged back Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Interestingly, it was one of co-hosts, Canada, also to earn its first FIFA World Cup point when it held Bosnia Herzegovina to 1-1 draw in its inaugural game.
It turned out to be a historic day for Les Leopards as was also notable as Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player to ever start a World Cup match. It was Ronaldo’s 23rd World Cup appearance, putting him fourth on the all-time list alongside Italian great Paolo Maldini. Just six minutes into the game, Portugal took the lead as Joao Neves rose highest to head Pedro Neto’s inviting cross past Lionel Mpasi.
At 41 years 132 days, Ronaldo became the second‑oldest outfield player to make an appearance at the tournament – behind Roger Milla, who was 42 years 39 days when he played for Cameroon against Russia on June 28, 1994.
Interestingly, defending champions Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi, has lived true to the adage “old is gold”. His stunning hat-trick against Algeria has got his nation dreaming of winning the trophy again.
Lionel Messi has crossed one of the few remaining frontiers, turning fiction into reality in the process. Legendary film director Steven Spielberg opened his brand-new film Disclosure Day with an alien encounter in Kansas City. Just days after its release, the film seems almost prophetic, with Argentina’s number 10 touching down in the city and beginning his sixth FIFA World Cup campaign with an out-of-this-world performance that once again defied the laws of football, logic and time.
Argentina began the defence of its crown with the authority of reigning champions. La Albiceleste reduced a brave Algerian side to a mere supporting role and unlocked the decisive edge thanks to the captain’s genius in another feat for the annals of his indelible legend.
Messi broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with an unstoppable left-footed strike from distance, doubled the lead with a composed finish on the hour-mark and then, with 14 minutes remaining, dashed any Algerian hopes with an exquisite shot into the bottom corner of Luca Zidane’s goal from the edge of the box.
“Class is permanent,” conceded defeated Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic. “We are not talking about just any footballer. He’s been doing incredible things for many years, for decades.”
Interestingly, as the FIFA World Cup is nearing the end of its first week, competitions are becoming fierce, absorbing with some throwing up exciting results. Spain being held to a goalless draw Cabo Verde, a name not many may have heard even, was among the surprises. And on June 15, all four matches – Spain vs Cabo Verde (0-0), Belgium vs Egypt (1-1), Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay (1-1), and Iran vs New Zealand (2-2) – ended in a draw, a feat that has not been repeated in the last 60 years.
Brazil had a subdued start in the tournament after playing its first game against Morocco that ended in 1-1 draw. Another South American challenger this time appears to be Colombia that has in wake of the FIFA World Cup campaign virtually unified the country with expectations running high from the team, a blend of youth and experience.
England put aside a determined fight by Croatia to emerge winners at 4-2.
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