1. 14 goals, 11 in two classics
The goal fest in Qatar yesterday saw two games with five or more goals for the first time in 32 years in the form of the gripping 3-3 draw between Cameroon and Serbia, and Ghana’s riveting 3-2 win over South Korea.
These games were vastly different from the one-sided matches in 1990 when Czechoslovakia thrashed the USA 5-1 and West Germany thumped Yugoslavia 4-1.
The third game was less exciting with Brazil serving up a 1-0 win against Switzerland while Portugal ended the day with flourish by beating Uruguay 2-0.
Fifa’s World Cup Twitter account summed it up with a simple tweet: “Football”.
2. If only every game was like this
Cameroon-Serbia was a nail-biter; a classic intercontinental encounter; and a wild comeback for the Indomitable Lions.
In an epic contest between two different styles, Cameroon mounted an epic fightback in a frantic 3-3 draw that produced 43% of goals in the 10am kick-offs.
It seemed to go extremely well for Serbia who scored two goals in first-half stoppage-time to lead 2-1 at the break, and then extended their lead in the second period with a fine team goal.
Cameroon got better and stronger as the game went on, and few would have given them a chance to draw level.
Game of the tournament so far?
3. South Korea left seeing stars
In another breathless game swathed in twists and turns, the Tigers of Asia were left seeing stars in the form of the Black Stars of Ghana.
It was attack versus defence stuff from beginning to end. At the final whistle, there was mayhem when the referee blew for full time when the ball went out for a South Korea corner. Ghana 3 South Korea 2.
Ghana next face Uruguay and on present form, they have the chance to bury the heartbreak against the South Americans in 2010 when they were the width of a crossbar away from becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals.
With Portugal to come next for South Korea, the loss to Ghana feels like a significant defeat, and they will need a huge result to make the knockout phase.
4. Casemiro cashes in with thunderbolt
Brazil did not play like potential World Cup winners in their 1-0 win over Switzerland, but they showed they have enough superstars in the absence of Neymar.
Just that no one thought that the hero would be Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, best known for his defending than the dynamite in his boots.
Casemiro cashed in with a late thunderbolt to send Brazil – who had an earlier goal by Vinicius Jr disallowed for offside – through to the last 16.
Brazil keeper Alisson hasn’t had to make a save yet so far. The 11 shots from Switzerland and Serbia have all been off target or blocked.
On the way to their clash with Brazil, the Switzerland team bus crashed into the back of a police car, and they must be hoping for no more gloomy signs when they play Serbia on Friday to make the knockout stage.
5. Portugal into last 16 with Bruno brace
Two goals for Bruno Fernandes against Uruguay was sweet revenge for Portugal’s World Cup exit at the hands of the South Americans four years ago.
Ronaldo celebrated thinking he had faintly headed Portugal in front but the goal was credited to Fernandes, who became the 12th player in the tournament to score two goals.
Portugal boss Fernando Santos didn’t care whose goal it was as they go into the last 16 with two wins, along with France and Brazil.
Uruguay have to be heroic in their grudge match next against Ghana later this week if they are to have any chance of making the next phase.