After each round of World Cup action, VAVEL will reveal its picks for best player, performance, match and goal of the week, concluding with the best XI of the match week. 

It has been an entertaining start to football's biggest competition, including some crazy upsets. 

The tournament kicked off with Ecuador outclassing hosts Qatar, before England got their campaign underway with a 6-2 win over Iran, the following day. 

Later that day, Netherlands left it late to beat Senegal whilst Wales and the United States played out an entertaining 1-1 draw. 

On Tuesday, arguably one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history saw Saudi Arabia shocked many pundits pre-tournament favourites Argentina before two goalless games between Denmark and Tunisia and Mexico and Poland. 

Later that evening, France briefly trailed Australia but overpowered the 38th ranked side. 

Spain impressed with a 7-0 win over Costa Rica after Japan left it late to overcome Germany, in another massive upset. 

Morocco and Croatia played out a goalless draw whilst Belgium narrowly overcame Canada, despite the minnows having 22 shots to their nine. 

Uruguay and South Korea gave us the fourth goalless draw of match day one, before Portugal scraped a 3-2 victory over Ghana. 

Cameroon-born Breel Embolo broke the African's hearts to secure a 1-0 victory for Switzerland, before Brazil eventually beat Serbia in the final game of the match week. 

Plenty of players could have been given this award, however Bukayo Saka takes it as a result of his importance to England's victory. 

The Arsenal academy graduate opened his account for the tournament to score the three lions' second goal with a stunning half-volley after Harry Maguire knocked the ball down from a corner. 

He then scored the fourth after the break, cutting in on his left foot, before going past two players and striking the ball into the far bottom corner. 

It was a sensational moment of international redemption for the 21-year-old, who missed the decisive penalty in the nation's European Championship  final penalty shootout loss to Italy in 2021. 

Gareth Southgate is expected to stick with the 21-capped winger for the next group stage contest with USA after his breathtaking performances on his World Cup debut. 

Minnows Saudi Arabia shocked the world with the result of match day one, however Japan would argue against that after their 2-1 win over Germany.

Lionel Messi's Argentina are widely expected to be contenders to take home the biggest trophy in world football, and looked to be heading for a comfortable victory after the 35-year-old scored an early penalty.

A number of offside goals combined with the Saudi's impressive high-line left La Albiceleste scratching their heads after the break, and they were not as dynamic as in the first-half. 

This ultimately allowed the Green Falcons to get back into the contest and Saleh Al-Shehri found the breakthrough, getting to the ball before Cristian Romero and finishing into Emiliano Martinez's far bottom corner. 

The stunning comeback was completed when Salem Al-Dawsari produced a Messi-esque strike to beat Martinez, who could only tip the ball into the top corner. 

The Saudi's defended heroically to see out the historic victory however the favourites did not provide a sufficient threat regardless. 

  • Match of the Week- Portugal 3-2 Ghana

A disallowed goal, a controversial penalty decision, five goals, an opponent hitting Ronaldo's signature celebration, a last-gasp chance for a leveller, what more could you want. 

Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had scored the opener, but his goal was ruled out for 

In the second-half, he was not to be denied, stepping up to score a penalty that he earned controversially, Mohammed Salisu adjudged to have pushed the forward over.  

Former Swansea City and West Ham man André Ayew after some excellent work from Mohammed Kudus. 

Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix put the Seleção back ahead, dinking the ball over the goalkeeper from Bruno Fernandes' pass. 

The Manchester United man then played in Rafael Leao, who slotted home to give Fernando Santos' side some breathing room. 

Osman Bukari gave the Black Stars a glimmer of hope and even hit Ronaldo's signature 'SUI' celebration to the chargrin of the former Man United attacker.

However, the Portuguese held on for the win, despite a late chance for Inaki Williams, who slipped after capitalising on a mistake from goalkeeper Diogo Costa. 

A thrilling second-half after a goalless first-half, the game of the tournament so far and it will take some beating. A classic World Cup contest. 

  • Goal of the Week- Richarlison (Brazil 2-0 Serbia) 

Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison scored both Brazil goals in their 2-0 win over Serbia. 

The Seleção were struggling to breakdown a stubborn Serbia team before the 25-year-old struck after Vinicius Junior's effort was saved. 

His second was absolutely spectacular, one of the greatest World Cup goals in recent memory. 

Vinicius crossed the ball and the poacher took a touch to set himself before firing a stunning bicycle kick past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. 

 

  • Team of the Week

Formation (4-3-3)

GK- Shuichi Gonda

Despite conceding a penalty for Germany's opener, the Japan goalkeeper still won the FIFA Man of the Match award. 

He made eight saves, four inside the box, including three in quick succession as the 2014 champions sought a second goal. 

The 33-year-old was as crucial in his nation's stunning upset as either goalscorer. 

RB- Angelo Preciado

The Ecuador full-back was impressive in the tournament opener, and even provided the assist for Enner Valencia's second goal. 

He also led his nation for key passes, recoveries, balls won and clearances in the match. 

CB- Piero Hincapie

Bayer Leverkusen's 20-year-old Ecuadorian will likely have many suitors after the tournament.

The left-footed centre-back completed 69/71 (97%) of his pass attempts in the opening game. 
 

CB- Hassan Al-Tambakti

The centre-back celebrated his superb last-ditch challenge on Messi as if he had won the World Cup.

The 23-year-old put in an all-time great performance, and may have put himself on the shopping list for European clubs in the January transfer market.

 

LB- Borna Sosa

Another Bundesliga defender, Sosa won four out of six ground duels, made four ball recoveries, four clearances and three tackles in Croatia's 0-0 draw with Morocco. 

CM- Jude Bellingham 

Capping off a fine individual season at club level with a goal in his first World Cup appearances, the 19-year-old highlighted why many leading European clubs are interested in his signature. 

CM- Gavi

The Barcelona prodigy scored a stunning strike to become the youngest World Cup goalscorer since Pele and was the standout player in Spain's 7-0 win over Costa Rica.

CM- Bruno Fernandes 

The Man United midfielder has divided opinion with his recent performances at club level, but he was the difference maker as Portugal edged Ghana with two brilliant assists.

RW- Bukayo Saka

The Arsenal winger produced a spectacular display on his World Cup debut, putting the heartache of Euro 2020 firmly behind him. 

His two goals may not have been the difference, but they were important in establishing Saka as a permanent fixture in Southgate's plans and England's position in the match. 

ST- Richarlison

The Brazilian forward was the difference as his side struggled to breakdown their opponents, his second goal will go down in tournament folklore. 

LW- Salem Al-Dawsari

The Saudi Arabia winger's goal will also be remembered in tournament folklore, not only for the fact it was the winner against one of the best sides in the competition but for the strike itself.