Qatar 2022: Best performers from Matchday One

With the opening matches of the World Cup now completed, it’s time to look at the players that have excelled and whether they can continue their form into the next set of fixtures.

Here are three of the best players from matchday one:

Bukayo Saka

It was six of the best from England as they outclassed Iran on Monday afternoon. With the whole team performing, one player stood out from the Three Lions squad as Bukayo Saka managed to score twice for his nation.

The Arsenal fan favourite was brilliant in a front three partnership with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling. There were question marks over whether the young winger would start in the opening game, but Saka definitely proved his worth.

His first goal came in the 43rd minute when Harry Maguire’s low header met the foot of Saka who volleyed it over the Iran ‘keeper and into the top corner. It was a wonderful finish and could be a potential goal of the tournament contender.

As England were 3-0 up, Saka shined yet again when he dribbled past three Iran players and placed it in the bottom corner to get his second. This was a great start for the 21-year-old as he got his tournament up and running.

Hassan Al-Tambakti

No one could’ve predicted how this game would finish as Argentina fell to the hands of Saudi Arabia, a victory that will be remembered in World Cup folklore.

There were many contenders from the Saudi Arabia team, but the man that stood out the most was centre-back Hassan Al-Tambakti. The Al-Shabab player was a rock in the backline as he attacked every block and tackle that came his way.

He handled Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez like an experienced veteran, despite only being 23 years of age. His celebration at the end of the game summed up how all Saudi Arabian fans were feeling; elated and animated.

It was a brilliant victory, topped off with a brilliant performance and Al-Tambakti will gain so much confidence going into the next game against Poland on Saturday.

Al-Tambakti wins possession of the ball (Image: Getty)

Richarlison

It was vintage Brazil in their opening match as they go top of their group after a 2-0 win over Serbia. After chances from Vinicius Junior and Neymar, Brazil were constantly attacking the Serbian box and it wasn’t long before Brazil got their goal.

Leading the line was Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison who was instrumental in their well-deserved victory. After a shot from Vinicius Junior was parried by the Serbian ‘keeper, Richarlison was in the right place at the right time as he tapped the ball in the net for his first goal.

However, his second strike will be the most remembered as he scored an unbelievable bicycle kick into the top corner, leading to the full stadium to erupt in celebration, for what is another contender for goal of the tournament.

Richarlison has had a quiet start to his Spurs career after he joined the London club in the summer. Despite this, his performance against Serbia has disregarded that with Brazil now relying on him for goals as they look to progress in the group