Manchester City – World Cup Round One summary

It has been quite the start to the World Cup this summer. The hosts flying out of the blocks, a 3-3 thriller between Portugal and Spain and some big upsets. Round one has delivered almost everything you wish to see at the World Cup and it’s only the beginning.

The Manchester City boys have been out and about trying to push their teams towards the ultimate prize and we’ll check on how they have fared in the opening round of games.

David Silva

In the battle between the two Man City maestros, it was David Silva who came out on top. The Spaniards bossed possession in the game but just couldn’t claim the victory. A certain Cristiano Ronaldo having a response for every goal Spain scored. Silva contributed plenty for his side and it was his delivery from a freekick that set up Spain’s second goal.

Bernardo Silva

For a player who loves to have the ball at his feet and make things happen, Silva found himself in an unusual place chasing the ball and defending. It was no surprise that he struggled to have any impact on the game and was consequently subbed off after the hour mark. He will no doubt show what he is capable of when Portugal enjoy more of the ball in the coming games.

Benjamin Mendy

Having not played for a large part of last season, it would have come as a surprise if Mendy went into the tournament as the first choice left-back. He happily watched on as his team dispatched a stubborn Australia team 2-1.

Kevin De Bruyne

Belgium were flat in the first half and more attacking threat from the City player allowed Belgium take control of the game in the next 45. De Bruyne broke a number of attacks up from Panama and used his passing credentials to go forward. His cross with the outside of his right foot set up Romelu Lukaku for his first of the match.

Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi

Back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Aguero didn’t need much time to get going, firing in City’s and Argentina’s first World Cup goal after just 19 minutes with a thunderous left-foot strike. Argentina couldn’t capitalize on that and went on to draw the game. That was Kun’s first World Cup goal and one would expect a few more over the course of the tournament.

Nicolas Otamendi didn’t have much to do throughout the game as Iceland sat back and played on the counter attack. Wasn’t at fault for their goal and was instrumental in pushing the South American side forward for their winner, which didn’t come.

Samba boys

Both Danilo and Gabriel Jesus started the game against a determined Switzerland who were in no mood to let favourites Brazil have their way. There wasn’t a lot of room for Jesus and co. to create havoc, the Swiss closing down all the spaces. Fernadinho came on a substitute but had no real impact on the game.

Ilkay Gundogan

An unused substitute in the game against Mexico, Gundogan watched helplessly as his team were stunned by a well drilled Mexico team. Mexico sat deep and broke on the counter with Germany not having enough bodies back to nullify the El Tri. Joachim Low might call upon Gundogan to provide some protection to the defence in the coming games.

Home nation favourites 

Sterling, Stones and Walker all started the game as The Three Lions grabbed a dramatic late winner against Tunisia but it was a game to forget for the duo.

Sterling started up front in an unfamiliar position alongside Harry Kane. The lack of service from the midfielders diminished Sterling’s time on the ball and therefore his impact on the game. Southgate will need to find a way to get the ball to him and provide support.

Next: What lies ahead for City's youngsters?

Walker lined up in an uncomfortable position and that decision by Southgate nearly cost England three points. Walker gave away a penalty after elbowing the Tunisian attacker as he was going for the ball.

Stones had little to do but was reliable when he was called upon. Delph was an ununsed substitute.

Hopefully, in the second round of games, the boys will show what we know they can and impose themselves on the biggest stage.