The 2018 World Cup in Russia is up and running and we have already had a little of everything, starting with Russia’s surprise thrashing of Saudi Arabia, the largest in a World Cup opening match. It was a game that got the tournament off to a superb start with a great environment for the home team and their fans. It also showed that this tournament will be full of emotions.

On Sunday, it was Brazil’s turn to play their first game – and we could see from the start the kind of game they would face. The Swiss team started the game in a very aggressive manner, showcasing the kind of treatment they were going to give Brazil’s main star. They heavily marked Neymar and ended up making it very difficult for the forward, who did not have his best game. And if the heavy marking was not enough, then we had the referee as well.

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Switzerland equalised in very controversial circumstances that clearly showed a foul on the Brazil centre-back Miranda, who was pushed by the goalscorer Steven Zuber, who was then clear to score the goal. And that is before we mention the clear penalty incident involving Gabriel Jesus, who was fouled inside the box in the second half, and therefore halting on of the best Brazilian chances.

In both instances the the video assistant referee (VAR) did not act and ask the referee to review the play. Why, like in tennis, are the team affected by the decision not able to ask for a review of the play?

Having said that, Brazil had the best chances in the game and Switzerland did not threaten Alisson’s goal apart from the equaliser. Moreover, it was very positive to see the strength of the Brazilian squad, seeing that if one of the team’s stars is not having a great game, other players can step up and make a difference for us.

Players such as Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino made sure that our standard of play was high, with the Barcelona player scoring with a brilliant shot from outside the box and the Liverpool forward coming on and, with not a lot of time remaining, was able to show his determination and create opportunities. He showed that he is ready to make a difference, just like all the other warriors in the squad.

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However, in my opinion, like any other Brazilian, for all of the work that the team and staff have done to prepare for this tournament, and for what the nation represents, we expected much more from Brazil. But that was only the first game of the tournament and we expect to bounce back on Friday when we take on Costa Rica.

And to be fair to Brazil, we have not been the only favorites who did not live up to the expectations in the first round. We have seen the so-called “smaller teams” play tactically smart to deny teams with players of superior quality.

Against Egypt, Uruguay did not reach their expected level, with Luis Suárez struggling to make an impact. They had to rely on a goal from the defender José Gimenez in the 44th minute of the second half to win their debut game, 1-0. It was a heartbreak for Egypt to concede so late in a game after doing a good job on ensuring that Uruguay’s key players remained goalless throughout the game.

And the surprises continued on Saturday with the game between Argentina and Iceland, a game the Albiceleste had been expected to win – but that was not what happened.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Iceland celebrate after scoring the equalising goal in their impressive 1-1 draw with Argentina. Photograph: Christian Hartmann/Reuters

In their first participation in a World Cup, the Icelandic warriors were able to stop Lionel Messi and company with the same tactic they used in the 2016 Euros to stop another superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo. And, would you believe it, it worked. With a team playing pretty much exclusively in their own defence, Iceland tried to use the counterattacks and dead balls, and they were able to get a historic draw against such a quality Argentinian team. That shows what hard work and good organisation can achieve in a game.

Now, it remains to been seen if Iceland will go far with this strategy.

What the first round has shown, though, is that the favourites cannot feel too comfortable and take anything for granted at this World Cup. And soon, the second round of games will begin with Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Germany and Argentina under pressure to get results.

I expect the temperature in Russia will continue to rise.