Before the World Cup started, I was scheduled to write an article with the best goals from the group stage. We’re not even halfway through the group stage yet, and there have already been some incredible finishes. I decided to do separate articles for each full group stage play-through. Here are the best 11 goals from the first game each team played, in my humble (subjective) opinion. They’re listed in order of when they happened.
Folarin Balogun vs Paraguay
You may have seen this one already. Balogun’s
second goal vs Paraguay was a beautiful blast that curled into the top corner.
Vini Jr. vs Morocco
Vinicius dribbled past one defender, and the power that he gets on this shot is remarkable. Unstoppable. Maybe loses some points since it’s from close range.
Nestory Irankunda vs Türkiye
The way Irankunda cuts inside is filthy. Completely destroys the defender. There’s almost no time or space for the decision-making (or for the finish).
Felix Nmecha vs Curaçao
You may be tempted to downgrade this one because it came in a blowout against Curaçao (which is true), but it was 0-0 before this ball hit the net, and just take a look at the strike. Instictive.
Yasin Ayari vs Tunisia
Ayari scored twice against Tunisia, and both were blasts, but the first goal was especially powerful and well-placed. The goalkeeper was out of position, but I don’t think it would have mattered one bit.
Elijah Just vs Iran
The tap and volley from Just is special here (he scored a second later in this game), but a hat tip to Chris Wood for the hold-up play, as well.
Kylian Mbappé vs Senegal
France took a while to get going in this game, but when Mbappé is in gear, he’s scary. Unreal hit from him.
Lionel Messi vs Algeria
Messi had a few goals to pick from in this one, but I think his opener is the most special. Running at the defense, and gets incredible power and precision on it while at speed.
Ali Olwan vs Austria
Dare I say this is a better version of the Vini Jr goal from earlier? The placement is perfect, and it’s from longer range.
Martin Baturina vs England
England far outplayed Croatia in their 4-2 win, but Baturina absolutely smoked this rocket from outside the box.
Daniel Muñoz vs Uzbekistan
Chris Richards’ club teammate, fullback Muñoz made a good run to find himself all alone in the box. Once he was there, he scored an instinctive volley.
The choice is up to you. Pick the best! Or two or three best, if you like.
The plan is to keep these articles going through the various stages of the tournament, and at the end, we can do a full best goal of the tournament based on the leading vote-getters. Happy voting. Don’t forget your sticker.
