World Cup stars: The best player, the best goal and the biggest surprise so far

Messi and Ronaldo feature

The World Cup group stages are over, after a thrilling fortnight of competition between 32 nations.

It’s been two glorious weeks of at least multiple matches every day, and the Coral News Team are sad to see it end.

But we’re keeping the memories alive with a look back at the best bits. Here are our World Cup group stage highlights…

Best Player – Luka Modric

Philippe Coutinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Aleksandr Golovin deserve a mention for this, but Luka Modric shades them all.

Modric’s vision, movement and technical skill on the ball have made the Croatians borderline unplayable at times.

And his full range of talent was confirmed with a sublime effort against Argentina.

Best Goal – Lionel Messi v Nigeria

The world seemed to turn against Messi after he missed a penalty against Iceland. Ronaldo had bagged a hat-trick against Spain, and suddenly everyone thought the Argentina star was past it.

How wrong they were.

In one beautiful, flowing, natural movement, Messi latched onto a long-range pass from Ever Banega, brought the ball down with his left thigh, followed by a touch with his left foot before striking the ball home right-footed.

It was a goal only he could have scored.

Biggest surprise – Germany

As reigning world champions, Germany headed to Russia as one of the favourites.