Since Russia drew the curtain on the 2018 FIFA World Cup, soccer fans have been treated to a host of late drama, an all-time individual effort from one of the all-time greats and the first Minnesota United player to step onto soccer’s grandest stage. Set pieces, underdogs and the introduction of VAR have grabbed early headlines in Russia.
Just over half (20-of-38) of the goals scored in the group stage’s first round came from a set piece — many of which proved decisive in crucial moments. Uruguay and Iran both scored from free kicks at the death to snatch three points in their opening matches against a Mo Salah-less Egypt and Morocco, respectively, while England’s Harry Kane’s header provided his side a stoppage-time winner over Tunisia via a corner.