Messi, Mbappe, Haaland And Kane Have Done It All Head On!

The ongoing 48-team FIFA World Cup in the Americas, for almost a month, has been unprecedented and exhilarating for a number of reasons; notably for the wonderful goal-getting ability of the super stars led by Leo Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. And millions of football fanatics have lapped it up! Each one of them have been able to capture the imagination of the fans with their own ways of beating the last line of defence with their lower limb or head.  Christiano Ronaldo, well past his sunset years, was a far cry from his best and the injury prone Neymar Jr hardly touched a ball, benched by the maverick Italy born Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelloti for a major part of the competition. The versatile Argentine Messi has missed dead-ball situations, but has entertained with his alacrity and direction, Frenchman Mbappe has demonstrated speed, pile drivers and deft touches, Haaland has bulldozed his way into the penalty area and delivered winners and Harry Kane has used his height and found a way to the back of the net. Messi leads the Golden Boot race with 8 goals and one assist, followed by Mbappe (7 +2) Haaland (7) and Kane (6+1). The numbers could dramatically change with Argentina, France, Norway and England reaching the last eight. Ronaldo and Neymar Jr have taken a bow from international football, without the World Cup glory. Messi has kept the retirement card close to his chest; he could do so after his team’s last match. Kane may go out on a high should England win the title after 60 years. Mbappe and Haaland ought to be there when Portugal, Spain and Morocco host the World Cup in 1930; but so far, it’s been damn good across the Atlantic!