World Cup: XI of best performers from matchweek 1

SOCHI, RUSSIA - June 15: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Portugal and Spain at Fisht Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
SOCHI, RUSSIA - June 15: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Portugal and Spain at Fisht Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JUNE 16: Lionel Messi of Argentina and Ragnar Sigurdsson of Iceland battle for possession during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Argentina and Iceland at Spartak Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JUNE 16: Lionel Messi of Argentina and Ragnar Sigurdsson of Iceland battle for possession during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Argentina and Iceland at Spartak Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

CB. Ragnar Sigurdsson – Iceland

When you’re defending against the likes of Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi, you have to do something pretty special to stand out.

And that’s exactly what the Icelandic defender Ragnar Sigurdsson did. Although Aguero got away once, the majority of the game was calmed down by Sigurdsson and co.

Every time Messi bombed forward, it seemed like he was closed down within a matter of seconds. And who do we have to thank for that?

Granted, it would be unfair to give Sigurdsson (no, not that one) all the credit. It was a terrific overall display from the Vikings, but Sigurdsson caught my eye.

He is relatively unheard of, much like a number of his countrymen. However, the Russians know plenty about him. He applies his trade domestically for Rostov, who suffered a low finish this season.

He has high hopes for his World Cup campaign, and why shouldn’t he? Many of the Icelanders believe their country can go far in this tournament, and they certainly have our backing if things continue.