We may be just four days into the World Cup but already we have seen some of the biggest names in world football make a major statement.
In the opening game of the tournament it was Brazil superstar Neymar who grabbed the headlines courtesy of two goals in the win over Croatia.
Next up it was the turn of Dutch duo Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie who starred in the Netherlands’ crushing 5-1 win over Spain.
Mario Balotelli then proved he was the man for the big occasion as he headed past former teammate Joe Hart to seal a 2-1 win over England.
On Sunday night it was Real Madrid’s hugely talented striker Karim Benzema who shone by grabbing a brace in France's 3-0 win over Honduras before Lionel Messi took centre stage in Argentina's 2-1 win over Bosnia.
The Argentina captain had a hand in the first goal but it was his strike in the second half that had tongues wagging. After exchanging passes with Gonzalo Higuain, Messi would dart past a pair of defenders before slamming home a shot via the base of the left-hand post from 20 yards.
Messi deservedly gained the plaudits but now attention turns to the player who took his mantle as the best footballer in the world last season; Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 29-year-old is at the peak of his powers. He was instrumental in helping Real Madrid win their 10th European crown, while his four goals in the two-legged play-off with Sweden ensured Portugal qualified for the World Cup.
Like Neymar and Messi, Ronaldo carries a weight of expectation on his broad shoulders. The Portuguese public expect brilliance every time he steps onto a football pitch, and more than not he delivers.
But in his first match of the 2014 World Cup it will certainly not be easy for Ronaldo to take centre stage. Facing a tough, determined and hugely talented Germany side he will come up against some of the best defenders in European football.
However, with the way the World Cup is unfolding in Brazil it seems almost inevitable that Ronaldo will make a major statement. Having seen Barcelona duo Messi and Neymar star, this Madridista has all the motivation he needs.
