10:52, 20-Jun-2018
2018 FIFA World Cup: Underdogs upset tournament standings
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Russia 2018 is in full swing and excitement levels are high.
At Moscow's official fan fest, supporters from every corner of the globe gather to view the evolving plot line of this football festival.
DAN WILLIAMS MOSCOW "Russia 2018 has so far lived up to most football fans expectations. Plenty of goals. Lots of drama and of course a couple of shock results. But the big question are we any nearer to finding out who will be crowned champions."
"Mexico, Mexico, Mexico, Mexico."
"Iceland is going to win it, woooo."
"Belgium for sure."
"Very strong Nigeria. We are here."
"Of course Brazil. Because it is the best team. We have five cups. And we're going to win."
That strictly unscientific approach to finding a tournament winner may need some work. But what is clear, the early setbacks suffered by the pre-tournament favorites such as Germany and Argentina, has sparked yet further interest in the competition. And for neutral fans, that can only be good news.
KEIR RADNEDGE SPORTS JOURNALIST "In the old days, you used to be able to plot the routes of the teams through the competition. I think with the opening results we've seen, Germany losing, Argentina drawing, Brazil drawing, suddenly the world is opening up and all of the predictability of past world cups is ebbing away. That can only be good for the tournament."
Russia 2018 has already provided some memorable moments. The good news for football fans, the tournament has only just begun. Dan Williams, CGTN, Moscow.