The Game

What. A. Night. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland showed their star quality with two goals each as France and Norway impressed but then along came Lionel Messi.  A hat-trick for Argentina's captain as he kicked off his sixth World Cup in style - Tom Clarke spoke to Paul Hirst, James Gheerbrant and Martin Samuel who were at the grounds to witness some big performances from three of the games biggest stars.  And now, it's England's turn. They kick off their tournament against Croatia, Jonathan Northcroft joined Tom to preview that match and wondered if Harry Kane is ready to show he deserves to be regarded in the same group as those modern greats.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four draws and our first 0-0 but when it's Cape Verde getting a point against Spain we don't care!  Tom Clarke hears from Martyn Ziegler who spies some empty seats at Saudi Arabia's 1-1 draw with Uruguay and Peter Rutzler who was in Los Angeles to witness Iran's controversial start to this tournament with an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand - which was followed by a remarkable press conference. Tom also spoke to Michael Grant to hear how Scotland are coping with being top of Group C and he chatted to Paul Hirst who is with the Argentina camp as Lionel Messi prepares to defend his World Cup crown.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A thrilling night, loads of goals and familiar names making the headlines. Germany thrashed Curacao 7-1 but maybe the newcomers don't care - Tom Allnutt was in Curacao to watch their debut with the locals as they celebrated their first ever World Cup goal.  Ian Whittell was at the game of the night as Japan snatched a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands before Victor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak gave Graham Potter and Sweden a big win against Tunisia. Tom Clarke also caught up with Matt Lawton in the England camp and pondered who Thomas Tuchel might pick to start against Croatia.  And in part two Tom chatted to Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler about ticket prices, VAR and those controversial water breaks.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blimey, that was tense! But Scotland have a World Cup win and sit top of Group C thanks to John McGinn's winner against Haiti. Which players stepped up and which need to offer more?  Steve Clarke's side top the group after Brazil draw with Morocco in an entertaining game. Brazil turned the game after the drinks break - is football now a game of four quarters?  And we pick the best games to come on Day 4.  Tom Clarke chats to Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The USA started their campaign in style, scoring four against Paraguay. The stadium was full, celebs were out in force and the team looked full of energy. Suddenly USA in the next round or the round of sixteen looks a tough draw - how far can they go? Not so euphoric for Canada but a decent result against a tough Bosnian side. In the second half - Scotland's big day is finally here. At 0200 GMT they take on Haiti, McTominay is fit after a minor shock, can they do it?  Oh and it's Brazil and Morocco too! Tom Clarke chats to Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.