THE World Cup produced three tight games on Wednesday as Portugal, Spain and Uruguay won but once again the favourites failed to shine. It was three of the world’s top marksmen who did get on the scoresheet, though, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa continued their fight for the Golden Boot, while Luis Suarez scored in his third World Cup. Here’s three things we learned today at the world cup... Ronaldo eyes more gold Few goalscoring titles still elude Ronaldo and he may soon have one more to add to his collection after netting for the fourth time in two games against Morocco to move out in front in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot. The Real Madrid goal machine is now the all-time leading scorer for any European national team. His 85th career goal for Portugal moves him ahead of Hungary great Ferenc Puskas. Ronaldo has now already scored more goals in Russia than his three previous World Cup campaigns. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Morocco. Source: AP Having spearheaded Real Madrid’s run to a third consecutive Champions League, Ronaldo’s fast start to the tournament also puts him in pole position for a sixth Ballon d’Or -- to finally move ahead of Lionel Messi’s five. LISTEN: All the World Cup talking points - The Splash podcast Messi missed a penalty in Argentina’s opener, while fitness issues for Neymar and Mohamed Salah have blighted their challenge to Ronaldo’s crown. The competition is not even a week old, but the World Player of the Year’s message is clear: “Catch me if you can.” Uruguay, Russia roll on They did it in very differing fashion but Uruguay and Russia became the first sides to book their places in the last 16 after the South Americans edged past Saudi Arabia with their second 1-0 win of the tournament. By contrast, Russia have been rampant in scoring eight goals to reach the knockout phase for the first time since the Soviet era. Russia's Roman Zobnin and Artem Dzyuba celebrate the opening goal against Egypt. Source: AFP Blessed with one of the most feared strike forces in Russia in Suarez and Edinson Cavani, more was expected from the Celeste against a Saudi side that shipped five to Russia in the tournament opener. However, Uruguay know how to negotiate their way through a tournament under 71-year-old Oscar Tabarez and with Atletico Madrid duo Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez marshalling their defence, they will be a tough opponent for, most likely, Spain or Portugal in the last 16. Luis Suarez of Uruguay celebrates after scoring a goal against Saudi Arabia. Source: Getty Images Spain glad to have Costa Since switching allegiances from the country of his birth, Brazil, to play for Spain ahead of the 2014 World Cup, Costa has not always seemed the perfect fit for La Roja’s tiki-taka style. So far in Russia, though, Costa is keeping Spain afloat by adding a dimension to their play not seen in past tournaments He bullied Pepe and fired home from close range at the end of a well-worked set-piece to score a double in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Portugal. And Costa moved to within one goal of Ronaldo in fortunate fashion as a clearance ricocheted off him and into the Iranian net as Spain survived a huge scare in Kazan.<doc-sep>EGYPT goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy had to refuse his Man of the Match award following his incredible display against Uruguay... because of its Budweiser link. The inexperienced No1, 29, put in a stunning display to keep Luis Suarez and Co at bay for so long, making save-after-save. 4 Mohamed El-Shenawy won the Man of the Match award for his stunning display Credit: AFP 4 But Mohamed El-Shenawy had to turn down the traditional gift as it was alcoholic Credit: Twitter @MarwanAhmed_KF Mohamed Salah gets gifted spectacular golden boot cake for 26th birthday on World Cup duty But he was forced to reject the traditional post-match reward - as his religion forbids the consumption of alcohol. Budweiser are the official Fifa World Cup 2018 sponsor of the Man of the Match award - presenting the game's best player with an artistic red goblet. Following the game, El-Shenawy was seen raising a hand to snub the gift - sparking something of a debate. One social media user pointed out that three North African nations - including Egypt - join Saudi Arabia and Iran in traditionally avoiding alcohol. 4 Mohamed El-Shenawy is one of a number of Muslim stars at this World Cup Credit: AFP 4 Mohamed El-Shenawy did so well for so long to keep Uruguay at bay Credit: Reuters Fanzone Egypt: Mo Salah lookalike holds breath in opener Meanwhile, a host of other Muslim stars playing for other teams would likely say now to the Bud. Alcoholic awards have been quashed in the Premier League after a series of awkward moments down the years with Muslim stars, instead handing out mini trophies. In 2012, Yaya Toure turned down the traditional post-match bottle of bubbly, saying: "I don't drink because I am a Muslim, so you keep it." Meanwhile a hatful of stars including Mesut Ozil and Paul Pogba are also Muslim and unlikely to accept the massive bottle of beer in Russia.<doc-sep>It took Cristiano Ronaldo just four minutes to open the scoring for Portugal against Spain in the 2018 World Cup, a routine goal that saw the Real Madrid man make history. In Fernando Hierro’s first match in charge of Spain as interim manager it was Portugal who made the better start, dominating possession in the opening exchanges. And the first moment of real drama came when Ronaldo attempted to dart past Nacho in the Spanish penalty box, only to trip over the player’s left leg. Referee Gianluca Rocchi paused for a moment – before awarding a penalty kick to Portugal. World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo penalty vs Spain Show all 8 1 /8 World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo penalty vs Spain World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo penalty vs Spain Nacho brings Ronaldo down REUTERS World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo penalty vs Spain Dive appeals are waved away REUTERS World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo penalty vs Spain Ronaldo steps up and slots to De Gea's right Getty Images World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo penalty vs Spain Ronaldo waited until the last moment to look at the ball REUTERS World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo penalty vs Spain And it worked Getty Images World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo penalty vs Spain Ronaldo has now scored in four World Cups REUTERS World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo penalty vs Spain AFP/Getty Images World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo penalty vs Spain AFP/Getty Images Of course it was Ronaldo who stepped up to take the spot kick, confidently belting the ball past Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea to hand the European champions the lead. And in opening the scoring – Ronaldo grabbed a slice of World Cup history. His goal saw him become just the fourth man in history to score goals at four different World Cup finals. Nacho felled Ronaldo in the box (REUTERS) Ronaldo scored once at the 2006 World Cup, netting the second goal in a 2-0 win over Iran. He also scored once at the 2010 World Cup, against North Korea in a 7-0 win. And in 2014 he hit the winning goal in a 2-1 win over Ghana. The spot-kick also saw Ronaldo become the first man in international history to score goals in eight consecutive major tournaments. Ronaldo celebrates his penalty kick goal (REUTERS) It was the 33-year-old's 82nd goal for Portugal, in his 151st international appearance.<doc-sep>Denis Cheryshev came off the bench to score twice as hosts Russia swatted Saudi Arabia aside in the opening match of World Cup 2018<doc-sep>
Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy refused to accept the man of the match award for his heroics against Uruguay, snubbing the accolade because of its sponsors, alcohol giant Budweiser. El-Shenawy, 29, produced a string of stunning saves to keep the Uruguayans at bay for much of the two teams’ World Cup Group A game, until Jose Gimenez broke the Pharaohs' resistance in the 89th minute. READ MORE: Late Uruguay onslaught pays off in 1-0 win over Salah-less Egypt The Egypt stopper was given the man of the match award for his display, which comes in the form of a red goblet emblazoned with the logo of World Cup sponsors Budweiser. However, El-Shenawy was seen shunning the award when offered it after the game, rejecting it due to his Muslim beliefs which mean he does not drink alcohol. .@FIFAcom have a deal with @Budweiser for the #ManoftheMatch award. Being alcohol, there are 3 North African nations + Saudi & Iran in the @FIFAWorldCup. Did they not think these guys won’t accept the award? #EGY⁠ ⁠’s @Melshenawy did not take his today. pic.twitter.com/750OOyFaw0 — Marwan Ahmed (@MarwanAhmed_KF) 16 June 2018 ‘The King Of Beers’ is a ubiquitous presence at World Cup stadiums, having signed with FIFA as the official alcohol supplier to the tournament. It is sold outside and inside the venues, as well as at the Fan Fest zones. Egypt are among seven Muslim-majority nations at the World Cup, with the others being Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iran, Tunisia, Senegal and Nigeria. El-Shenawy is the first player from one of those nations to win the award, and it remains to be seen how others will approach the issue should be they receive the coveted prize. Other teams contain big-name players who are devout Muslims, such as Germany’s Mesut Ozil and France’s Paul Pogba. The Egypt stopper was also not featured on the Budweiser Twitter account which shows the various man of the match award winners from the tournament. Many social media users sympathized with the goalkeeper’s predicament. So the GK refused to accept the award? I can understand. It's a tough spot to put players in really! — Souhail Khmira (@SKhmira) 16 June 2018 So much respect for people who don’t shy from standing up for their personal believes.. 👍 — Younes Aouad (@YounesAouad) 16 June 2018 Others said world football governing body FIFA should have thought more about the choice of sponsor for the award. Senegal,Nigeria,France,Germany have Muslims in their sides too. Practising Christians wouldn't take too. Very inconsiderate of FIFA. — Emmanuel Kongin (@emmanuelkongin) 16 June 2018 El-Shenawy – who was making just his third appearance for the national team – won plaudits for his performance in keeping Uruguay’s much-heralded attacking duo of Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani at bay for much of the game in Ekaterinburg, before succumbing to an agonizing late winner. El-Shenawy won our hearts 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/d3gCn2hmlY — Ahmed (@Ahmed_T94) 15 June 2018 The inexperienced ‘keeper had been given the nod in goal to start ahead of 45-year-old Essam El-Hadary, who could have become the oldest ever player to appear at a World Cup finals. Egypt had been without star striker Mohamed Salah for the match, as the Liverpool forward continues to recover from the shoulder injury he sustained against Real Madrid in the Champions League final. READ MORE: Make a wish! Salah gets 100-kg birthday cake in Grozny (VIDEO) The Pharaohs next meet hosts Russia in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, before facing Saudi Arabia in their final Group A game in Volgograd the following Monday.