The World Cup provides a platform for both stellar showings from football's biggest stars and bright displays from the sport's emerging talents.
With a focus on the unrecognised players enjoying successful uncharted voyages on the tournament's bright stage, here's a look at a half-dozen previous unknowns who have shined in Russia:
Aleksandr Golovin (Russia)
CSKA Moscow's asking price is ballooning by the minute thanks to Aleksandr Golovin's coming-out party in Russia. The 22-year-old's added-time free-kick against Saudi Arabia highlighted a stellar two-assist performance. And against Egypt, Golovin thrived while deputising for club teammate Alan Dzagoev in the No. 10 role.
Ante Rebic (Croatia)
Squarely on Eintracht Frankfurt's books following a trio of Sampdoria loans, Ante Rebic was in fine form during a dominant 3-0 victory over Argentina, scoring a peach of a volley courtesy of Willy Caballero's fluffed clearance. Following 12 Croatia caps in a five-year window, Rebic, 24, has become a key part of Zlatko Dalic's plans, with the versatile attacker making seven bows in 2018.
Alireza Beiranvand (Iran)
From homeless to the World Cup, Iran shot-stopper Beiranvand was one of the best 'keepers in the group stage. Against Portugal, the Team Melli No. 1 stopped Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty kick, and against Spain, the 25-year-old threw a goal clearance well beyond the halfway line, something he apparently does with great frequency for Persepolis FC.
Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)
Reared at the same famed Generation Foot academy in Dakar that produced Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr made a name for himself in Russia thanks to a series of intoxicating and unbridled runs down the right side as part of Senegal's lethal three-man attack. Seven months and change from his 21st birthday, Sarr appears set to follow Ousmane Dembele as Stade Rennes' latest young star.
Francis Uzoho (Nigeria)
The 19-year-old shot-stopper became the second-youngest to keep a clean sheet at the World Cup after last Friday's massive victory over Iceland. Then against Argentina, there was little the Deportivo La Coruna 'keeper could do to stop Lionel Messi's rocket and Marcos Rojo's thunderous strike. The future looks bright for the Nigerian beanstalk, one of nine teens at the 2018 World Cup.
Manuel Akanji (Switzerland)
Borussia Dortmund's Manuel Akanji formed a fine group-stage defensive pairing with Fabian Schar for Switzerland, a welcome emergence that kept Johan Djourou's butt on the bench. Against Costa Rica, the 22-year completed 95 percent of his passes, and he also chipped in with three tackles days after a dominant display versus Serbia highlighted by seven successful aerial duels.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
