Luka Modric (Croatia)
With two goals in three games, including an absolute screamer in a magnificent win vs. Argentina, Modric played a captain’s role in leading Croatia to three straight wins at top spot in Group D.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Nobody loves the big stage more than Ronaldo and so it was no surprise when, on day two of the tournament, he bagged a hat trick vs. Spain. A winning goal followed against Morocco.
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
Fed by a constant supply from a talented midfield, Lukaku was prolific vs. Panama and Tunisia, scoring twice in each game. Injury kept him out vs. England, but he remains a Golden Boot contender.
Harry Kane (England)
Talking of which, Kane stands alone atop the scoring charts, having gone one better than Lukaku so far. He too was given game three off but will return as the face of England hopes vs. Colombia.
Philippe Coutinho (Brazil)
Having scored in the opener vs. Switzerland, Coutinho netted an injury-time winner against Costa Rica, to Brazil’s immense relief. He then turned provider to make a goal for Paulinho against Serbia.
Juan Quintero (Colombia)
With James Rodriguez slowed by injury, Quintero has taken on the creative mantle for Colombia with a goal and two assists, the latter of which set up a group-winning header for Yerry Mina vs. Senegal.
Jose Gimenez (Uruguay)
He scored a late winner vs. Egypt and is part of the only defence yet to concede a goal. Alongside Atletico Madrid teammate Diego Godin, Gimenez now gets set to face Ronaldo and Portugal.
Diego Costa (Spain)
With a brace in the draw with Portugal and a winner against Iran, Costa has made himself a key man for Spain. His fine form starkly contrasts his World Cup debut in 2014, when he failed to score.
Isco (Spain)
The highlight of Isco’s tournament was a superb goal against Morocco but he could do with some help from his Spain teammates; not one of the seven chances he created over three games was taken.