It’s been a rather brilliant start to the 2018 World Cup, hasn’t it?On Friday, Uruguay’s 1-0 victory over Egypt and Iran’s win over Morocco by the same scoreline wasn't exactly pulsating.However, football fans weren’t complaining after watching Spain and Portugal slog it out and draw 3-3 in a thrilling encounter.Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero for Portugal, bagging himself a hat-trick - including a late equaliser with a superb free-kick.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner received all the plaudits after the match - and deservedly so.But there was something he did before the game that had a few people confused.Ronaldo turned slightly to the side during Portugal’s national anthem.Why?Well, when Willy Caballero emulated Ronaldo ahead of Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Iceland fans were asking the same question.

THE EXPLANATION

But there appears to be an explanation.

Flags of both nations are held by mascots on the pitch before matches and it seems that both Cristiano and Caballero turn to face them while singing the national anthem.

How’s that for patriotism?

While that pre-match ritual worked wonders for Ronaldo, it didn’t quite have the same effect for Caballero.

His Argentina side kicked off their World Cup campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw with Iceland.

With Nigeria and Croatia still to play, Lionel Messi’s side could face a tough task to progress from Group D.

As for Ronaldo and Portugal, they will surely fancy their chances of progressing through their group now.

With Iran and Morocco left to play, their passage into the last-16 will pretty much be secured with one more win.

And with Ronaldo in this kind of form, you certainly wouldn't bet against them going all the way once again...