Cristiano Ronaldo drew a line under a tumultuous tournament build-up as he wrote his name in the record books to become the first man to score in five World Cups in a 3-2 victory for Portugal over Ghana on Thursday.
The Zambian referee has previously been suspended and accused of match-fixing.
The England skipper picked up the knock against Iran on Monday.
The Argentines endured a shocking defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opening match on Tuesday.
Several national team captains had to abandon their plans to wear the armband to avoid disciplinary sanctions.
Arab soccer fans at the first World Cup in the Middle East are shunning Israeli journalists in Qatar trying to interview them, illustrating challenges facing wider "warm peace" ambitions two years after some Gulf states forged formal ties with Israel.
Cristiano Ronaldo has brought unwanted attention on the Portuguese team after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan with reporters pining for a comment from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Major sponsor Budweiser is expected to take action over the breach of contract.
England, who meet Iran in Group B, will be desperate to start strongly as they target an end to their decades-long trophy drought after two near misses in recent years.
Long before the final whistle at the spectacular Bedouin tent-inspired Al Bayt Stadium, the host nation's fans among the 67,372 crowd had started heading for the exits.
Chaotic scenes broke out inside and outside the fan festival at Al Bidda Park in Doha on Sunday an hour before the kick off of the opening World Cup match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador after organisers allowed too many fans to flood the precinct.
Qatar's ruler opened the World Cup on Sunday with a call for people of all races and orientations to put aside their differences, speaking as the host nation faced a barrage of criticism over its treatment of foreign workers and LGBT rights.
The announcement came during FIFA President Gianni Infantino's press conference.
Rumours have been circulating that Qatar paid fake fans from Pakistan to don various national team colours and fill World Cup stadiums.
Qatar went back on the agreement which allowed them to secure hosting rights in the first place.
Some offences are punishable by the death penalty so visitors are urged to be very careful.
The 37-year-old was reportedly keen to leave the club even before the campaign began after United failed to qualify for the Champions League.
A Danish TV crew was threatened by local officials while they were filming a World Cup preview segment earlier this week.
Cristiano Ronaldo has criticised his Manchester United teammates with Raphael Varane making it clear that they will accept the club's decision with regards to the Portuguese star's future.
France suffered yet another injury blow ahead of their opening World Cup game against Australia after Christopher Nkunku was ruled out on Monday.
It was earlier reported that the Colombian will perform alongside the Black Eyed Peas and BTS member Jung Kook.
The host nation is on high alert after it was revealed that members of the terrorist organisation are planning attacks targeting the event.
