France 2 Australia 1
VAR and goal-line technology played roles as France got off to a winning start in the first game not to feature a team wearing adidas (the officials’ kits are made by the Germany company but they’re bereft of logos).
We actually quite like the three-tone blue of the French kit, but would have preferred the traditional red socks. Australia’s shirts feature a unique sleeve design – a wave design based on a rallying cry for a ‘sea of gold’.
Peru 0 Denmark 1
A meeting of two of the nicest kits in the tournament, for our money. Denmark switching to red shots.
Peru are Umbro’s only contract at the finals and if we were to have on quibble it’s the way the front number is applied, creeping onto the sash – surprisingly, the back number sits flush on the sash whereas Fifa insist the likes of Croatia must have a plain back.
Denmark’s shirt features a number of subtle details, while the goalkeeper’s outfit mirrors the design.
Argentina 1 Iceland 1
Two excellent kits, though we feel that both countries could have worn their home kits without too much trouble.
Argentina’s black change shirts are based on the 1993 change strip, although that was navy – we’ll have to dock a mark for the fact that the shoulder stripes are all white whereas the home shorts and away socks are sky blue-white-sky blue.
Volcanoes and geysers provided the inspiration for Iceland’s sleeve-design, while the red goalkeeper kit was pleasingly complementary.
Croatia 2 Nigeria 0
Fans of Nigeria’s new home kit were left disappointed as they instead wore a solid dark green change kit – Croatia were forced to switch to white socks from blue as a result. Their famous chequered pattern is larger than usual this time around.
