World Cup TV host Gary Lineker said more in hope than expectation on the eve of Brazil 2014 that its biggest stars had to deliver. He was well aware the most-hyped players in South Africa four years ago - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Kaka, Fernando Torres and Robin van Persie - managed just two goals between them, and the entire World Cup had flopped as a result. But, to the delight of Lineker and millions of armchair fans, this time has already been different – and how. VIDEO All Star XI: Ronaldo Biggest stage: Lionel Messi celebrating his goal that crucially put Argentina 2-0 up against Bosnia & Herzegovina at the Maracana on Sunday
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Messi, Balotelli and Neymar have all delivered so far at the World Cup
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The Argentine superstar scored a stunning goal in their 2-1 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina
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Balotelli scored Italy's winner in their 2-1 victory over England in Group D
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Neymar netted two vital goals as Brazil beat Croatia 3-1 on the opening day
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Ronaldo is now set to enter the fray as Portugal take on Germany on Monday
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Many stars such as Wayne Rooney, Fernando Torres and Robin van Persie struggled to perform at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
Strife: Wayne Rooney had a terrible time of it in South Africa, failing to score in four appearances, whilst Kaka saw more red cards for @placeholder than he managed goals