MOSCOW, July 8 -- The World Cup in Russia has thrown up no shortage of surprises as favorites have been toppled, heroes vanquished and new stars born. Here we look at the five biggest shocks of the tournament so far.

Germany dumped out

The World Cup champions curse continued as Joachim Loew's men were dumped out in the group stage. It was the third consecutive time that the holders have failed to reach the round of 16, following on from Italy in 2010 and Spain in 2017.

Something just wasn't right from the start of their first match against Mexico, which they lost 1-0. A brilliant Toni Kroos free-kick routine saved their blushes against Sweden before they collapsed to a 2-0 loss to South Korea in their final group match.

Messi kept in check

Argentina fans had hoped that this tournament would provide a glorious and belated coronation for Lionel Messi after the Albiceleste lost three straight finals in major tournaments: the 2017 World Cup, 2017 Copa America and 2016 Copa America.

However both Messi and Argentina were found wanting, sputtering through the group stage before being knockout out by France in the last 16. Messi looked a shadow of the player that has won five Ballon d'Or awards, scoring just once in four matches.

Rampant Russia

Rated before the tournament as Russia's worst ever team, the hosts quickly went about proving their doubters wrong by romping to a 5-0 win in their tournament opener against Saudi Arabia, led by a Denis Cheryshev brace.

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