It is a view many share. The format means only 16 teams have been eliminated after 72 games — and three of those exits were European sides in Czech Republic, Turkey, and Scotland. Uruguay were the sole South American team to exit, while Tunisia were the only one of Africa's ten teams to fall at the group stage. Asia fared worst: seven of the continent's representatives are already out.

Still, the tournament has proven bigger than its critics. Raul Jimenez's emotional goal for Mexico, Folarin Balogun sparking the United States' celebrations, Ecuador's relentless attacking joy, and Austria's nerve-shredding late drama all added up to a group stage the game will not forget quickly. As Queiroz himself conceded: the real World Cup — the knockout stages where every game is drama and nowhere to hide — is only just beginning.