World Cup 2018 diary: Natty headwear and Ronaldo shunning the limelight for once

Cristiano Ronaldo again dominated the headlines on day seven of Russia 2018, which should make some graffiti artists, in particular, very happy.

The Real Madrid forward became the most prolific scorer in European international history as he netted the winner in Portugal's 1-0 defeat of Morocco in Group B.

Ronaldo surpassed Ferenc Puskas in that regard, taking his tally to 85, which may encourage more visitors to attend the site of his impressive mural in Kazan.

Elsewhere, some fine headwear was taking centre stage in Moscow, while one St Petersburg barman displayed his knowledge of a decidedly niche British music genre.

It can only be the daily diary...

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE BALL, JOGI

Joachim Loew appeared in good spirits, even after Germany's surprise loss to Mexico, as the world champions were greeted by sweltering heat in Sochi.

Loew, however, was a little too happy as he smiled towards the gathering media just outside Fisht Stadium – the venue for Saturday's vital showdown with Sweden.

As the Germany boss turned his attention to the media, he forgot training was already underway – unaware of his surroundings, Low was almost taken out by one of the players.

Low tried to play it off. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

BERT VAN MARWIJK: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY

Australia rolled into Samara on Wednesday, bringing with them their experienced but reticent head coach Bert van Marwijk, who answered questions in the customary pre-match media conference.

Although "answered" is probably too strong. In full, here's how the veteran Dutchman responded to a range of topics ahead of a Group C meeting with Denmark.

On whether he was planning specifically for Christian Eriksen: "You can ask me those questions a hundred times. I know Eriksen, I saw him in Holland and a lot at Tottenham so I know him."

Tim Cahill's hopes of starting: "There's always a chance, for all the players."

On Australia's chances, out of 10, of beating Denmark: "They're not so high in the world rankings as France so you can count for yourself. You want me to say a number but I won't do that."

A man of few words...

WATCHED A TRAINING SESSION ON MONDAY, WENT TO A GAME ON TUESDAY…

Given the permanent presence of the language barrier and the current factor of frosty relations between the two countries, UK journalists making the jaunt to Russia for this World Cup have generally felt some trepidation over how they might be received by the locals.

As usual in such situations, the reality has proved a pleasant relief. Who needs a common language and culture when you can just shout the names of good footballers at one another and nod in approval?

But it isn't just football that unites locals and tourists over here. One member of the press pack covering England was surprised to find a St Petersburg barman giving instant recognition to his hometown after Russia's 3-1 win over Egypt on Tuesday.

"Where are you from?" "England." So far, so normal.

"Whereabouts?" "Southampton".

"Ooohhhhh, Craig David!"

Clearly diplomatic tensions cannot compete with an enduring affection for the fleeting phenomenon that was UK Garage. Bo Selecta!

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

You might expect a gigantic piece of artwork dedicated to one of the two greatest footballers of this generation to be as public as possible and not nestled away.

But in Kazan, an impressive mural of Cristiano Ronaldo is hidden away so only those specifically seeking it out will find it.

Covering three stories of a building in the yard of a garage, Dmitry Kudinov and his group produced the piece last year ahead of the Confederations Cup, with Portugal basing themselves in the city during the tournament.

But why is the artwork hidden away? Well, the location is absolutely deliberate.

During the Confederations Cup, Portugal stayed in the Ramada hotel which backs on to the yard, with the idea being Ronaldo would be able to look out on to the mural every morning from his room.

The impressive piece is part of a wider collection dotted around the city.

"Maybe sometimes this is illegal, but this is the reality of Russia," Kudinov joked to Omnisport.

HOW'S ABOUT HAT THEN

The matches in Moscow have, so far, produced not only remarkable football but also wonderful headwear.

Russia opened proceedings last Thursday with their shapkas, a fur-based cap with ear flaps tied up at this time of year.

Next came Iceland with a slightly less sophisticated horn number, no doubt inspired by the Viking settlement of the country in the late 800s.

And who could forget Mexico with their sombreros, perfect attire for the warm Russian weather?