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As always, the final scores are only part of the story. As the World Cup's opening round ticks down, the emotions on display are as much a part of the spectacle as the action on the pitch.

Matt Dunham / AP

Forget it, Wayne. That look isn't fooling anyone

Globe sports writers Cathal Kelly and John Doyle aren't the only one who isn't buying into Wayne Rooney's display of contrition. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure I've seen that look before – once or twice.

Andre Penner / AP

Just guessing, but I don't think he believes it either

Brazilian superstar Neymar, an obvious pick for players to watch during the tournament, doesn't appear to be showing much buy-in either.

Ivan Alvarado / Reuters

Yeah, uh, guys? Maybe you take a minute
and count to 1200. Or something

With backup from his teammates, Croatia's Dejan Lovren, second from right, argues with referee Yuichi Nishimura after a foul call against Brazil. Team spirit is a wonderful thing*, but maybe one of them might have thought about talking him down.

(Of course, they can say the same thing about smart alecks with *20/20 hindsight.)

Henry Romero / Reuters

Funny how that Podolski guy's never around
when the check arrives

"Yeah, now that you mention, I've noticed that too."

It's halftime at the Group B match between Spain and Australia Monday June 23, but referee Nawaf Shukralla of Bahrain and his linesman may be rethinking whom they go out for dinner with.

Matthias Schrader / AP

What, a guy can't step away from the table
for a minute?

Germany's Lukas Podolski, possibly hurt at the suggestion that he stuck the other guys with the bill, gestures during a training session in Santo Andre near Porto Seguro, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014.

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