There is little worth recalling with any great fondness from pandemic football. But games being played in front of empty stadia at least offered one intriguing insight into what happens on the field.
The absence of crowds allowed the interactions among the players, previously often drowned out by the din of supporters, to be heard loud and clear. And, as far as Liverpool were concerned, there was one voice that boomed out more than most.
Of course, the bellowing of Jordan Henderson had long been established by those sat nearer the pitch at Anfield, the captain cajoling his colleagues with words as well as actions.
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And, having been recalled to the England starting line-up for the World Cup showdown with Wales on Tuesday evening, there was a very public demonstration of the Liverpool skipper's trademark.
"He'd do my head in to play with him," said former England international Dean Ashton, who was at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. "He was absolutely screaming at Phil Foden at times, both good and bad. That's what he brings. He brings that intensity, he brings that level of competitiveness all of the time.
"I think sometimes England can lack that with the slowness (to their game), he's the one trying to lift everybody. I probably wouldn't enjoy playing with him, but it's great to watch and I like to see it. He has that real passion, he didn't like that tempo. He was trying to gee the lads up."
But it's not just for his ability to rouse the troops that England boss Gareth Southgate turned to Henderson for the Group B decider.
As with his introduction from the bench in last Friday's tepid goalless draw with the United States, the Liverpool man brought energy to the midfield alongside Declan Rice, allowed Jude Bellingham to move in to a more attacking position and prompted a gradual increase in tempo that ultimately proved decisive after the interval.
Henderson, playing in a right-sided role, had more touches than his fellow midfielders and won more aerial duels and free-kicks, while an image of his heatmap from game went viral on social media. Come full time, he was wearing the captain's armband after Harry Kane's departure shortly before the hour.
Yes, England were up against a dreadfully underwhelming Wales side. But Henderson's combative, experienced display has put him very much in contention for what is likely to be a bruising last 16 clash with Senegal on Sunday evening.
“Hendo brings that intensity every time he plays," said Bellingham. "When he gives you that confidence to go and press, I can push on and then Dec can be aggressive. We won a lot of balls high up the pitch, which was key for us retaining the pressure and keeping them under.”
Having had his minutes managed during the first part of the season by Jurgen Klopp - indeed, he has started only half of Liverpool's 22 games - Henderson will undoubtedly have fresher legs than most of the other midfielders at Southgate's disposal.
That, of course, is offset by the fact that at 32, only Kyle Walker is older in the England squad. But the fixture schedule means there is scope for regular involvement. There are five days between the win over Wales and the game against Senegal, and another six to a quarter-final should England progress.
And with that age comes a wealth of experience. His appearance against the USA made Henderson only the fourth player to appear for England at six major international tournaments. Factor in his Liverpool career, and he's the only England squad member to have featured in a World Cup semi-final along with the finals of the European Championships, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup and League Cup.
Henderson has long grown accustomed to the fact his approach to the game means he will never be universally admired by supporters, some of whom bristle at his inclusion even if, within the dressing room, the respect for him is absolute.
The Liverpool captain was never going to start every game at the World Cup, and it could easily be his last international tournament. But Henderson will have an important role to play if England are to go one better than four years ago and reach the World Cup final on December 18.
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