The 2022 FIFA World Cup delivered jaw-dropping goals, fairy-tale storylines, and an iconic showdown as Lionel Messi and Argentina take on Kylian Mbappe and France in the final. Superstars such as Antoine Griezmann, Luka Modric, and Jude Bellingham have showered the tournament with their glorious performances, and as the World Cup draws to a close we take a look at our team of the tournament.
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Dominik Livakovic has been the standout goalkeeper at the tournament, with the Croatian shot-stopper making plenty of saves to help the 2018 finalists produce another dream run in Qatar. The 27-year-old also made four saves in penalty shootouts at this FIFA World Cup, the most by a single keeper in the history of a single tournament.
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Achraf Hakimi played a central role in Morocco’s fairy-tale run to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, helping the Atlas Lions become the first nation from Africa to reach the final four. The PSG man showed considerable discipline in defence and also consistently offered an outlet in attack to release the pressure.
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Our centre-back pairing for the team of this FIFA World Cup includes the veteran Nicolas Otamendi and Croatian wonderkid Joskvo Gvardiol. Otamendi anchored one of the strongest defences of the tournament, showing his incredible experience and know-how to help Argentina cruise into their sixth World Cup final. The 20-year-old, on the other hand, displayed qualities beyond his years and was imperious in the air and defence while also playing some incredible passes from the back.
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Theo Hernandez replaced his brother, Lucas, from France’s World Cup-winning side in 2018 and the AC Milan defender played a central role in Les Bleus’ second trip to the showpiece event. Hernandez delivered two assists and a goal in his five appearances and was a constant threat down the left-hand side with his pace and movement.
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Sofyan Amrabat embodied the collective heart and quality shown by the Atlas Lions at this World Cup. The Fiorentina midfielder was incredible at the base of midfield for Morocco, helping break up the play and screen the defence while also initiating the attacks with his diverse passing range and ball-carrying.
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Antoine Griezmann continues to treat the World Cup as his personal playing ground as the Frenchman has been one of the main men for France as they reached back-to-back finals. Griezmann has played a different role compared to the one he did four years ago in Russia, acting as more of a number eight in a midfield three tasked with linking the defence and attack and progressing the ball up the pitch.
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Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, and Bruno Fernandes are all worthy of places in this XI, but the third spot in midfield goes to the certified breakout star of the FIFA World Cup, Azzedine Ounahi. The Morocco midfielder dominated the likes of Bernardo Silva, Pedri, and Gavi on the Atlas Lions’ trip to the semi-finals, displaying tremendous ball-carrying and duel-winning capabilities that would have caught the attention of every single major club in Europe.
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Lionel Messi mesmerized the footballing world on his last dance, single-handedly dragging Argentina into another World Cup final. The 35-year-old scored five goals and provided three assists, leaving himself just one game away from footballing immortality and sealing his legacy as the greatest to ever do it.
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Kylian Mbappe once again proved that he is a player for the biggest stage as the French sensation shone for Les Bleus in Qatar, taking them to their second World Cup final in a row at age 23. Mbappe scored five goals and added two assists to his tally in Qatar and left defences helpless with his blistering pace, close control, and explosiveness.
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Olivier Giroud warrants a spot in this XI for his four goals and incredible hold-up play, but the Frenchman is narrowly pipped by Argentina striker Julian Alvarez. The Manchester City man changed the fortunes of La Albiceleste at the FIFA World Cup after his introduction into the side, scoring four goals and providing the frontline with some pace and directness.
[Featured Image Credit: AFA – Selección Argentina]
ML Sports