WORLD CUP 2022 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT
Although there was much controversy and trepidation with this World cup, it’s fair to say it has been a resounding success.
The final seemed to be a fitting culmination to what will go down as a thrilling and exciting tournament. I am sure many will debate how good this tournament was, compared to the World Cup finals of the past. For me, this one was right up there with the very best.
Below I have picked out my best 11, with honorary mentions for each position.
GK: EMILIANO MARTINEZ (Argentina)
Although especially as a goalkeeper, you gain an advantage the longer you go in the tournament, the more opportunities you have to impress. It can work both ways.
However, Martinez has been a rock for Argentina throughout the tournament, keeping clean sheets in three games, excelled in two penalty shoot-outs in the QF and the final. But that only topped off his 123rd-minute extra time save in the final, which was like a match-winner it itself.
Honorary Mention
Dominik Livakovic (Croatia)
Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
RB: ACHRAF HAKIMI (Morocco)
His marauding runs down the right flank were a feature in Morocco’s game, and not only was he potent in attack pushing opponents back but also extremely solid defensively.
His tireless work up and down the right made him somewhat of a talisman, as his team made history as the first African team to make it to the final four of the World Cup.
Honorary Mention
Nahuel Molina (Argentina)
CB: JOSKO GVARDIOL (Croatia)
There have been a few young breakout stars of this World Cup, but for me, none more so than this young defender. I am still in disbelief that he is only 19.
Playing well beyond his years, he slotted into the Croatia team with ease, and played like he was one of the experienced players. His composure and ability on the ball combined with his physicality, defensive awareness and courage, helped them past Brazil and to a third place finish.
Honorary Mention
Raphael Varane (France)
CB: ROMAIN SAISS (France)
He was a leader in every sense of the word and was one of the key components in Morocco’s stern defence, claiming four clean sheets against Croatia, Belgium, Spain and Portugal, also scored in the memorable defeat of Belgium in the group stages.
He literally put his body on the line for his country, and such was his commitment, should never have started the semi-final against France after being forced off in the quarter finals.
Honorary Mention
Cristian Romero (Argentina)
LB: THEO HERNANDEZ (France)
If you put aside that glaring mistake against England where he conceding a penalty but got lucky with Kane missing. He was pretty solid. He came in as a replacement for his brother and slotted in seamlessly.
His performances grew as France progressed, and looked good in both ends of the pitch. Scored one and assisted two in a World Cup he wasn’t expecting to play much in.
Honorary Mention
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
CM: LUKA MODRIC (Croatia)
The 37-year-old showed his class throughout the tournament with some measured and classy displays, none more so than against Brazil, where she marshalled his teammates and dictated the midfield.
He led his team well and was the main man pulling the strings to impressively get them to the final four for a second finals running, before finishing third.
Honorary Mention
Jude Bellingham (England)
CM: SOFYAN AMRABAT (Morocco)
He put himself in the shop window with his swashbuckling performances. The heartbeat of the Morocco team through the middle, was all commitment, making challenges, breaking up play and generally being a rock in front of the back four.
At times he played like a man possessed, winning the ball, breaking up play, then setting his team up in attack. He was the glue that kept the team’s defensive unit solid and a talisman in the middle.
Honorary Mention
Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina)
CM: ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER (Argentina)
After not starting the opening game, he then started the next six and put in some quality performances. The amount of work he got through was phenomenal. He linked defence with attack superbly, making lung-bursting runs.
He showed engine, heart, determination, intelligence and quality on the ball at the right and decisive. He seemed to get better as the tournament went on. His link-up play, particularly with Messi and Di Maria proved key.
Honorary Mention
Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)
CAM: ANTOINE GRIEZMANN (France)
He reverted from a striker to playing a deeper role in this tournament with immense success. He really showed his intelligence and footballing ability.
The feature of the French game was about him being hard to track as he constantly found pockets of spaces to connect the team and create chances. But what was even more impressive was his defensive awareness to track back and make vital blocks and interceptions.
Honorary Mention
Bukayo Saka (England)
CF: LIONEL MESSI (Argentina)
There is not much more that needs to or has to be said. Well, not much that hasn’t already. To add to his already unprecedented career achievements.
The best of a generation has now added a World Cup and player of the tournament. Also, at the ripe old age of 36, he becomes the first player wo score in every stage of the World Cup. It was almost like this was already written for him.
Honorary Mention
Olivier Giroud (France)
CF: KYLIAN MBAPPE (France)
The French sensation was the tournament’s top scorer and became the second man to score a hat-trick in a world cup final. Although just a consolation, this tournament could be seen as when the torch was officially passed.
His performance in the final just confirmed what a talent he is. He has that explosive ability to turn a game on its head. He now has 12 goals in finals, and at just 24, he is four away from equalling the record.
Honorary Mention
Julian Alvarez (Argentina)
