For one of the most controversial World Cup tournaments ever, Qatar 2022 has had a bit of everything. As entertaining as it was off the pitch, some players kept us glued to our screens with their amazing performance at this tournament. At Tossyardkings, we’ve picked out our best XI of the Qatar2022 World Cup.
Defence
Yassine Bounou – GK (Morocco)
The goalkeeper decision was one of the more difficult choices to make. The Croatian keeper Livakovic was exceptional in the run to the semifinal but Bounou just edges him. Morocco brushed off their underdogs status to get to become the first African team to get to a World Cup semi-final and he was a big part of a defence that conceded only one goal in the first five games.
Achraf Hakimi – RB ( Morocco)
Morocco have had an exceptional World Cup. Losing out to France last night does not take away the history they have created. Hakimi was a constant source of energy and inventiveness on the right flank, providing an outlet and keeping his defensive composure even when the Moroccans faced endless pressure against Portugal in the Quarter final. A well deserved entry.
Nicolas Otamendi – RCB ( Argentina)
The Argentina defence has been the unsung hero for Lionel Scaloni at this World Cup. Messi has taken the plaudits but Otamendi has been a rock at the back. His assured passing and ability to read the gamevrxperly have helped radiate an air of confidence through the side. He will have the unenviable task of stopping Kylian Mbappe in the final but Argentine supporters will be confident in his abilities.
Josko Gvardiol – LCB ( Croatia)
For the second consecutive World Cup Croatia found themselves in a Semi-final, exceeding expectations once again. Croatia offered very little going forward, having scored only six goals over their five fixtures, including four against Canada. Their success has largely been down to the defensive side of their game and Gvardiol has shown exactly why he is highly rated in the Bundesliga. The youngster has thrown himself into last-ditch tackles and stopped promising attacks time and time again to earn a spot in our team of the tournament.
Theo Hernandez – LB ( France)
Hernandez took advantage of an unfortunate injury to his brother Lucas and hadn’t looked back. He has contributed to goals by scoring and assisting and has been a constant source of attacking verve down the left hand side. Perhaps not famed for his defensive brilliance, he gave away a penalty against England that could have been costly but was let off the hook when Harry Kane sent his penalty well over. Theo has been a key factor in France getting to the final.
Midfield
Sofyan Amrabat
He covered everything in midfield for Morocco. The North Africans would not have had so much success in Qatar without the industrious work of Amrabat.
The Fiorentina midfielder alongside young midfielder Ounahi Azzedine were the key to Morocco’s tactics in Qatar. Constantly locking opponents out in deep midfield, while having the technical brilliance to play out of any situation. Amrabat led the Moroccan midfield with so much class, and he deserves his place in the team of the tournament.
Antoine Griezmann
It is still puzzles football fans how different Griezmann can be playing for his country, compared to club performances. The 31-year old has been the chief creator for France at this tournament. He has created 21 chances in Qatar, resulting in 7 big chances and 3 assists. He has surprised many with his creativity for France at this tournament.
Bruno Fernandes
It was difficult putting the Portuguese midfielder in ahead of Luca Modric who led Croatia to another semifinal, but without Bruno Fernandes’s input for Portugal, they might have crashed out early in the group stages.
Despite just playing 4 matches, Fernandes directly contributed to 5 goals which is incredibly impressive. His two assists against Ghana saw Portugal narrowly edge out the West Africans 3-2. He also scored both goals against Uruguay as he helped his country qualify for the knockout rounds.
Attack
Lionel Messi
Perhaps the only pick that doesn’t need justification, he just belongs here. By far the best player of the tournament. Constantly inspiring his teammates as they fight to bring the World Cup trophy back to Argentina.
Despite their shocking loss to Saudi Arabia, Lionel Messi has been able to inspire his teammates in critical moments. With 5 goals and 3 assists, he might scoop the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards in Qatar; Simply magnificent.
Julian Alvarez
From being the backup to Lautaro Martinez to firing Argentina to the World Cup Final with two well taken goals against Craotia; Alvarez is living the dream. Before his semifinal goals, Alvarez worked hard for the team, always pressing and tracking back when needed. His goal against Australia proved to be the winner, and his brace against Croatia settled the semifinals – Alvarez fully deserves his spot on the Qatar2022 Team of the tournament.
Kylian Mbappe
He propelled defending champions France to another World Cup Final with beautiful and crucial goals. Formed a wonderful partnership with Olivier Giroud, and has shown at this tournament that he can sacrifice a lot for the team.
He has not been the best player at the World Cup, but has been efficient enough to be named on the team of the tournament once again.
Best Coach
Walid Regragui
“Impressive” is not enough to qualify what Regragui managed to accomplish with Morocco at this World Cup given the time he had to prepare for the tournament.
He managed to identify the strengths of his group, he understood their weaknesses well too. Defeating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal is not an easy feat for any top national team, not to talk of a team ranked 22nd in the World ahead of the World Cup.
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