FIFA World Cup 2022: Team of the Tournament

A month of madness, excitement, tears & passion. Put that into one & you get the World Cup. All these emotions were felt in each of the 64 games and in the end, it was ARGENTINA, led & managed by the two Lionel’s (Lionel Messi & Lionel Scaloni). Le Albiceleste emerged as the World Champions for the 3^rd time ever.

In front of a packed Lusail stadium with 89,000 spectators, we had witnessed what many have described as the best World Cup Final ever. Now that the World Cup is over, let’s look at our team of the tournament.  

Goalkeeper:

– Emiliano Martinez (GK, Argentina):
With three clean sheets in the World Cup & match winning performances against Netherlands & France, especially during the shoot-out, the Aston Villa shot stopper is a sure starter.

Defenders:

– Achraf Hakimi (RB, Morocco):
One of the big names of the Morocco squad, the PSG right back entered this tournament as a player to watch out for & did not disappoint especially with his partnership with Hakim Ziyech on the right & not to forget, THAT cheeky penalty to seal the win against Spain in the Round of 16.

– Josko Gvardiol (CB, Croatia):
A name that you will be hearing of a lot, Josko Gvardiol took everyone by storm & at a young age of 20 years, he anchored the Croatian defense, playing a big part in Croatia finishing 3^rd this time out.

With many clubs looking to obtain his services, Josko Gvardiol will definitely be a sought-after player in the January transfer market.

– Pepe (CB, Portugal)
Playing his 4^th World Cup, the former Real Madrid defender is definitely a big game player. At 39, Pepe showed that age is just a number. Anchoring the Portuguese defense, he was a rock in the back & became the oldest defender to score in the World Cup.

– Theo Hernandez (LB, France)
Having replaced his brother Lucas Hernandez, who suffered an ACL injury in the first game, the AC Milan captain didn’t look back since & made the left back position his own. Theo formed a great partnership with Kylian Mbappe & contributed with goals and assists.

Midfielders:

– Sofyan Amrabat (CDM, Morocco)
The heart of the Moroccan midfield, Sofyan Amrabat ran the show for Morocco & played a big part in the Atlas Lions reaching the semis. His calmness on the ball along with his physical ability sure did rub off on the team & his performance earned plaudits from many, including the French president, Emmanuel Macron.

– Luka Modric (CM, Croatia)
Calmness, precision, finesse are just a few words of many to describe Luka Modric. The Croatian captain at 37 years old was on another level. Playing his last World Cup, he successfully led Croatia to a successful 3^rd place finish, when many thought they wouldn’t come close to replicating their 2018 heroics, where they finished runners-up.

– Antoine Griezmann (CAM, France)
The driving force of the French attack, Griezmann played a big part in France reaching successive World Cup Finals. A box-to-box midfielder, he made the attack tick along with Kylian Mbappe & Olivier Giroud & possibly the most creative player this World Cup.

Forwards:

– Kylian Mbappe: (LW, France)
The Golden Boot winner with 8 goals to his name, Kylian Mbappe exceeded all expectations this World Cup. An inspiring hattrick in the finals (the 2^nd player to do so) helped take the game to penalties, which gave France a chance to defend their crown.

– Lionel Messi: (RW, Argentina)
After a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, we saw the peak Lionel Messi turn up & how. Having inspired his side to a World Cup victory with goals & assists, Messi became Argentina’s top World Cup goal scorer. With a World Cup to his name, he has added the final & most elite trophy to his coveted collection and with that, he may have settled the G.O.A.T debate.

– Julian Alvarez (CF, Argentina)
The Manchester City forward was a real livewire for Argentina, having scored 4 goals in the tournament. His pace and ability to shoot from either foot made it difficult for defenders, which he did with a brace against Croatia that included a lung busting run.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola definitely has a tough job on his hands since both Alvarez & Erling Haaland are in ruthless form but we’re sure to see the best of the young Argentine over the rest of the domestic season & for years to come.

– Manager: Lionel Scaloni (Argentina)
Having come off a Copa America victory in 2021, Lionel Scaloni definitely did not have the best start to the World Cup with a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. But just like every champion, his side showed grit & bounced back in grand style, hence winning the World Cup after 36 years.

Honorable mentions:
Some of the players who we believe shone in this tournament are:-Dominik Livakovic (GK, Croatia), Aurélien Tchouaméni (CDM, France), Azzedine Ounahi (CM, Morocco), Jude Bellingham (CM, England), Bukayo Saka (RW, England), Olivier Giroud (ST, France)

What is your best XI of the World Cup & who do you think should be in this squad? Support your favourite team & shop the official merchandise available on the Sun & Sand Sports website & app. Subscribe to our newsletter and download our app on the App Store or Google Play for the latest updates. Show off your new purchases by tagging us on Instagram @sssports.