- The 2022 World Cup just ended with Argentina lifting the Trophy
- Argentina beat France 4-2 on Penalties
- We look at the Best XI in Qatar
The 2022 World Cup came and went after a busy month, with Argentina’s legendary victory representing its memorable conclusion.
SportsLeo takes a look at the Tournament’s Best 11 team.
GK: Emiliano Martínez (Argentina)
Emiliano Martinez with the World Cup trophy. Photo/ Dhaka Tribune.
Golden Glove honours went to Martinez. Although not everyone enjoys his antics in the penalty shootout, both in the final and in the quarterfinal victory over the Netherlands, there probably needs to be a clear directive to stop him from throwing the ball away as he did before Aurélien Tchouaméni’s miss from the spot, he was a commanding presence throughout and made a number of fine saves, most notably and more critically, his starfish block to kick away Randal Kolo Muani’s late chance in extra time in the
RB: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Hakimi was a clear choice because he consistently performed well throughout the competition as Morocco won over hearts everywhere on their journey to the semifinals.
The right-back for Paris Saint-Germain was outstanding on both sides of the field, and one of the tournament’s highlights was his assist to Youssef En-Nesyri in the victory over Canada.
CB: Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)
Forget what Messi did to him in the semifinals; any defender could have experienced that.
Gvardiol’s breakthrough performance in this competition has solidified his status as one of the top young defenders in the world of football. He’s already a real talent at age 20.
CB: Romain Saïss (Morocco)
Morocco had only conceded one goal before the semifinals, and it was an own goal. It defended almost traditionally, sitting deep, putting bodies on the line, and absorbing pressure. Sass stood out, partly because he participated in all six games prior to the third-place match and partly because he persevered despite the apparent deterioration of his hamstring.
LB: Theo Hernandez (France)
Hernandez undoubtedly made the most of his chance to shine after his brother Lucas was hurt during France’s opening match of the competition.
He was given an unexpected chance to start every game throughout the competition and was crucial to France’s run to the championship game.
Bukayo Saka gave him a pretty rough time in the quarterfinal match against England, but he displayed good mental toughness to recover and score in the semifinal win over Morocco.
CM: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)
What a competition the midfielder for Fiorentina had!
He was the driving force behind a team that broke down barriers at Qatar 2022, and he was a truly colossal figure in the Moroccan midfield.
A significant move is undoubtedly planned for the summer, if not January.
CM: Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
Enzo Fernandez won the Young Player Award.|PHOTO: Goal|
When Fernandez came off the bench to score that outstanding goal against Mexico in the group stages, he sent a message to the rest of the competition. From then on, he solidified his place in Argentina’s starting XI and contributed significantly to their successful run to the final.
Benfica will at least be aware that they can demand a high price when they eventually sell the Young Player of the Tournament, an exciting midfield talent they may struggle to hold onto in the upcoming months.
CM: Antoine Griezmann (France)
Griezmann was such a revelation for France.
Didier Deschamps gave the Atletico Madrid forward a new, slightly deeper role just before the tournament, and the forward delivered when his manager called for it with a string of outstanding performances.
Although he had a strong work ethic, his creative side still shone through.
LW: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappe bags the Golden Boot.|PHOTO: CBS|
Following his performance in Russia four years ago, Mbappe delivered yet another World Cup masterclass.
The Paris Saint-Germain star led France to the final and won the Golden Boot with eight goals and two assists.
Mbappe should be able to participate in at least two more World Cups, barring any injuries, and if he keeps up his current pace, he could break virtually all existing tournament records.
FWD: Julián Álvarez (Argentina)
Alvarez and Olivier Giroud were neck-and-neck for the award because they both led their teams’ offences with distinction.
But one of the highlights of the World Cup has been the ascent of Alvarez to the international stage, and his lone goal against Croatia will live long in the memory.
Another outstanding attacking talent is at Argentina’s disposal.
RW: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup.|PHOTO: FIFA|
Messi was the star of the show.
What else needs to be said?
Many questioned whether Messi could still perform at the pinnacle of his abilities going into the tournament, and he responded as best he could.
In the semi-final against Croatia, he assisted Julian Alvarez on one of his seven goals, a moment that will live in infamy. A master in action.
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