There’s no time to catch your breath. The final tournament will soon be in full swing, but this World Cup has already seen sensational soccer played by sensational players.
This is my best eleven in the group stage. Unfortunately, we have Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in there, so we have to have a loose 4-4-2 formation.
goalkeeper
Vosinha – Cape Verde
So far, he is not only the number one keeper on the tournament’s all-star team, but also number one in individual performance.
The 40-year-old made seven saves in Cape Verde’s opening game against Spain and kept a clean sheet against Saudi Arabia.
Josimar ‘Vosinha’ Diaz, to give his full name, is the central figure in a feel-good story and will continue to be so when he faces the likes of Lionel Messi.
Vosinha was a World Cup hero against Spain (Image: Getty Images)
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defender
Denzel Dumfries – Netherlands
Despite not being perfect on his feet, the right-back, who was confirmed to join Real Madrid on July 1, has been a key player in the Netherlands’ very encouraging group campaign. He’s always been underrated, but he seems to be hitting his stride at the right time.
Pau Kubalsi – Spain
Their defenders are often overlooked but are key to Spain’s play. It was tempting to read too much into the opening draw with Cape Verde, but it was the first of three clean sheets in the group stage. It’s true that their attacking line is still not working well, but at the back they have performed quite flawlessly, and that has a lot to do with Barcelona’s Kvarsi, who has quickly established himself as one of the best central defenders in the world.
Mark Gehi – England
He was surprisingly left out of the squad for England’s opening game against Croatia, but was quickly recalled and played solidly in the games against Ghana and Croatia under manager Thomas Tuchel. Greater challenges lie ahead for Manchester City’s centre-half, but there is no doubt he will remain in the squad and be key to England’s performance against DR Congo and their progress in the remainder of the tournament.
England achieve consecutive clean sheets since recall (Image: AFP or licensor)
Takato Nakamura – Japan
Despite missing several key players, Japan have impressed with their dynamism and adventure, and Nakamura, traded to French second-tier side Reims, was the epitome of that energetic approach. Although nominally a left-back, he is primarily attacking-minded and scored Japan’s opening goal against the Netherlands.
midfielder
Pedro Vite – Ecuador
One of the matches in the first stage was Ecuador’s dramatic victory over Germany, clinching a place in the round of 32. Ecuador have won over fans with their bullish, energetic, all-out approach to the tournament, and central midfielder Pedro Vité is the epitome of that approach. Hardworking but creative, his passion and skills were key to Ecuador’s progress.
Ayyoub Bouadi – Morocco
He was one of the most talked about teenagers taking part in the tournament, with the 18-year-old putting in some stylish performances and his performances against Brazil and Scotland showing a maturity far beyond his years. He only declared for Morocco a month before the World Cup and could have played for France, but he will be one of the hottest names in club football this summer.
Jude Bellingham – England
There is certainly prejudice against British people, but Bellingham reminds everyone of who he is. Aggressive, sometimes too aggressive and physical, he stands out from the first whistle in midfield battles. England fans say Harry Kane needs to perform for England to be successful, but Bellingham is just as important.
Jude Bellingham looks intimidating for England (Image: Jose Breton/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)
forward
Lionel Messi – Argentina
What can you say? Having played every match of the 2022 World Cup, I can honestly say that the 39-year-old Messi is playing better than the 35-year-old Messi. The move to MLS suits him perfectly, he looks in great shape and his game intelligence is off the charts.
Every time he gets something, he seems to create something or do something special. Truly remarkable.
Kylian Mbappé – France
He leads this sensational French team with heroic dignity and his speed, directness and striking power are a joy to watch. Although he can’t help himself at times, Mbappe is truly a generational talent.
Kylian Mbappé is in great form for France (Image: Getty Images)
Worryingly for their French opponents, Mbappé scored four goals in the group stage and looked like he still has a few gears.
Erling Haaland – Norway
Considering it’s his first World Cup, Haaland’s return with four goals in two games is what we expect from him, but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. The goals weren’t classic either, but you know what you’re getting with Haaland. This is the highest level of elite finish.
He’s been around for a long time, but he’s becoming a better all-around player.
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