After 39 days and 104 matches played in three countries, Spain was crowned world champion.
The European champions added a second World Cup to their collection with a deserved victory over Argentina, who suffered a crushing defeat in extra time in Sunday night’s final. After Ferran Torres scored the only goal, Argentina’s hard-hitting stars made a bold move against their celebrating opponents.
It was a shame to bring the curtain down on a historic World Cup that had grown to 48 teams for the first time. That meant extra matches, changes to the group stage, and ultimately extra drama.
It was much the same in England. Hope and excitement before more heartbreak and regret after losing to Argentina in the semi-finals.
While Donald Trump attended the awards ceremony on the pitch last night, Mirror chief football writer John Cross looked back on the tournament, selected his own winners and named his World Cup eleven…
Who was the best player of my tournament and why?
jude bellingham
It would be easy to say Lionel Messi or Rodri. But since this is my choice as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, it has to be Jude Bellingham.
His seven goals in one competition – the most for an English player – is a feat in itself. But his performance level was so good that I think he would feature in any team in the World Cup finals.
He led England to their best ever World Cup performance on foreign soil – and that’s why I vote for him.
Jude Bellingham was England’s star player, scoring seven goals in a brilliant tournament.
Which was my match in the tournament?
mexico vs england
It was a great opportunity. The atmosphere was great, the stadium was literally shaking and the noise was louder than I’ve ever experienced.
England were heroic, tense, nervous and brilliant.
I’ll never forget it. I kept jumping and buzzing for days afterward. I’ll never forget how lucky I was to cover the World Cup (which is the pinnacle) and it was the best thing I’ve ever done. wonderful.
England’s victory at the Aztecs will long be remembered
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Did you think 48 teams would work and 64 teams would work in the future?
The FA are unsure of this due to reasons such as additional capacity and scheduling. There will be no additional games for the team, but the game schedule will include more games.
They will be able to get past the qualifying rounds twice in each group and regain the sense of crisis that they missed this time. I don’t like the policy of these three people qualifying for some groups but not others. It kills the excitement of the group stage.
Did splitting the World Cup between three countries work?
No, I don’t like it. On several levels. As someone who is passionate about our world and the environment, flying across three countries would be destroying the planet. One idiot even drove across America. For what? Bonkers. I have never traveled alone in a car. Not one.
The altitude also gave Mexico a huge advantage (as much as I loved Mexico City). And the travel and expenses for fans were prohibitive.
Please respect the bloody planet!
Gianni Infantino’s decision to host three World Cup hosts has not been widely accepted
What is your favorite memory from this World Cup?
Mexico vs England.
I’m a passionate England fan. That night will live with me forever. Best game I’ve covered. An epic 5-goal thriller. It’s a great opportunity.
I loved Mexico City (it was my first time in Mexico), the people were so friendly and welcoming, the complete opposite of the security briefing I received. Security tags, be careful, this is a hotspot.
Beautiful country, great achievements, beautiful people. Unforgettable.
Do you agree with our winners? Let us know in the comments
My World Cup XI (4-2-3-1)
Vosinha (Cape Verde)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) Pau Kvarsi (Spain) Cristian Romero (Argentina) Jed Spence (England)
Rodri (Spain) Fabian Ruiz (Spain)
Ousmane Dembele (France) Jude Bellingham (England) Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Kylian Mbappé (France)
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