Some tough decisions had to be made here.
SportsJOE have selected our FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament, and although the players selected are undoubtly deserving of their place, a few can feel hard done by.
There are some obvious choices that pretty much pick themselves, the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, but after that, it’s nip and tuck.
The fine journalists of SportsJOE have all selected their own starting XI before agreeing on an official one, so let’s have a look at the individual ones first.
Robert Redmond’s World Cup XI
Martinez
Hakimi, Varane, Gvardiol, Juranović
Modric, Amrabat, Griezmann
Messi, Alvarez, Mbappe
Lee Costello’s World Cup XI
Martinez
Hakami, Stones, Gvardiol, Juranović
Fernandez, Amrabat, Mac Allister
Messi, Griezmann, Mbappe
Niall McIntyre’s World Cup XI
Martinez
Hakami, Saiss, Gvardiol, Juranović
Fernandez, Amrabat, Ounahi
Griezmann
Messi, Mbappe
The official SportsJOE World Cup Team of the Tournament
Here is the combined XI that was definitely agreed on, with absolutely zero fallouts, and I’m sure the lads who haven’t texted me back are just super busy.
1. Emiliano Martínez
The Argentina goalkeeper isn’t the best number one in the world, but you can’t deny that this was his tournament. His heroics during penalty shootouts, his celebrations, dances, and even the shithousery, he was just box office.
2. Achraf Hakimi
Morocco was a shining light in this competition, and Hakimi was right at the heart of everything that was so brilliant about them.
The PSG star was fantastic in every game, and was the coolest man on the pitch when he slotted home the penalty that knocked out Spain, one the tournament’s big hitters.
3. Raphaël Varane
The Manchester United star was a stalwart at the heart of the French defence and helped them reach the final for the second time in a row.
4. Joško Gvardiol
One of the real breakout stars of the tournament, the Croatia youngster was a revelation for his team in defence and a source of great attacking prowess when going forward.
In an ageing squad Gvardiol injected a much needed burst of youthful exuberance, flair, and energy to this team, and will surely be one of the names on top of the big club’s Christmas lists.
5. Josip Juranović
Another Croatia star who performed out his skin at this competition was Juranović. A big reason why they were so hard to beat was because of the wonderfully organised and brave defence they had.
The Celtic star proves that the SPL isn’t the substandard level of football that it’s often accused of being, however it is likely that big clubs with big bank accounts will be sniffing around the full back.
6. Sofyan Amrabat
What a monster this player has been, an absolute beacon for his country on their incredible journey, Amrabat played like a man possessed.
The passion was just pouring out of him as he put his body on the line time and time again to help his nation make history.
7. Enzo Fernandez
You don’t get Young Player of the Tournament for nothing, and the Benfica star was brilliant for Argentina, and even got himself a wonder-goal against Mexico.
Liverpool are already in the race to sign him, and the 21-year-old has a huge future ahead of him.
8. Luka Modric
There are no more superlatives to describe this man, a complete wizard in the middle of the park and could give Benjamin Button a run for his money when it comes to staying young.
9. Antoine Griezmann
A world class striker reinvented himself as a world class midfielder in this World Cup, and the Atletico Madrid star has shown everyone why he is still one of the very best footballers on the planet.
10. Lionel Messi
If you need an explanation for this selection, then you don’t really know anything about football.
11. Kylian Mbappe
Golden Boot winner, scored a hat trick n the final, only 23 years old but has played in two World Cup finals, has the most goals ever in a final, and is already sitting tight with 12 WC goals in total, the same tally as Pele – that ought to be reason enough.
Related links:
- Roy Keane endears himself to Argentina fans with call-back to his biggest World Cup criticism
- A look back on Lionel Messi’s most important goal for Argentina ever
- Lionel Messi confirms he is the greatest as Argentina beat France in the World Cup final
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