After 64 matches and and one month of almost daily soccer, the World Cup has come to an end. It was one of the most exciting and intriguing World Cups in recent history, and the competition will be remembered for a long time. The champions who were crowned on Sunday afternoon were France, and who could have possibly predicted that? Well actually me... At the beginning of the World Cup I always felt France had the most complete roster. With world class players in almost every position, and perhaps the next global superstar in Kylian Mbappe, to me they were always the clear favorites. My heart of course wanted England, but as I watched France tear apart Croatia, there was a little part of me that was happy I wasn't subjected to watching England suffer a similar fate.
Picking a team of the World Cup is not an easy task. There have been so many standout players, and so many could warrant inclusion. Below is my attempt to try and pick the best 11 individual players of the last month.
Goalkeeper
In goal I have gone for Belgium and Chelsea number one Thibaut Courtois. It was a close run thing between him and Hugo Lloris, but the Frenchman's howler in the final to give Croatia hope meant I had to go for Courtois. Ultimately he did fall short in his quest to lead Belgium's golden generation to their first major trophy, but he was solid in goal, and his last minute save from Neymar in the quarter final was one of the save's of the tournament.
Defense
There were so many defenders who starred at the World Cup, picking only four is not an easy task. First at right back I have gone for Englishmen Kieran Trippier. His delivery from set pieces were a huge reason as to why England made it to semi's, and he even earned comparison to the legendary David Beckham. His free-kick against Croatia gave England hope of a first final since 1966. On the other side I have gone for Benjamin Pavard. He played most of the tournament of the right, but the World Cup winner is capable in playing anyway across the back four, so for my team, he is going to fill in at left back. The two center backs in my team are from either side of Sundays final. Firstly Raphael Varane. The Real Madrid man followed up Champions League success by winning the World Cup. I believe he was the best defender at the competition and cemented his place as one the very best in the world. Next to him I have Liverpool man Dejan Lovren. Lovren has now lost a Champions League final and World Cup final in a space of two months, but his personal stock has risen immensely. He was solid at every game, even in the final, and earns his place in my team.
Midfield
The formation I have gone is a 4-3-3, and picking the holding midfielder is probably the easiest decision of the lot. Ever since leading Leicester to the Premier League title N'Golo Kante has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. He played every minute of France's games, before being subbed off in the final. He contstanly broke up play and was a big reason behind France's success. Next to him I have Paul Pogba. Pogba has faced a lot of criticism since his move back to England, but he has answered all those critics in the best way possible. A goal in a World Cup final, a World Cup winners medal, and he earned his place in history. He was immense at the World Cup, and if Jose Mourinho can get him to perform like that next season, Manchester United will be dangerous. The final sport in my 3 man midfield goes to Croatian captain Luka Modric. He lead his team superbly. He never seemed to get tired, and never seemed to lose his composure. His mix of technical ability, and bravery and leadership was key to Croatia making it as far as they did.
Attack
The first spot in my attack goes to the first teenager to score in a World Cup Final since 1958. Kylian Mbappe firmly announced himself on the world stage, as is already one of the best players in the world. Is it frightening to think he is just 19. He scored 4 goals at the competition, and is one of the most exciting players in world football. On the left I have for Belgium man Eden Hazard. He was key to Belgium's success, and deserved to make it to the final. His performance against Brazil was a highlight, and it is easy to see why Real Madrid want him to replace the outgoing CR7. The final spot was a tricky one for me. I could have easily gone for Olivier Giroud. He didn't score at the World Cup, but his hold up and build up play was key to France's success. Ultimately though it had to be Antoine Greizmann. Like Mbappe he also scored four times at the World Cup, and always seemed to be dangerous. My team is illustrated in the graphic below, let me know who would have made your team that I have missed out!
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