FIFA World Cup 2022: Team of the Tournament

Messi and Mbappe lead the way in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Team of the Tournament

The FIFA World Cup 2022 has been a spectacle of the highest order. It has been a carnival that has entertained every football fan on the planet. We have witnessed underdogs punch above their weight and defeat some of the superpowers of world football. 

The story of Morocco’s rise to the global stage will resonate for ages to come. They created history by becoming the first African team to play in a World Cup semi-final. Croatia once again proved that they are a team of world-beaters as they forced their way into the semi-final.

It was heartbreak for some of the biggest stars in the world of football. Ronaldo, Neymar, and Suarez left Qatar with broken hearts. But, Messi and Mbappe’s efforts made sure that fans had the time of their life.

Let’s have a look at the Team of the Tournament of the FIFA World Cup 2022:

Formation 4-3-1-2

Goalkeeper

GK: Dominik Livaković (Croatia)

Livakovic’s incredible run in the World Cup 2022 has caught quite a few eyeballs. The Croatian shot-stopper has been absolutely sensational in between the sticks. His performance against Brazil in the Quarter-finals was by far the best goalkeeping performance of the tournament. Livakovic made around 10 saves in the match against Brazil. He then managed to knock them out with mind-boggling saves in the penalty shootout. The end result might not be that great but his journey is one to praise.

Defenders

RB: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Achraf Hakimi was up and down the right-hand side all day long. He was a potent threat in the opposition half and ensured that he was there to do his defensive duties as well. The PSG full-back teamed up with Ziyech on the right as the duo made life difficult for some of the biggest teams in Europe. Defeating Portugal in the quarter-final was some effort and a lot of credit goes to Hakimi.

CB: Raphaël Varane (France)

Ever since his transfer from Real Madrid to Manchester United life has been difficult for Varane, he has struggled with injuries. But, he has stepped up big time for the French national team in the absence of some of their key players. His interception has been spot-on; in many ways, he has been a leader in the back line.

CB: Joško Gvardiol (Croatia)

Messi might have had the last laugh but apart from the one moment, Gvardiol has been near perfect in the World Cup. His performances have resulted in a lot of big clubs showing interest in signing him up. The Croatian centreback has been brave with his tackles, and his defensive positioning has been second to none.

LB: Marcos Acuña (Argentina)

Acuna might not be starting in the World Cup final but he has one of the best players in that team alongside the likes of Messi and Alvarez. He has been a constant threat on the left-hand side of the field and his deliveries have been exceptional. The Sevilla left-back has this nag of initiating counter-attacks and he has been brilliant with it in the World Cup. His absence from the starting XI might be felt but he might still be the difference if brought on as a substitute.

Midfielders

CM: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)

Sofyan Amrabat was the cornerstone of the Morocco team that created history and became the first African team to feature in a World Cup semi-final. He was all over the pitch, making tackles, winning ariel duels, and initiating attacks. The Fiorentina midfielder played his heart out in Qatar to ensure his team made it as far as possible. It won't be wrong to say that it wasn't Amrabat who was on the pitch, it was Sofyan ‘Kante' Amrabat.

CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni (France)

Tchouameni has stepped up every time he has been asked to. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder has been rock solid in front of the back four. He might not have the clean sheets against his name to showcase what he has done. But, the footballing world understands the value he has brought to this team that has been cursed by injuries. The fact that he has filled the void left due to the absence of Pogba and Kante is something that will be talked about for ages.

CM: Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)

Jose Mourinho has become a big fan of the young Moroccan player. The Portuguese manager has spoken highly about the performance that Ounahi has put in during Morocco’s heroic run in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Around 18 months back he was playing in the third tier of France and now he is a renowned name in world football. Spanish coach Luis Enrique was left stunned by the young midfielder's performance against his team. Ounahi worked tirelessly hard in the center of the field for his and deserves every praise that is coming his way.

CAM: Antoine Griezmann (France)

Griezmann is one of the most hardworking players in that French team. Despite not getting the deserved plaudits, the former Barcelona player did his work and was the engine of the team. He created chances and his link-up plays with Mbappe were mesmerising to watch. The Atlético de Madrid forward has 3 assists to his name and he is the one that needs to be stopped. If he lays it off to Mbappe, things might get ugly for Argentina fans.

Forwards

RF: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi once again decided to take matters into his own hands and write this beautiful journey of Argentina’s quest for a World Cup trophy. It might not have been a solo effort but yet again he was the chief architect. Messi created chances and scored stunners, he has 5 goals and 3 assists to his name in the global event. Most importantly he stood up when the team needed magic and made things happen.

LF: Kylian Mbappé (France)

There is no doubt that Mbappe is one of the best players going around. His performances in the FIFA World Cup 2022 have been second to none. The PSG forward showed no mercy to the defenders and went all out at them with his pace and fierce dribbling. He was a standout performer with 5 goals to his name up until the final.