The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has reached it’s pinnacle with Argentina set to face the mighty French to decide the winner of the highest prize in the sport of Football.
The Qatar World Cup has witnessed upsets, heartbreaks and ecstasy of the highest level. Even with the likes of Brazil, Portugal, England, Spain and Germany getting eliminated before the semi-finals, the showpiece event has been a treat to watch.
The amount of talent we have witnessed at the World Cup is one of the main reasons that it is one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet with almost the half of the world expected to tune in for the grand finale.
That said, here are the 10 standout players of the tournament till now.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Morocco have been the surprise package, as well as the giant-killers in this edition of the World Cup, beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to the semi-finals in Qatar. They have the best defensive record in the competition with just one goal conceded in five games, and Achraf Hakimi has been a big part of it.
Hakimi has been consistent with his performances, offering defensive solidity as well as attacking impetus to Walid Regragui’s side. In terms of pedigree and international experience, he is one of the top players in this Moroccan side. The PSG full-back converted an ice-cool ‘Panenka’ in the shootout against Spain to send his nation to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
- Rodrigo de Paul (Argentina)
While Lionel Messi has been the creative hub of Argentina, Rodrigo de Paul has held their midfield together with energy, tenacity, work rate and leadership skills at this World Cup.
De Paul has played every single game of the tournament, which shows the trust head coach Lionel Scaloni has in him. He was a big doubt to feature against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals but still managed to give 66 minutes of tireless and gritty action.
The 28-year-old has been part of a strong midfield trio alongside Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, helping La Albiceleste to the final. Argentina have played with energy, intensity and spirit in Qatar, and no one personifies their approach more than De Paul.
- Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)
Josko Gvardiol has enhanced his burgeoning reputation further as one of the best young defenders in European football with a series of eye-catching displays at the World Cup.
The centre-back, 20, has been a key player for Croatia, who pulled off the shock of the tournament beating Brazil in the quarter-finals. He has been rock-sold alongside Dejan Lovren in central defence, playing a pivotal role in helping the Croat boast one of the best defensive records in the tournament.
- Dominik Livakovic (Croatia)
Dominik Livakovic has been an instrumental figure in Croatia’s run to the World Cup semi-finals.
The Croatian shot-stopper, 27, has been one of the stars in Qatar, producing man-of-the-match performances against Japan and Brazil in the round of 16 and quarter-finals, respectively. He became only the third goalkeeper in history to save three penalties in a World Cup shootout against Japan, before following it up with 11 saves against Brazil and keeping out Rodrygo’s penalty in the shootout.
If Croatia are to beat Argentina and make it to their successive World Cup final, Livakovic must enjoy another memorable night in the Middle East.
- Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)
Sofyan Amrabat has arguably been the standout performer for Morocco, earning accolades from fans and pundits alike.
Operating as the midfield anchor, Amrabat, 26, has been the beating heart of the Atlas Lions and one of the key reasons behind their historic run to the semi-finals of the World Cup. The Fiorentina star nullified the likes of Pedro and Gavi in the quarter-finals against Spain whilst limiting the influence of Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes, Otavio, and Bernardo Silva in the semis.
For Morocco to prevail against high-flying France, Amrabat must deliver another top display in the middle of the park.
- Marcelo Brozovic (Croatia)
A key part of Croatia’s success in this showpiece event is their midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic.
Brozovic, who sits at the base of Croatia’s midfield, hogs the least of the limelight among their famed troika but continues to do his job with sheer grit, determination and energy. More in the mould of a deep-lying playmaker, the Inter Milan star likes to act as a bridge between the defence and midfield.
After keeping Brazil’s attacking riches quiet for most parts of the game in the quarter-finals, Brozovic faces an uphill task to keep the mighty Lionel Messi and Argentina at bay in the last four.
- Luka Modric (Croatia)
Luka Modric has received plaudits from all corners of the world throughout a glittering career, and at the ripe age of 37, he is still willing to run the hard yards for his nation.
A box-to-box midfielder, Modric contributes in every phase of the game and makes Croatia tick. He is the captain and leader of Zlatko Dalic’s side, and has shown no signs of slowing down at the World Cup. The Real Madrid superstar, who is a hero in his homeland, will be in the spotlight at the Lusail Stadium to try to capture the only piece of silverware missing in his glamorous career.
If Modric can lead Croatia to a second consecutive World Cup final, and this time win it, he will certainly earn the status of a demigod among the supporters.
- Olivier Giroud (France)
Olivier Giroud has been perhaps playing his best football this year. With all eyes on Kylian Mbappe at the World Cup, Giroud has continued to thrive in a French shirt under the radar.
The veteran striker, 36, became France’s all-time male record goalscorer in the 3-1 win over Poland in the last 16. He bagged his 53rd goal for Les Blues on Sunday, scoring a thumping header to knock England out of the World Cup.
With four goals in four games, Giroud is firmly in the race for the Golden Boot in Qatar.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi has proven himself a great captain and leader with his actions on and off the pitch in Qatar, and he’s arguably the biggest reason Argentina is close to making its second final in the past three World Cups.
Dubbed the greatest to ever grace the game by millions, Messi has been at his sublime best and delivered top moments throughout the campaign. With four goals and two assists, the Argentinean playmaker has proved almost unplayable at times, rolling back the years with his dribbling, speed, creativity and vision.
This will no doubt be the last chance to keep his World Cup dream alive, and Messi is expected to fight like a Lion to get his icy hands on the only silverware that has eluded him in his glittering career so far.
- Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappe has been at his devastating best for France and might well win Player of the Tournament.
The 23-year-old forward has five goals and two assists in five games for Les Blues and has the best opportunity to solidify himself as a global superstar alongside the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, thus, eventually becoming the greatest of all time.
The PSG star has been scintillating to watch throughout the World Cup tournament, playing a big role in France’s qualification to the last four, even though he was quiet by his standards against England in the quarter-finals. Mbappe is vital to Les Blues defending their title in Qatar.