SG World Cup team of the group stages
As the World Cup round of 16 is fast approaching, a team of Sports Gazette journalists came together to collate their best eleven players from the group stages.
It was two weeks packed with thrills, spills and upsets and we’ve sifted through it all, painstakingly compiling what we feel is the best team possible.
To preface, the team will be playing 3-5-2 with three honourable mentions and a best manager of the group stages.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
GK – Wojciech Szczęsny
Szczęsny saved two penalties and kept two clean sheets in the group stages.
The first against Saudi Arabia, the second against Argentina after it was harshly judged that he had fouled Lionel Messi.
He is just the third goalkeeper in history to save two penalties in the same World Cup, and simply put, Poland would be packing their bags if it wasn’t for Szczęsny.
CB – Joško Gvardiol
Croatia are unbeaten this year in games that Joško Gvardiol has played in. That may have seemed like a coincidence coming into the tournament but his performances have been eye-opening
The 20-year-old RB Leipzig man has been imperious in the Croatian defence, playing every minute and seeing his team only concede once.
A heroic last-ditch tackle on Romelu Lukaku in the group finale was icing on what has been a cake of sensational performances.
CB – Harry Maguire
Gareth Southgate stuck with his man at the back, and that decision has paid off so far.
The Manchester United defender has made just four league appearances for his club this season, but on the international stage, he is shining once again.
Maguire has started all three games for England, and while he’s been on the pitch they have only conceded one goal.
CB – Harry Souttar
Australia would not have qualified for the knockouts without Harry Souttar and the fact that they have is insane.
Souttar has been an absolute rock for the Socceroos, he’s put his heart on the line at every opportunity and some of the tackles and blocks he has made have been outrageous.
Having this team without an Australian player would have been a travesty and no player is more deserving than Souttar.
LM – Ritsu Dōan
It doesn’t matter what happens in the rest of the tournament – Ritsu Dōan is already a hero in Japan.
The 24-year-old came off the bench against both Germany and Spain and scored to turn both games on their head in under five minutes of being on the pitch.
His goals kickstarted comeback wins against both European giants and helped see Japan through to the knockout stages.
CM – Tyler Adams
The 23-year-old has captained the USA to the knockout stages of a World Cup for a 6th time in the nation’s history.
The Leeds midfielder has proved to be one of the standout players of the tournament, which was particularly illuminated with his performance in the USA’s 0-0 draw with England.
He has won 1.3 aerial duals per 90 and also boasts an 89.1% pass accuracy.
CM – Mateo Kovačić
The Chelsea man has looked on top of his game throughout the group stages and has been integral to everything good about Croatia.
With Luka Modrić not preforming at his usual best, Kovačić has delivered in the centre of the park.
He is averaging 2.7 tackles per game and 1.3 dribbles per game as well as delivering a man of the match performance during Croatia’s 4-1 win over Canada.
RM – Mohammed Kudus
Many had their eyes on Mohammed Kudus as a potential breakout player for this World Cup, and he didn’t disappoint.
Two goals in three games still doesn’t truly quantify his impact for the Ghanaians.
He popped up in numerous positions along the frontline and was Ghana’s most prevalent and viable goal threat.
CAM – Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has played a crucial role for the Portuguese team so far in the tournament.
With two goals and two assists, no player has more goal contributions than Fernandes through three group games.
Contrary to expectations, it is not Cristiano Ronaldo but Fernandes who has left his mark on the World Cup 2022 so far with the Seleção das Quinas.
ST – Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé has scored seven World Cup goals in ten appearances in just two tournaments.
With three goals already he is one away from matching his Russia total and is currently this tournament’s joint-leading scorer.
The superstar scored the two goals against Denmark that booked France’s ticket to the round of 16.
Just one goal behind the World Cup records of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, you wouldn’t bet against Mbappé passing the icons before the tournament is over.
ST – Cody Gakpo
There was a lot of hype around Cody Gakpo in the lead up to this tournament and his performances have only increased that.
The 20-year-old has been the only bright spark in what has been a very disappointing Netherlands team.
Gakpo’s three goals in three games are effectively the sole reason the Dutch have progressed.
It will be interesting to see just how far he can take the Netherlands.
Manager – Hajime Moriyasu
Not many people expected Japan to get out of their group when the draw was originally made, with Spain and Germany clear favourites to progress.
It seems Moriyasu took that as a personal challenge, as Japan not only qualified but finished top of the table.
The Samurai Blue coach masterminded comeback wins against both Spain and Germany, with his substitutions proving pivotal on both occasions.
Honourable Mentions:
Breel Donald Embolo
The Monaco man has two goals across Switzerland’s three group games, bagging the winner in a 1-0 win over Cameroon and a crucial goal in the 3-2 thriller against Serbia to secure their birth in the round of 16.
He may not be the sexiest striker at this tournament, but Embolo is crucial to Swiss success in the group stage as they look to make a charge deep into the competition.
Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala was the best German player at this tournament – at only 19 years old.
Despite his only goal contribution being an assist against Japan, he showed his technique on the ball with great dribbling through which he repeatedly provided creative moments in Germany’s group games.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to see more of him as Germany bowed out in the group stages.
Romain Saïss
Morocco might be the shock team of the tournament thus far, finishing top of Group F ahead of 2018 finalists Croatia and World number 2 Belgium. No player has been more important to the side than veteran Romain Saïss.
The former Wolves man has helped form a rock-solid defence that conceded only one goal in their three matches, while netting a late opening goal in the 2-0 defeat of Belgium.
Saïss has brought versatility, stability and experience to a Morocco team that has punched above their weight and will look to continue their remarkable run against Spain in the round of 16.
Full Team:
Szczęsny
Gvardiol
Maguire
Souttar
Dōan
Adams
Kovačić
Kudus
Fernandes
Mbappé
Gakpo
