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The group stage of the 2022 World Cup will be remembered as one of the most entertaining group stages in the tournament’s history. We share our best XI from the first 13 days in Qatar.
Can you believe that we’ve already reached the last 16? Before the madness of the knockout phase begins, let’s champion the standout players from the group stage.
Goalkeeper – Wojciech Szczęsny
It couldn’t be anyone else between the sticks, could it? Wojciech Szczęsny saved not one, but two penalties during the group stage. After denying Salem Al-Dawsari in Poland’s 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, he thwarted the one and only Lionel Messi.
The Juventus stopper is the first goalkeeper since Brad Friedel in 2002 to save two penalties at the same World Cup. That’s why he features in Forebet’s Team of the Group Stage.
Defenders – Achraf Hakimi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Joško Gvardiol
Two well-known African stars and one European youngster comprise our backline. Achraf Hakimi and Kalidou Koulibaly starred for Morocco and Senegal, respectively, while Joško Gvardiol sparkled for Croatia.
Hakimi produced a phenomenal assist against Canada, while Koulibaly scored the winning goal against Ecuador. As for Gvardiol, the 20-year-old centre-back helped Croatia keep two clean sheets.
Midfielders – Ritsu Dōan, Bruno Fernandes, Davy Klaasen, Hakim Ziyech
Having scored in Japan’s victories over Germany and Spain, Ritsu Dōan has become a household name. Bruno Fernandes was already a household name, but his two goals and two assists in two appearances have only enhanced his reputation.
Davy Klassen played a key role in the Netherlands’ group-stage campaign, scoring against Senegal before assisting against Ecuador and Qatar. Meanwhile, Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech grabbed a goal and an assist.
Forwards – Cody Gakpo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé
Cody Gakpo scored in three consecutive group games, firing the Dutch to top spot in Group A. Elsewhere, Lionel Messi bagged two and an assist – including a phenomenal long-range strike against Mexico.
Kylian Mbappé kicked off his World Cup campaign with a goal and an assist in France’s 4-1 victory over Australia. He also netted a double against Denmark, meaning he is one of five players on three goals in the Golden Boot race.
