The group stage of Qatar 2022 ended with several surprises such as the qualification of Japan, Morocco and the quick eliminations of Belgium and Germany. After the first three dates, several expected players have stood out such as Kylian Mbappé, Bruno Fernandes, Virgil Van Djik, among others.
Below is the list of the ideal 11 that stood out in the first phase of the Qatar 2022 World Cup:
Wojciech Szczęsny (Poland)
The Polish goalkeeper for Juventus was a figure for his team in all three games. Against Mexico he had several important saves. Against Saudi Arabia he was the protagonist with a saved penalty and several shots against the Africans. The first goal came against Argentina, although he saved a penalty against Lionel Messi, a possible goal that would have knocked them out of the group stage.
Nicholas Otamendi
Nicolás Otamendi is playing his last World Cup with the Argentina team. After having a good start to the season with Benfica. The Argentine player was the wall in the Argentine defense that only conceded two goals in the three games, both scores in the first game against Saudi Arabia.
Otamendi teamed up with Lisandro Martínez and Cuti Romero, both being the leader of the defense that kept Mexico and Poland goalless. The 34-year-old defender has been one of the safest centre-backs.
Josko Gvardiol
The Croatian centre-back was one of the best Croatian players in the group stage. Gvardiol and the Croatian defense allowed only one goal in the group stage in a 4-1 win over Canada. At only 20 years of age, Gvardiol was one of the best defenders and one who can attract the eyes of the big clubs in the world.
Hakimi Achraf
The Paris Saint Germain right-back was an offensive bulwark for Morocco, one of the surprises of Qatar 2022. The full-back was one of the spearheads in attack and also in defence. Morocco only allowed one goal against Canada in the first three games and they are unbeaten.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes was the best player for Portugal in the group stage. The Manchester United footballer gave two assists in the 3-2 win over Ghana. In the second match he charged the team and scored the two goals against Uruguay that gave them first place in Group H.
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernández was one of the stars that emerged after the defeat against Saudi Arabia. The 21-year-old midfielder came on as a substitute against Mexico and from there he earned a starting position with the Albiceleste team. With an assist and a goal, Enzo has been the push in the midfield for Argentina to reach the round of 16.
casemiro
The Brazilian midfielder continues to be one of the best at number 5. With one goal and defensive quality, Brazil was the only team not to have been hit on target in the first two World Cup games.
Jude Bellingham
A 19-year-old England star who earned a place in the 11th of the Three Lions and has had a World Grand. In his debut he scored a goal against Iran being one of the youngest to score in a World Cup with England.
kylian mbappe
Kylian Mbappé continues to be one of the stars of world football. With 3 goals in the group stage he has led the French attack. At the age of 23, he scored a goal and an assist in his debut against Australia, and a double with Denmark to give the Gauls victory.
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo was also the Netherlands’ revelation in the group stage and was the only player to score in the opening three games (Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar). Powerful, intelligent and, above all, in great shape, the Dutchman is one of the top scorers in the Cup.
Christian Pulisic
The American shone in the group stage with an assist against Wales and then a goal against Iran that qualified for the round of 16 in Qatar 2022. Pulisic, who does not have many minutes at Chelsea FC, shone in the group stage and be a possible trade card in the winter market.