QATAR 2022 was always going to be a World Cup unlike any other.
Shrouded in controversy from announcement to grand finale, much was rightly made of the appalling conditions for migrant workers and the despicable lack of basic human rights in the host nation.
There was a dark cloud ever present over the tournament from the moment it was first announced 12 years ago - one which not even the obscene riches of Doha could shift.
With life-and-death matters off the pitch taking centre stage in the build-up and throughout the tournament, the decidedly less important issue of the World Cup finals in Qatar aimed to provide a little sparkle and distract the gaze.
But not even a best-ever World Cup contender where Lionel Messi achieved the crowning glory of his career could completely mask a tainted tournament in the Gulf state.
If this was a tournament held almost anywhere else then it would be near-impossible to curtail hours-long discussions on a fascinating finals spectacle.
This was a footballing fest for the history books. African semi-finalists for the first time, previous champions out in the group stage, upsets a plenty and a final which will quite possibly go down as the best ever.
With an embarrassment of talents on display in Qatar, here is my World Cup best XI.
Emiliano Martinez - It would normally be difficult to pick anyone other than the Golden Glove winner as best keeper. In Qatar however, it was a toguher task to give Martinez the nod with Croatia's Dominik Livakovic and Morocco's Yassine Bounou on top form. But Martinez edges it for his stunning shoot-out showings and a match-saving last-gasp stop from Randal Kolo Muani in the dying seconds of extra time in the final.
Josip Juranovic - It's little wonder the Celtic full-back is being tipped with moves as spectacular as Barcelona in January after a terrific campaign. Juranovic was elite in defence for his country, especially in his diligent marshalling of Vinicius Jr in the quarter-final. An honorable mention must go to Achraf Hakimi for a tremendous tournament with Morocco.
Josko Gvardiol - Undoubtedly the standout centre-back in Qatar. The 20-year-old RB Leipzig defender showed all the qualities of a world-class stopper for his nation. Brave, committed, and clever, Gvardiol was a key factor in Croatia's bronze medal efforts and he won't be short of suitors.
Harry Souttar - Perhaps an outside shout but Scotland-born Souttar was colossal in every outing for Australia in Qatar. A man mountain in defence, he was somewhat of a breakout star one year on from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Another almost certain to be the subject of transfer interest.
Theo Hernandez - By all accounts, Hernandez shouldn't have played. Well, it should have been his brother Lucas. But after a nasty injury in the opening match, Theo stepped up and proved his quality as a world-class full-back. Dangerous going forward and switched on defensively - a superb tournament.
Sofyan Amrabat - There won't have been many tipping the Fiorentina midfielder to become the hottest property in the transfer market - but that's exactly what he is. A warrior in midfield, Amrabat was at the centre of everything positive for Morocco and epitomised the grit, determination and obvious quality in the ranks of his nation.
Luka Modric - Absolutely timeless. Modric pulled the strings for Croatia at another World Cup as he played every match on the way to a third-place finish and Bronze Ball award. He effortlessly controlled the midfield in almost every match alongside Mateo Kovacic. He's 37 now and might have played in his final World Cup - if it was, then he can be pleased.
Antoine Griezmann - For many the best player of the tournament heading into the final. Once a striker and little more, Griezmann proved his value in midfield in the Gulf state. A much-needed experienced head to break up attacks, spark counter-attacks and display his unquestionably perfect technique. Desperately unlucky to finish with a silver medal.
Hakim Ziyech - Like so many of the Morocco side, Ziyech excelled in Qatar. Unlike at a club level, where his Chelsea performances have been underwhelming, Ziyech was a creative maestro for his country. Incisive, capable of defence-carving passes, and with an eye for goal to boot, the Moroccan is well worthy of making a team of the tournament.
Lionel Messi - One of, if not, the best. The World Cup triumph was Messi's crowning glory and he was at the peak of his powers in Qatar. Messi was a walking human highlight reel at these finals and at times put his team on his back and demanded greatness. He certainly got it as he capped an incredible career to date with the elusive biggest prize of them all. A fairytale ending, and another trophy-laden chapter in the books for the little genius.
Kylian Mbappe - From the current greatest to the future. The World Cup final was less France vs Argentina and more a knockout bout between the PSG pals. A hat-trick in the final on top of a top-goalscoring display throughout the tournament. Mbappe is most certainly among the best on the planet and isn't going anywhere soon.
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
Defenders: Theo Hernandez, Harry Souttar, Josko Gvardiol, and Josip Juranovic.
Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Luka Modric, Antoine Griezmann.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Hakim Ziyech.
