Another World Cup is in the books as the dust settles on a thrilling 2022 tournament and perhaps the greatest final showdown of all time.
The most controversial edition of football’s biggest competition ended in unforgettable fashion, with two of the game’s most celebrated superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe duking it out in remarkable style in an unmissable duel that ended in all the drama of a penalty shootout.
Ultimately Argentina held their nerve to end a 36-year wait for their third World Cup triumph, with Messi cementing his legacy and place among the true sporting icons as France failed to emulate Pele’s great Brazil teams of 1958 and 1962 by retaining the title won in Russia, despite Mbappe matching 1966 hero Sir Geoff Hurst with a brilliant hat-trick.
From Messi’s fairytale to history-making Morocco, persistent overachievers Croatia, England heartbreak and Cristiano Ronaldo circus, there was certainly no shortage of storylines and big players stepping up to the plate, with others emerging to stamp their reputations on the game.
Here, Standard Sport’s football writers each pick their teams of the tournament...
Dan Kilpatrick
(4-3-3): Martinez; Hakimi, Romero, Gvardiol, T Hernandez; Amrabat, Fernandez, Griezmann; Messi, Alvarez, Mbappe.
Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat and Argentina pair Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez were outstanding and the tournament's breakthrough stars. Emiliano Martinez was the hero of Argentina's two shootout wins and a huge presence in front of the impressive Cristian Romero.
Antoine Griezmann was a revelation in a new midfield role for France and Theo Hernandez caught the eye. Achraf Hakimi proved himself one of the world's best right-backs and Croatia's Josko Gvardiol had a fine tournament, despite being turned inside out by Messi. Messi and Mbappe need no explanation.
Malik Ouzia
4-3-3: Martinez; Hakimi, Saiss, Gvardiol, Guerreiro; Amrabat, Modric, Griezmann; Messi, Alvarez, Mbappe.
All four semi-final ‘keepers were great, but Martinez ultimately won the World Cup with his saves in extra time and the shootout.
There were virtually no good left-backs - I’ve seen Theo Hernandez and Marcos Acuna in plenty of these teams and neither can defend. Raphael Guerreiro is a very tentative pick.
Central midfield was hotly-contested with Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Alexis Mac Allister and Fernandez all unlucky.
The forward line probably picks itself, with honourable mentions to Cody Gakpo, Bukayo Saka and Olivier Giroud.
Simon Collings
4-3-3: Martinez; Hakimi, Saiss, Gvardiol, Hernandez; Griezmann, Amrabat, Bellingham; Messi, Alvarez, Mbappe.
Martinez takes the goalkeeper spot after starring in the final’s penalty shootout, although France’s Hugo Lloris and Morocco’s Yassine ‘Bono’ Bounou pushed him.
In defence, the back four largely picks itself given Morocco’s brilliant defence and, despite a poor semi-final against Messi, Gvardiol was otherwise excellent for Croatia. There were limited options at left-back, but Theo Hernandez just gets the nod having been solid in the absence of his brother, Lucas.
In midfield, youngsters Azzedine Ounahi and Fernandez are unlucky to miss out. Griezmann and Amrabat were bankers and Bellingham joins them after becoming a leader for England at the age of 19.
Mbappe and Messi are obviously in the forward line, and they’re joined by Alvarez, who nudges out Giroud. At 22, Alvarez is a star of the future.
Nizaar Kinsella
4-3-3: Martinez; Hakimi, Varane, Gvardiol, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Bellingham, Modric; Messi, Mbappe, Greizmann.
Bellingham is the only non-semi-finalist to make the XI after starring for England. Along with Mbappe, he is one of the players flying the flag for the next generation.
Three Morocco players make my XI after their amazing defensive displays, with full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui alongside defensive midfielder Amrabat. Griezmann is in after excelling in all the matches except the final.
