The verdict fell this Sunday evening after a totally crazy meeting and a match with rare suspense. Led by his hero Lionel Messi, crowned for the first time in his career, Argentina thus won the third star in its history, after 1978 and 1986, to the detriment of the Blues (3-3, 4-2 on tab). This 22nd World Cup final will have above all closed in apotheosis a tournament very widely decried at its beginnings. From the Brazilian rout to the Argentinian coronation through the waking dream of Moroccans and the new tricolor epic, this competition will have known many twists and turns. More than laughter and tears, specific to the greatness of the event, this World also revealed many players. What concoct an eleven type.
– Emiliano Martinez: divisive, provocative, even exasperating for some, the last rampart of the Albiceleste remains one of the great architects of the coronation of his people. Solid on his line throughout the World Cup, the doorman of Aston Villa, heated by the declarations of Kylian Mbappé, once again released the big game during the decisive penalty shootout against the Blues. A stoppage against Coman, a destabilization that paid off against Tchouaméni and another disconcerting celebration in front of the cameras when receiving the trophy for best goalkeeper in the competition. Perfect summary of his epic in Qatar.
– Nicolas Otamendi: criticized for his debut in the Argentinian jersey and held as one of the main responsible for the debacle experienced against Germany in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup, the current defender of Benfica has since completely transformed. Very reassuring throughout the competition, the former Porto and Manchester City player has established himself as the boss of the Albiceleste defense. With 36 duels won, 10 interceptions and very few dribbles suffered, Otamendi reigned supreme. From the bad student seen at the Cape Town Stadium to the solidity displayed on the Qatari lawns, the progression is disconcerting. Performances rewarded with a first star on the world stage.
– Josko Gvardiol: sparkling throughout this World Cup, the masked Vatreni man disgusted all the opposing attackers … before Lionel Messi reminded him that he was on a mission. Apart from this impotence in the face of genius, the rest is impressive. Precious tackles, life-saving returns, constant solidity in the duel, imperial in the air. A boss-sized World Cup which should, most certainly, open the doors to a bright future for him. Manchester City have seen it all.
– Dayot Upamecano: Called up by Didier Deschamps to compete in the first World Cup in its history, DayHot Upamecano didn’t miss out. Dominant in duels, valuable in deep situations, inspired to raise, the defender of Bayern Munich has proven that he is, today, one of the most complete defenders in the world. Alongside Varane or Konaté, the Ebroïcien, affected by the virus and absent against the Atlas Lions, has only very rarely been taken from behind, like his breathtaking performances against Australia or Denmark again. The outcome of the Stade de Lusail, this Sunday, December 18, will still leave him with a bitter taste.
-Sofyan Amrabat: A substitute for Fiorentina last season, the 26-year-old defensive midfielder will most certainly never see the bench again. Author of an XXL World Cup and very symbol of the historic journey by the Atlas Lions, the Moroccan is logically part of this typical team. Indisputable holder in the sentry position in the middle at 3, the native of Huizen (south-east of Amsterdam) was monstrous during the group stage and even more against Spain then Portugal or even against France while playing with a back injury. With an impressive volume of play, he remains one of the great revelations of this World Cup.
-Luka Modric: let’s talk about revelation for some, rather let’s talk about confirmation for others. Unhappy finalist in Russia despite an exceptional World Cup, the 2018 Ballon d’Or has recurred on the side of Doha. No goal or assist in the hands of the Croatian but the Real Madrid midfielder once again shone in the Vatreni midfield. Great craftsman of the third place gleaned by the men of Zlatko Dalić, his capital performance realized against Brazil is still available in replay. A 37-year-old virtuoso who will inevitably leave a big void when he decides to hang up.
– Enzo Fernández: placed on the bench at the start of the competition before joining the eleven in the third match against Poland, the Benfica player quickly established himself as an indisputable starter for Lionel Scaloni and his inexperience on the international scene did not clearly not felt. Rewarded with the trophy for the best young player in the competition, his activity in the midfield proved essential for the Albiceleste in the conquest of the world title. Impressive in the recovery of the ball, its quality of orientation in the game is also to be noted. Lieutenant of Lionel Messi, the 21-year-old midfielder should quickly see the European leaders position themselves.
– Antoine Griezmann: a failed final, of course. But then for the rest… what to say. Withdrawn into the position of midfielder since the start of the World Cup, the handyman of the Blues has chained races, pressing phases, recoveries in several compartments of the field and even often in the surface of the Blues, with some key rescues throughout the four weeks of competition. Just technically, like this world-class semi-final against Morocco, the Colchoneros player sublimated the French game in Qatar. Difficult then to blame the native of Mâcon for this final missed meeting as his contribution throughout the competition will have been precious.
-Lionel Messi: some would definitely say the GOAT. And for good reason, the work produced by the Pulga in this Mondial has a particular resonance. Let’s pass the tears of his best enemy, CR7, this star won on the gong against the Blues certainly places the sevenfold Ballon d’Or at the top of this sport. Named best player of the tournament, the one who totals 7 goals and 3 assists in Qatar has not stopped carrying his own, like this final marked by a new double and a chilling composure to transform his penalty. If some like Zlatan Ibrahimovic were already summoning destiny, Messi was responsible for writing it. Genius.
– Kylian Mbappe: brilliant, impressive, insufficient. The final of the native of Bondy is in the image of his tournament. Sometimes transparent, often sickening, the Paris Saint-Germain striker shone during this World Cup. Top scorer in the competition with 8 goals – and two assists – his historic hat-trick scored against the Argentinians was ultimately not enough. A cruel fate for the French number 10 which does not remove the dimension taken by the Parisian on the world stage. Decisive against Australia, executioner of Denmark and Poland, catalyst against Morocco and brilliant against the Albiceleste, Mbappé will have done everything to win his second star. A gift flown away, by little, for the one who will blow out his 24th candle, this Tuesday.
-Julian Alvarez: the future of the Albiceleste at the forefront of the attack is assured. For his first World Cup, the new Manchester City striker shone. Author of 4 goals in 7 matches, the 21-year-old striker was able to support Lionel Messi perfectly. Like his double and his performance against Croatia in the semi-finals, the Calchín prodigy has entered a new dimension. To the delight of Lionel Scaloni but also of Pep Guardiola, already coach of a certain Erling Haaland…
The typical team of the competition: Martinez – Otamendi, Gvardiol, Upamecano – Amrabat, Modric, Fernandez, Griezmann – Messi, Mbappe, Alvarez.
Replacements: Dominik Livaković, Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi, Romain Saiss, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Olivier Giroud.
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