The group stage of the 2022 World Cup has been wrapped up, so it’s a good time to acknowledge the players who really impressed in the first round of this controversial tournament.
Big teams fell and some nations made history. Many are hoping this is the start of a glorious few weeks in Qatar. For others, simply winning a match or reaching the round of 16 is a success.
Which players made the difference for their country? Here’s our XI of the World Cup group stage.
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczęsny
Poland had been saved by Wojciech Szczęsny a few times even before he denied Lionel Messi from the spot on Wednesday. As it turned out, conceding a third against Argentina would have sent Poland home.
Szczęsny finished the group stage with a post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed figure of +3.6, which is double that of second place. The former Arsenal goalkeeper hasn’t even matched that number in a full season since his +4.1 in 2019-20.
Right-back: Josip Juranovic
Part of a Croatia defence which kept two clean sheets in a challenging group, Josip Juranovic has earned 19 of his 24 caps for the Vatreni since the start of last year.
The runners-up in Russia were not box office from a live betting perspective, but they got the job done and have a favourable tie in the round of 16.
Credited with an assist in the 4-1 drubbing of Canada, Juranovic was a solid performer throughout the first phase of the competition. He averaged two tackles and interceptions per match, plus 1.7 clearances and a block.
Centre-back: Harry Souttar
With 6.7 clearances, 1.3 blocks and 3.7 aerial duels won per match, Harry Souttar’s statistical case matches the eye test.
Souttar entered this tournament with just 90 minutes of football under his belt since injuring his ACL in 2021, but showed no signs of rust as the leader of Australia’s back line.
Souttar exhibited his passing range when given the opportunity, too. Able to start attacks and willing to put his body on the line, it is no surprise Souttar has already been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Centre-back: Harry Maguire
Out of form and favour at Manchester United, Harry Maguire’s position in the England XI was a subject of debate in the lead up to this tournament.
Gareth Southgate, though, has been unwavering in his support of Maguire, and that faith has been repaid.
Maguire has been a consistent and often vital performer for England under Southgate’s stewardship. He appears to have again hit his best form at the right time, with a particularly impressive showing in the tactical battle against the USA.
Left-back: Jordi Alba
Spain’s World Cup betting results faded through the group stage, ending with a defeat to Japan.
Their four points from two matches were partly down to the play of veteran left-back Jordi Alba – the 33-year-old had assists in the win over Costa Rica and draw with Germany.
Alba is not quite as rapid as he was in his pomp. The pace is still great, though, and he was active out of possession with 2.7 tackles and interceptions accompanying his 1.3 key passes per match.
Central Midfielder: Tyler Adams
Operating at the base of the United States midfield, Tyler Adams is the heartbeat of Gregg Berhalter’s side.
He registered 13 tackles and interceptions in three matches, along with five clearances, while averaging 61.3 passes on just under 90% pass completion.
The Stars and Stripes conceded just one goal in three matches. Adams’ presence in midfield was a huge part of their defensive effort – they probably don’t reach the round of 16 without him.
Central Midfielder: Jude Bellingham
Starting off with the first goal in England’s 6-2 win over Iran, Jude Bellingham followed up his guided header with a complete midfield performance.
Doing a bit of everything at a high level in the opening match, Bellingham proved why he is arguably the most sought after player in world football.
The USA did well to nullify the former Birmingham midfielder, but he was again influential in a more advanced position in England’s 3-0 win against Wales and will have a huge role to play if the Three Lions are to match or better their semi-final showing in Russia.
Attacking Midfielder: Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus fired off eight shots in three group stage starts, scoring twice in Ghana’s win over South Korea. Only Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies averaged more dribbles per match than Kudus (3.3).
Utilised in different roles throughout the group stage, and popping up all over the pitch, Kudus was Ghana’s biggest threat throughout the tournament.
It wasn’t to be for the Black Stars in an ultra-dramatic Group H, but Kudus’ stock continues to rise.
Forward: Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo entered the World Cup under considerable pressure after persistent links with a big-money move to Manchester United. He lived up to his ascending reputation, scoring three of the Netherlands’ five goals in Group A.
After a double-double in the Eredivisie last season, Gakpo has continued that scorching form for PSV Eindhoven, scoring nine and assisting 12 before the season was halted for the World Cup.
Louis van Gaal will hope the 23-year-old can keep performing at this level deep into the competition.
Forward: Ritsu Dōan
It takes something special for a player with just one start to make the Team of the Group Stage.
Ritsu Dōan, though, was a difference maker for Japan as the Samurai Blue remarkably topped their group ahead of Spain and Germany.
Dōan scored the first goal for Japan in their wins over La Roja and Die Mannschaft, completely transforming their’s attack on both occasions. Few players can rival Dōan’s impact on the group stage, even if he clocked just 131 minutes.
Forward: Kylian Mbappe
Scorer of three goals in the first two matches, Kylian Mbappe was at his scintillating best, and will be featuring in the nightmares of Danish and Australian defenders for months to come.
France are missing several key players, but they have a significant chance at defending their crown as long as Mbappe is fit. He has been the best player in Qatar through the first phase of the tournament.
