Forebet’s Team of the Group Stage

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The group stage of the 2022 World Cup will probably be remembered as probably the most entertaining group phases within the event’s historical past. We share our greatest XI from the primary 13 days in Qatar.

Are you able to imagine that we’ve already reached the final 16? Earlier than the insanity of the knockout section begins, let’s champion the standout gamers from the group stage.

Goalkeeper – Wojciech Szczęsny

It couldn’t be anybody else between the sticks, may it? Wojciech Szczęsny saved not one, however two penalties in the course of the group stage. After denying Salem Al-Dawsari in Poland’s 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, he thwarted the one and solely Lionel Messi.

The Juventus stopper is the primary goalkeeper since Brad Friedel in 2002 to save lots of two penalties on the similar World Cup. That’s why he options in Forebet’s Crew of the Group Stage.

Defenders – Achraf Hakimi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Joško Gvardiol

Two well-known African stars and one European teenager comprise our backline. Achraf Hakimi and Kalidou Koulibaly starred for Morocco and Senegal, respectively, whereas Joško Gvardiol sparkled for Croatia.

Hakimi produced an exceptional help towards Canada, whereas Koulibaly scored the successful purpose towards Ecuador. As for Gvardiol, the 20-year-old centre-back helped Croatia hold two clear sheets.

Midfielders – Ritsu Dōan, Bruno Fernandes, Davy Klaasen, Hakim Ziyech

Having scored in Japan’s victories over Germany and Spain, Ritsu Dōan has develop into a family title. Bruno Fernandes was already a family title, however his two targets and two assists in two appearances have solely enhanced his repute.

Davy Klassen performed a key position within the Netherlands’ group-stage marketing campaign, scoring towards Senegal earlier than helping towards Ecuador and Qatar. In the meantime, Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech grabbed a purpose and an help.

Forwards – Cody Gakpo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé

Cody Gakpo scored in three consecutive group video games, firing the Dutch to prime spot in Group A. Elsewhere, Lionel Messi bagged two and an help – together with an exceptional long-range strike towards Mexico.

Kylian Mbappé kicked off his World Cup marketing campaign with a purpose and an help in France’s 4-1 victory over Australia. He additionally netted a double towards Denmark, which means he’s one among 5 gamers on three targets within the Golden Boot race.