Mbappe, Ronaldo in All-Star XI
The practice of forming an all-star XI is prevalent even for dud tournaments. How can the World Cup, the mother and father of all tournaments, miss out on the honour?
Before your blood pressure shoots up, please understand that the list is purely based on the performance in Russia. So don’t get worked up if you don’t find Lionel Messi in the team. He is one of the greatest players of all time but he didn’t play like one here. Neither does the list include top-scorer Harry Kane because three of his six goals came from the penalty spot. Goalkeeper — Thibaut Courtois (Belgium): If Brazil are back home now, this towering fellow is the reason. His performance was the difference against the marauding Brazilians in the pulsating quarterfinal. Courtois, whose height is a huge plus for him, will be reliable between the sticks. Right-back — Benjamin Pavard (France): The 22year-old has come of age on the grandest stage. In addition to scoring the goal of the tournament against Argentina, a swerving half-volley from the edge of the box, the baby-faced player hasn’t done badly in defence either. Centre-back — Samuel Umtiti (France): The Barcelona player is enjoying an outstanding World Cup, with the winner against Belgium being the highlight. He always spots danger first. Umtiti made some crucial clearances to keep the scoreline goalless until half-time in the semifinal. It proved to be crucial to the end. Centre-back — Yerry Mina (Colombia): With three goals, he is the top scorer for defenders in Russia. His aerial prowess is second to none. With an imposing physique, Mina is an intimidating defender. The Barcelona player was one of the revelations at the World Cup. Left-back — Marcelo (Brazil): It is difficult not to fall in love with this allaction defender. Injury prevented him from facing Mexico in the Last 16 but he was outstanding against Belgium as Brazil cranked up the pressure in search of the equaliser. His spirit is a big plus for him. Defensive midfielder — N’Golo Kante (France): The Chelsea player is so effective that this all-star XI will have only one defensive midfielder instead of the usual two. Kante has done enough to be a contender for the Golden Ball award but it will only go to players in glamorous positions. Nobody has done the donkey’s job better than this guy in Russia. Creative midfielder — Eden Hazard (Belgium): He did everything except scoring against France in the semifinal. The French were more interested in stopping him from setting up goals than scoring themselves. No wonder Hazard was left frustrated at the negative style of France. His talent deserves a World Cup winners’ medal. Creative midfielder — Luka Modric (Croatia): If the World Cup has thrown up a superstar, it is the Real Madrid midfielder. His robust performances here are in stark contrast to his slight build. The way Modric skips past challenges is a joy to behold. At 32, he is at peak. Right-side forward — Kylian Mbappe (France): He single-handedly destroyed Argentina to leave the football world drooling over his talent and maturity. Sky is the limit for the 19-year-old. With Thierry Henry’s pace and Brazilian Ronaldo’s finish, he is a complete package. You will keep hearing about Mbappe quite often. Centre-forward — Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): Although he wasn’t able to inspire his team against Uruguay in the quarterfinal, he would be unstoppable with more creative midfielders behind him. Scoring a hat-trick against Spain was no mean feat and the third was a sublime free kick. Sorry Messi, Ronaldo has to be accommodated. Left-side forward — Denis Cheryshev (Russia): Few would have heard about this player before the World Cup and he is now a household name. That is the power of the World Cup. His left-foot, which scored two of the event’s most pleasing goals, is worth its weight in gold. If he leaves Villarreal soon, don’t be surprised. Formation: 4-1-2-3. Coach: Zlatko Dalic (Croatia).