Several footballers have used the World Cup 2022 as their platform to showcase their talents for the whole world to see, and they’re the main reasons why their teams are all moving on to the Round of 16 knockouts.
These stars have provided us with the World Cup 2022 highlights that we deserve, and we expect more from them as we approach the tournament’s climax.
So, without further ado, continue to read on below as SBOTOP lists down the standouts that caught our eye on the World Cup group stage.
Kylian Mbappe, France
France became the first nation to book their ticket to the knockouts because of Kylian Mbappe. The PSG star looks a cut above every other player at this tournament, and the World Cup 2022 odds have him as the frontrunner for the Golden Boot.
Les Bleus started their World Cup campaign with a bang by drubbing the Socceroos 4-1 in the opener, with him scoring the final goal. And then in a nervy battle against Denmark, Mbappe delivered the heroics via his brace to secure their Round of 16 berth.
France lost to Tunisia last night because Didier Deschamps didn’t deploy his strongest starting XI. However, when Mbappe came on as a sub, he still caused panic in the opposition defence.
Will France become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups? It’s certainly possible with Mbappe leading the way.
Bruno Fernandes, Portugal
While much of the attention in Portugal is focused on Cristiano Ronaldo after he parted ways with Manchester United, we shouldn’t overlook the impact that Bruno Fernandes has for the national team.
Fernandes is undoubtedly Portugal’s most important player since he provides stability and creativity in the midfield.
During their thrilling opener against Ghana, the Manchester United star was the difference-maker as he created goals for Joao Felix and Rafael Leao. In the following game against Uruguay, he scored twice to seal their place in the Round of 16.
He has been directly involved in eight goals in his last five caps for the Selecao (five goals and three assists), and he holds the key to their fortunes in Qatar.
Marcus Rashford, England
Marcus Rashford is back to his very best this season, and his club form has been carried over to the World Cup.
He was a sub in their opener against Iran, but scored during the 71st minute en route to the 6-2 victory. And then against Wales yesterday, he bagged a brace as a starter to clinch England’s Round of 16 spot.
Rashford has come a long way since being a fringe figure for the Three Lions at the Euros and national team boss Gareth Southgate is delighted to see this “different version” of him.
The 25-year-old forward is one of the top contenders for the Golden Boot with three goals so far. Rashford is expected to sign a new lucrative deal with Manchester United if he keeps this up.
Cody Gakpo, Netherlands
Cody Gakpo’s stock is trending up here at Qatar. The PSV Eindhoven winger was a man in demand even before this tournament, so you could only imagine how much he is right now in the transfer market.
Gakpo recorded the first goal of the tournament for Netherlands against Senegal. That game would’ve been a goalless draw if it weren’t for his late heroics.
He also scored the opening goal in their 1-1 draw against Ecuador and did the same against Qatar to essentially seal the top spot in Group A.
For sure he’ll have a ton of suitors who will try to lure him to their squad come January, and it’s a question on whether PSV Eindhoven are willing to sell him.
Gakpo was priced at €50-M during the summer transfer window, but his value should increase by a few more millions if he maintains his fine play.
Lionel Messi, Argentina
In this list, we save the best for the last.
La Albiceleste are through to the Round of 16 because of Lionel Messi. After losing to Saudi Arabia, Argentina were on the brink of elimination, but he kept their hopes alive when he scored against Mexico.
Lionel Messi is human after all, underlined by his two missed penalties in this tournament, but his influence on Argentina at 34 years of age remains invaluable.
Leading his nation to the trophy that they covet most is going to be the greatest achievement of his illustrious career, which certainly adds credence to him being the GOAT in football.
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