![]() He not only welcomed exiled players back into the national team but got the likes of Hakim Ziyech to defend in a manner not seen at their clubs.ĭominic Fifield: With a doff of the hat to Regragui, Deschamps remains the man for the World Cup. Morocco played with togetherness, courage and quality.Ĭarl Anka: Regragui managed to fashion the best-coached and most balanced African team I’ve ever seen at a World Cup. What a team Regragui created in every sense - tactically (in and out of possession) and emotionally. He took over only 81 days before their opening World Cup match, against Croatia. Yet, his squad inspired the entire continent of Africa and the Arab world by reaching the semi-finals. All logic dictated it would be a difficult task to quickly implement his style on the team. The lynchpin on which Morocco’s incredible defensive success was built, he not only shielded that defence with the protection of a triple-thick condom but also relieved pressure and then generated it at the other end by intelligently launching counter-attacks. Tim Spiers, London football correspondent and Portugal expert: It was Amrabat. The most World Cup final goals of any player, pulling France out of the depths from 2-0 single-handedly with only the second men’s World Cup final hat-trick ever. Liam Tharme, tactics and data expert: Mbappe’s brilliance deserves acknowledgement. Oliver Kay, senior writer: Messi, Messi, Messi. But Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Mbappe and all the other guys who are on the tifos hanging off the high rises in West Bay you’re miles off, I’m afraid. I came here expecting that to be a closer-run thing. Matt Slater, senior reporter: Everyone is going to say Messi, aren’t they? Even if you could make a case for another player having a more consistently effective tournament, what’s the point? Messi is the man the masses adore. He has truly transcended this tournament. You cannot move in Doha without seeing his shirt on someone’s back. Messi’s story was written in his celestial atmosphere but Mbappe was so electric, it is impossible to take your eyes off him and his achievement in leading France through the final comeback will live long in the memory.Ībi Paterson, podcast producer: How can anyone not say Messi? He’s the man on and off the pitch. Griezmann ran the games, popping up wherever there was space, and was always decisive when he got on the ball, even though he did have a poor final.Īmrabat’s tackle on Mbappe typified his attitude throughout the tournament (Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)Īmy Lawrence, Arsenal and France expert: Mbappe. I’m sure everyone else will say Messi so how about Griezmann? His reinvention as an attacking midfielder was a genius move from Didier Deschamps, giving his team extra creativity in the middle of the pitch in the absence of Paul Pogba. Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tottenham and England reporter: Griezmann. To end a tournament that started so poorly by clutching the trophy felt remarkable, but he inspired the revival. But also the calmness of his penalties, the quality of his movement and creativity, and the speed of his feet, not least when dizzying Josko Gvardiol in the semi-final. He turned up as a relative unknown and bossed the tournament.ĭom Fifield, senior writer: Messi, simply because of the drama of it all. ![]() But Morocco’s defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat needs his flowers. The Frenchman won the Golden Boot and gets my vote.Ĭarl Anka, Manchester United reporter: Messi will get the majority of the plaudits while Mbappe will be crowned as the coming force. His second goal was outstanding and he showed incredible composure to convert two penalties either side of that. ![]() That said, Mbappe single-handedly dragged France back into the final. Messi was outstanding - remarkable to think that he’s 35 years old - and few will begrudge him a World Cup winner’s medal. Stuart James, senior writer: Antoine Griezmann was a strong contender but, realistically, the final made it a two-way fight. The insane passes, memorable goals, dancing and even shithousery towards the Netherlands means he gets the nod. Jay Harris, Brentford reporter: I flicked between Mbappe and Messi in the final, but had to choose the man Argentina fans call God. ![]()
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