The 2018 FIFA World Cup ended on Sunday after a very entertaining final, where France emerged victorious after beating Croatia 4-2 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Russia.
Below is FIFA’s 2018 World Cup Team of the tournament:
Striker – Romelu Lukaku – (Belgium)
Romelu Lukaku, scored four goals in what has been an excellent tournament for the Manchester United star.
Lukaku’s movement off the ball was phenomenal and his finishing in front of goal was clinical.
His ability to use his strength to get in front of defenders and retain possession has earned him a spot in the team of the tournament.
Left-wing – Eden Hazard – (Belgium)
Chelsea ace, Eden Hazard scored three goals and assisted in two to earn a spot in the Team of the Tournament
Hazard was a leader and an excellent sportsman throughout the tournament.
His speed and trickery proved very valuable when the Belgians were looking to break down defences.
Right-wing – Kylian Mbappe – (France)
The Paris Saints-Germain star, Kylian Mbappe has been the talk of the tournament.
The 19-year-old scored four goals in France’s campaign, including a historic goal in the final.
Mbappe was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament award.
He used his pace and clinical finishing in front of goal to trouble some of the world’s best defenders.
Centre-midfield – Kevin De Bruyne – (Belgium)
Manchester City star, Kevin De Bruyne helped Belgium to their best ever finish in World Cup history.
De Bruyne was at the heart of the Belgium midfield and his ball playing abilities and long-range passes were world-class all throughout the tournament.
Centre-midfield – N’Golo Kante – (France)
Chelsea star, N’Golo Kante is often the unrecognized hero of his team and doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. This World Cup was no exception for it.
The midfielder was dominant in every game leading up to the final, but an underwhelming 50-minute spell saw his World Cup final cut short.
He was persistent in all the other games and his work ethic and ability to cut out the play in the midfield is one to be marvelled at.
Centre-midfield – Luka Modric (Croatia)
The Golden ball winner, Luka Modric restated his talent for the world to see. The Real Madrid star was at the heart of his nation’s success.
Modric effectively controlled the tempo of the game and played some intricate passes into his strikers.
He has been performing at this level for years, and after this tournament, he can be in contention for the world’s best player award.
Left-back – Lucas Hernandez (France)
Lucas Hernandez was originally set to be a squad player for France, however, his impressive qualification campaign earned him a starting spot in Didier Deschamps’ side.
The 22-year-old’s versatility came through in this tournament, as he provided support for both the defence and the attack.
Centre-back – Harry Maguire (England)
Harry Maguire, who is the current Leicester City’s player of the year, continued his great run of form from the league into this year’s World Cup.
He was outstanding in all of England’s victories and is a key reason for their defensive success.
Centre-back – Raphaël Varane (France)
Real Madrid defender, Raphaël Varane is now a World Cup winner. He played a pivotal role in France’s triumph.
The centre-back also earned himself a goal in their 2-0 victory over Uruguay in the quarter-final.
Varane was able to deal with aerial threats from the opposition as well as put in some goal-saving tackles when his side needed him most.
Right-back – Kieran Trippier (England)
Tottenham full-back, Kieran Trippier was another standout performer in England’s success in Russia.
Trippier adopted the right wing-back role very well and his crosses into the box from set pieces were successful on multiple occasions. He also scored a crucial free kick for England in their semi-final tie against Croatia.
Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford (England)
Jordan Pickford was a hero on multiple occasions this tournament. His most notable contribution was his penalty saves in England’s historic win over Colombia in the Round of sixteen.
