Morocco stunned the world by defeating Spain in the round of 16 of the ongoing World Cup in Qatar, while Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, England, Netherlands, Croatia, and France advanced to the tournament’s quarter-finals....CONTINUE READING
Many elite players represented their countries in the round of 16. While some of those top players made a significant contribution to their nation, others were less noteworthy.
Here Are The Best IX:
Goalkeeper;
Yassine Bounou
Yassine Bounou, Morocco’s goalie, was superb for Atlas Lions against Spain, making a total of six saves, conceding zero goals and saving two penalties as his team won in the penalty shootout. He has an 8.5 rating.
Defenders;
Aymeric Laporte
Aymeric Laporte, a Spanish defender, had an outstanding performance against Morocco, winning five ground duels, six aerial duels, and eight tackles. During the game, he had 197 touches. His contribution, however, was insufficient to enable Spain qualify for the quarterfinals. His rating is 8.1.
Maya Yoshida
Maya Yoshida, a Japanese defender, had an outstanding performance against Croatia, winning five tackles, nine recoveries, and five ground duels. His rating is 8.1.
Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva, a Brazilian defender, shone against South Korea, making six tackles, five recoveries, three ground duels won, and one big chance created. His rating is 8.2.
Midfielders;
Daniel Dumfries
Daniel Dumfries, a Dutch defender, was vital for the Netherlands against the United States, providing two assists and scoring a goal. He created four big chances. His rating is 9.2.
Cascante Rodri
Rodri was a key player for Spain against Morocco, creating three big chances while touching the ball 223 times and making 207 perfect passes. He won five ground duels, three aerial duels, and five tackles. His rating is 8.6.
Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta, a Brazilian midfielder, was vital for the Seleçáo against South Korea, scoring a goal and generating three big chances. He won three ground duels and four tackles. His rating is 8.4.
Phil Foden
Phil Foden, an English midfielder, was vital for England against Senegal, producing two assists in 61 minutes of play. His rating is 8.6.
Forwards;
Lionel Messi
Talisman of Argentina Lionel Messi was crucial for the Albicelestes against Australia, scoring a goal and creating two big chances. His rating is 8.7.
Goncalo Ramos
Goncalo Ramos was crucial for Seleção das Quinas against Switzerland, scoring the tournament’s first hat-trick after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s starting lineup. His rating is 9.8.
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe, a French striker, was vital for France against Poland, scoring two goals and contributing one assist. In the tournament, he has now scored five goals. His rating is 9.3.
Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted from the best IX because Portugal’s national team coach chose to start the 37-year-old from the bench.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo are expected to deliver for their squad as they attempt to reach the tournament’s semi-finals.
