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The World Cup is over meaning an exciting month of football has come to an end. A full month of heart-stopping games, last minute goals, screamers, howlers and VAR controversy is now over and it's time to reflect on what was a fantastic Wolrd Cup.
It almost came home, the pre-tournament favourites Brazil disappointed, defending champions Germany suffered from the recent champions' curse as they crashed out in the group stage and France after 20 years won their second ever World Cup. What a month it's been but now it's time to see who impressed.
Making a best XI for this tournament is tough as so many players thrive in the spotlight. But some shine just a little more than others.
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So as we say goodbye to the past month it's time to reflect on who stole the show and impressed in Russia.
Here is the 2018 FIFA World Cup best XI lined up in a 4-3-3:
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris
France captain Hugo Lloris played a pivotal role in helping his nation win their second ever World Cup. The 31-year-old made some fantastic saves on route to the final and although he made an absolute howler in the final that shouldn’t take away from the fact that he had an amazing World Cup.
Saves against Australia, Argentina and Uruguay came at critical times and without those saves France might not be world champions right now. He stood up when needed. And with the great work his defence in front of him did he wasn't needed as often as other 'keepers in the tournament, meaning he had to be ready to bail them out when needed and he did.
Lloris may not have won the golden glove but the importance of his saves and the technique and skill they took to pull off surely had him close to winning the award ahead of Belgium's Thibaut Courtois. A client captain who led through his actions on the pitch, Lloris stood up when needed and gave his nation the chance they needed to lift the World Cup.
Goalkeeper honourable mentions: Thibaut Courtois, Jordan Pickford
Defenders
Kieran Trippier
Arguably England’s best player in Russia, Kieran Trippier was fantastic at the World Cup. His deliveries, whether from a dead ball situation or crossing it in after bombing down the wing, were second to none. To put into perspective just how good his passing was, no other player created more chances than Trippier’s 24 at the World Cup.
From corners, indirect free kicks or even direct free kicks like we saw against Croatia in the semifinals, Trippier's crossing was deadly. He finished the tournament with a goal and an assist.
Right Back honourable mentions: Thomas Meunier, Šime Vrsaljko
Diego Godín
Uruguay's leader, Diego Godín led by example as Uruguay fought with heart and passion in each game. The South American side boasted one of the best defences in Russia as they conceded zero goals in the group stage and only conceded from two set pieces and a Fernando Muslera howler in the knockout rounds and the captain was at the heart of that defence.
Nothing got past him. He was a colossus in the air and never pulled out of a tackle. In a team where the two star strikers made all the headlines, Godín was arguably Uruguay's best player at the World Cup.
Raphaël Varane
Raphaël Varane has accomplished a ridiculous amount at just the age of 25 and he can now add World Cup winner to his list of accolades. Varane was a key part of France’s side, making the most clearances in Russia with 44. But he also delivered at the other end of the pitch, scoring against Uruguay in the quarters. Varane put on world-class display after world-class display and should definitely be considered among the world’s best defenders now.
Centre Back honourable mentions: Samuel Umtiti, Dejan Lovren
Lucas Hernández
Lucas Hernández was another key part of France’s defence. Only making his international debut in March, Hernández was absolutely amazing in Russia. Unlike most fullbacks these days, Hernández is first and foremost a defender, making 16 tackles, more than anyone else. But he isn't a slouch in attack either, playing a key role bombing up and down the left-hand side and assisting Benjamin Pavard’s goal of the tournament against Argentina.
Left Back honourable mentions: Diego Laxalt, Ivan Strinić
Midfielders
N'Golo Kanté
The linchpin of every side he plays in, N'Golo Kanté was again the most important player in a trophy-winning side. Without him, France would very well not be world champions right now. His hard work allowed his teammates to flourish elsewhere, specifically Paul Pogba who had a licence to roam forward as Kanté did all the ugly defensive work.
His ability to read play, nick the ball at the perfect time and lay it off to someone who could carry the ball forward was key to France’s play. A few years ago Kanté was playing in the lower divisions of France, now he’s his country's most important player as they won their second ever World Cup.
Ivan Rakitić
Ivan Rakitić was very inconsistent for Barcelona this past season, but in the World Cup, he was a star. Croatia created history in Russia and Rakitić played a pivotal part in making that history. Rakitić and Luka Modrić dominated games and were untouchable.
Even against France in the final, they took over the game. He also showed ice-cold nerves as he scored 2 winning penalties in the round of 16 and quarterfinals, standing up when his country needed him the most. Rakitić only scored a single goal, but his importance to this Croatian side goes far beyond goals and assist.
Luka Modrić
The golden ball winner, Luka Modrić dazzled in Russia. The leader of Croatia, he took his team to highs never seen before and was the main reason why they reached those heights. Modrić scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist at the World Cup, but just like Rakitić, he means much more to his side than that.
He inspired a nation to greatness and will forever be remembered for that. His tournament may not have ended the way he wanted it to, but the 2018 World Cup will always be his tournament, establishing him as one of the greats.
Midfield honourable mention: Paul Pogba, Philippe Coutinho
Forwards
Kylian Mbappé
This World Cup was when 19-year-old Kylian Mbappé truly announced himself to the world. With 4 goals, Mbappé shone in Russia. His blistering pace and smooth dribbling tore defences apart and, with his goal in the final, he became only the second ever teenager to score in a World Cup final, the other being the great Pelé.
Mbappé introduced himself as not someone with immense potential, but someone who is currently one of the world's best and at just 19 years old there is so much more of Mbappé to see. He is just getting started.
Right wing honourable mentions: Ante Rebić, Hirving Lozano
Eden Hazard
It took him a while but Eden Hazard finally delivered for Belgium on the big stage. After failing to perform at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 Hazard was at his scintillating best in Russia and when Hazard is at his best he is unplayable.
With 3 goals and 2 assists, Hazard finished 2nd in the golden ball race. He was a menace for defences all month long and proved when he’s on it he’s one of the best in the world. A true captain's performance from Belgium's leader.
Left-wing honour mentions: Ivan Perišić, Denis Cheryshev
Mario Mandžukić
While many other strikers held the spotlight at the World Cup, Mario Mandžukić quickly went about his business in Russia. The focal point of Croatia's attack, Mandžukić’s linkup play was key to Croatia's success. His goals came at crucial times, scoring the equalizer against Denmark in the round of 16 and the winner against England in the semifinal.
He also assisted Andrej Kramarić’s equalizer against Russia in the quarters. And although he scored an own goal in the final and his goal to make it 4-2 amounted to nothing, the 32-year-old’s contribution to Croatia's magical run should not be underestimated.
Striker honourable mentions: Harry Kane, Antoine Griezmann, Romelu Lukaku
