Qatar 2022: Top 11 World Cup group stages

The Qatar 2022 group stage ended with several surprises such as the qualification of Japan, Morocco and the quick elimination of Belgium and Germany. After the first three dates, several expected players stood out, such as Kylian Mbappe, Bruno Fernandes, Virgil Van Geek and others.

Below is a list of the 11 perfect players who scored in the first leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar:

Wojciech Szczesny (Poland)

The Polish Juventus goalkeeper has been a figurehead for his team in all three games. In the match against Mexico, he had several important stops. Against Saudi Arabia, he was the protagonist with a stopped penalty and several shots at the Africans. The first goal came against Argentina, although he saved a penalty against Lionel Messi, a possible goal that would have taken them out of the group stage.

Nicholas Otamendi

Nicolas Otamendi plays his last World Cup with Argentina. After a good start to the season with Benfica. The Argentine player was a wall in Argentina’s defense that conceded only two goals in three games, both scoring in the first game against Saudi Arabia.

Otamendi teamed up with Lisandro Martínez and Cuti Romero, both leading the defense that kept Mexico and Poland from scoring. The 34-year-old defender has been one of the safest centre-backs.

Yosko Guardiol

The Croatian central defender was one of the best Croatian players in the group stage. Guardiol and the Croatian defense only conceded one goal in the group stage in a 4-1 victory over Canada. At 20, Guardiol was one of the best defenders and one who could attract the attention of the big clubs in the world.

Hakimi Ashraf

The Paris Saint-Germain right-back has been an offensive stronghold for Morocco, one of Qatar’s 2022 surprises. The cornerback was one of the leaders of attack as well as defense. Morocco conceded only one goal against Canada in the first three games and they were undefeated.

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes was Portugal’s best player in the group stage. The Manchester United player provided two assists in a 3-2 win over Ghana. In the second game, he charged the team and scored two goals against Uruguay, which allowed them to take first place in Group H.

Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez was one of the stars that emerged after the loss to Saudi Arabia. The 21-year-old midfielder came on as a substitute against Mexico and earned a starting position with Albiceleste from there. With an assist and a goal, Enzo provided a boost in midfield for Argentina, who advanced to the round of 16.

casemiro

The Brazilian midfielder continues to be one of the best at number 5. With one goal and defensive qualities, Brazil were the only team to miss the target in the first two matches of the World Cup.

Jude Bellingham

The 19-year-old England star who finished 11th in the Three Lions and won the World Cup. On his debut, he scored against Iran, becoming one of the youngest scorers in the World Cup with England.

Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe continues to be one of the stars of world football. With 3 goals in the group stage, he led the French attack. At the age of 23, he scored a goal and an assist on his debut against Australia and also scored a double against Denmark to give the Gauls the win.

Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo was also the opening of the Netherlands in the group stage and was the only player to score in the first three games (Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar). Powerful, intelligent and, most importantly, in great shape, the Dutchman is one of the best scorers in the Cup.

Christian Pulisic

The American shone in the group stage with an assist against Wales and then a goal against Iran, who reached the round of 16 in Qatar 2022. Pulisic, who doesn’t have many minutes at Chelsea, shone in the group stage and a winter market trading card became possible.