TOI'S FIFA World Cup XI

Forget the GOAT debate, listed below are the celebs who put their perfect foot forward in Russia. Happy debating!

JORDAN PICKFORD (ENG, Goalkeeper)
One of the most productive shot-stoppers. His fiery show in the penalty shootouts against Colombia used to be rated by way of pundits as some of the best-ever World Cup performances by way of an England goalie. He showed great composure, reflexes and ball distribution talents. Was continuously focused on keeping his defenders in test.

BENJAMIN PAVARD (FRA, Defender)
A goal of best European clubs after his string of scientific performances, the centre-back for Stuttgart used to be impressive in advance too, scoring a memorable purpose from outdoor the field against Argentina.

DEJAN LOVREN (CRO, Defender)
“I’m some of the world’s perfect defenders,” Lovren asserted after helping Croatia succeed in a World Cup ultimate for the first time. The Liverpool centreback had the measure of Messi and he controlled to stay Harry Kane in test in the semifinal.

DIEGO GODIN (URU, Defender)
The Uruguay captain enhanced his reputation with any other cast show. He shaped a firm partnership along with his Atletico Madrid teammate Jose Gimenez as Uruguay entered the knockouts without conceding. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were nullified however the French were a bit an excessive amount of for Godin and Co.

IVAN STRINIC (CRO, Defender)
The Croatian left-back performed the very best foil to Ivan Perisic, quietly slipping under the radar as Croatia’s more acclaimed stars took the limelight.

N’GOLO KANTE (FRA, Midfielder)
The diminutive preserving midfielder has been one in every of France’s largest belongings along with his breakneck velocity and astonishing stamina. His sheer dominance in the midst of the pitch close out Lionel Messi in their last-16 conflict. Quiet and hardworking, it isn't a surprise that teammate Paul Pogba feels Kante should have 9 lungs.

LUKA MODRIC (CRO, Midfielder) CAPTAIN
Croatia’s captain marvel. The player who handed the most, and created the most possibilities. The Real Madrid galactico has been the cornerstone of Croatia’s campaign as the crew gained 3 video games in a row which went into extra-time. Modric used to be man-of-the-match thrice and his 30- yard screamer against Argentina might be long remembered.

KYLIAN MBAPPE (FRA, Forward)
Mbappe showed in the Argentina conflict just why he is so highly rated. Marcos Rojo used to be now not the first and no doubt gained’t be the final defender to undergo at the hands of the 19-year-old French forward’s explosive velocity and fancy footwork.

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN (FRA, Forward)
Found the back of the net just thrice in Russia, including two from penalties, but it would be an injustice to measure Griezmann’s contribution only in terms of goals. While the spotlight has been on Mbappe, the 27-year-old has gone about his industry quietly, playing in the back of the disappointing Giroud.

EDEN HAZARD (BEL, Forward)
Belgium have scored the most goals (14) in the match, and captain Eden Hazard has led by way of instance. He has stored rival defenders busy along with his dazzling runs and surprising trade of path, since he cuts in from the flanks fairly sharply. Hazard has related up admirably with Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. Apart from scoring two goals, he has provided two assists as well.

HARRY KANE (ENG, Striker)
Showed the instincts of a top quality goal man against Tunisia. While one could argue that 3 of Kane’s six goals got here from the spot, you just don’t leave out a person poised to win the Golden Boot, do you?

SUBSTITUTE
DANIJEL SUBASIC (CRO), RAPHAEL VARANE (FRA), MIRANDA (BRA), IVAN RAKITIC (CRO), KEVIN DE BRUYNE (BEL), PHILIPPE COUTINHO (BRA), CRISTIANO RONALDO (POR)