2018 FIFA World Cup: Best XI of group stage
What's the story
The two weeks of World Cup have given us more excitement than what we had hoped for. In 48 group games, 122 goals were scored and not a single fixture was disappointing. The defending champions Germany were knocked out, with minnows running riot this term. Here is our list of the best performers till now.
Strikers
Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo
England captain Harry Kane has been on fire in his first World Cup. The Spurs hitman has already scored five goals, including a hat-trick in the group game against Panama. He is the leading goal-scorer of the tournament. Portugal's skipper Cristiano Ronaldo has been a one-man army with four goals, including a hat-trick, in the group games.
Mid-field
Coutinho, Modric, Isco and Hazard
Before the World Cup began, everyone expected Neymar to be Brazil's driving force, but it turns out Coutinho is their main man. He has rescued them twice with crucial goals. Croatia's Modric and Spain's Isco have been the mid-field orchestrators for their nations. Belgium captain Hazard continues to create problems in the mid-field, thereby, making space for the rest of the team to score.
Defense
Trippier, Godin, Stones and Kolarov
England's Trippier was, surprisingly, Gareth Southgate's first choice over Kyle Walker, but he has repaid his manager's faith. John Stones has been a rock at the back, as well, and he has contributed in the goal department. Uruguay's Diego Godin, without doubt, is one of the top centre-backs in the world. Serbia's Aleksandar Kolarov has been a surprise package with his superb defensive skills.
Goal-keeper
South Korea's Hyun-woo Cho
Surprisingly, the world's best goal-keepers David de Gea and Neuer have endured a poor campaign, while the likes of Lloris and Alisson haven't been tested yet. South Korea's Cho has been one of the top performers, and his ability was put to the test against Germany. Cho stood up to the occasion and took the flight back home with a clean sheet.