Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco) — Known just as Bono around the world after a breakthrough World Cup, Bounou was virtually unbeatable in Qatar. At least up until the semi-finals. Prior to conceding two goals against France in the last four, Bono had only conceded an own goal all tournament, which included a heroic display against Spain in the penalty shootout and an equally thou-shalt-not-pass performance against Portugal
Right-back: Youssouf Sabaly (Senegal) — Playing every minute for his team until the round of 16, where Senegal were bettered by England, Sabaly was a rock at the back for the African champions. The full-back made multiple vital interceptions on the right flank and averaged 1.5 successful tackles per game at the tournament
Centre-back: Romain Saiss (Morocco) — Even though his tournament came to a premature end against France, Saiss proved his defensive acumen across five previous games that saw him marshall the Moroccan backline with excellent game-reading skills. His goal against Belgium underlined Morocco’s first of several famous wins in Qatar, marking him out as one of the great success stories for the ultimate underdogs of the World Cup
Centre-back: Harry Souttar (Australia) — One of the tallest players to take to the pitch in Qatar, this Australian giant was key as the Socceroos kept two clean sheets against Denmark and Tunisia in the group stages. Even though he got nutmegged by Lionel Messi for Argentina’s opening goal against the Aussies, Souttar came out of the tournament with his head held higher than ever, not least because he won almost four aerial duels per match at the World Cup
Left-back: Kim Jin-su (Korea Republic) — While commentators may have had a hard time keeping track of the many Kims in the Korean defence, Kim Jin-su had no confusion at all in going about his business. Regularly winning the ball with his tackles, Jin-su was especially influential against Ghana in the group stages, when he also supplied an assist in a 3-2 defeat
Right-central midfield: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco) — Perhaps Morocco’s most crucial player in their monumental wins against Portugal and Spain, Amrabat played over 570 minutes in Qatar and never stopped running. His pass completion of 84.5 per cent helped Morocco retain possession under pressure, but his most valuable contribution was the tireless work he did off the ball
Left-central midfield: Wataru Endo (Japan) — For a team that willingly surrendered the ball to play exclusively on the break, Endo’s discipline and concentration were non-negotiable in the middle of the park, especially in a shock win against Germany. But the 29-year-old also made smart use of the ball whenever he received it, keeping play ticking along without taking unnecessary risks
Right wing: Ritsu Doan (Japan) — Coming on as a substitute to score against Germany and Spain constituted a dream tournament for Doan, whose influence off the bench gave his country six priceless points in a World Cup they will never forget. Doan’s performances were also a testament to his coach Hajime Moriyasu, who found a simple yet sensational way of using his speedy winger as an impact sub
Left wing: Salem Al Dawsari (Saudi Arabia) — His wonder goal against Argentina, a sublime strike from outside the box, scripted the most memorable footballing moment in his country’s history. As if that was not enough, Al Dawsari added to his tally against Mexico, leaving Qatar as the most entertaining player from the most entertaining minnows at the World Cup
Central-attacking midfield: Enner Valencia (Ecuador) — The player who swarmed the headlines on the opening night of the World Cup and briefly led the Golden Boot standings was often a one-man attack for his nation. Valencia’s three goals in the tournament, including an equaliser against the Dutch, kept Ecuador alive until the bitter end, before Senegal crushed their hopes to seal qualification from Group A alongside the Netherlands
Striker: Cho Gue-sung (Korea Republic) — The sprightly striker made three telling contributions in Qatar. The first two were two of the most powerful headers in all of the tournament and rattled the Ghana net, which makes him a fit candidate for our Underdogs XI. The third, however, was what made him a viral hit — walking up to Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portuguese legend was being substituted and telling him: “Faster!”
