To weigh up whether a tournament has caught the public’s imagination is usually a simple endeavour. Were there lots of goals? Was there a plentiful supply of memorable games?

Was there ideally some shock upsets along the way causing chaos in the live betting markets? Were legends made before our eyes, and did the players already viewed as legends shine? Were the fans noisy and colourful, adding to the spectacle?

These are the metrics used to determine if a competition will induce warm nostalgia in years to come. If it will be recalled fondly. 

Only then we arrive at Qatar 2022 and what should be a straightforward assessment becomes a complicated business. As for predicting how this winter’s events will be looked back on in decades to come, that only prompts wild guesswork.

The most likely legacy of this World Cup – should we indulge in such speculation – is that it will be remembered as an oddity.

Held for the first time ever in December there was an unsettling novelty value in seeing Brazil be Brazil, and the Three Lions break their nation’s heart so close to Christmas.

Factor in the controversial location and the widespread condemnation of the hosts’ questionable human rights record and no doubt a certain sense of bemusement is forever destined to accompany this competition. A bemusement that it ever took place.   

Perhaps though, in the slipstream of that puzzlement, we will then consider the final, truly a grandstand finish if ever there was one.

We’ll think back on Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick, yet still ending on the losing side. Of Lionel Messi completing a career of unparalleled excellence.

Who makes our 2022 World Cup Team of the Tournament?@SteTudor123 picks his Best XI from Qatar 2022 - do you agree with his squad?https://t.co/cRbkMIlaMP

— 888sport (@888sport) December 19, 2022

In decades to come we will think back to the most thrilling finale of any World Cup and we will surely smile.

Does that therefore justify Qatar’s colossal investment of €200 billion to stage the tournament, amidst accusations of sportswashing and earlier allegations of corruption in order to secure the bidding rights?

It’s a ludicrously expensive smile if so and if you’ll excuse the flippancy, it could be argued that buying every football supporter across the globe a lollipop would have proven cheaper and been much less seismic for all concerned. 

Furthermore, for all the positive PR that a six-goal final has provided it still amounts to a pyrrhic victory given that during these past few weeks an enormous spotlight has focused on Qatar and its failings.

Indeed, this self-induced reputational smearing began when the whole sorry narrative took hold in 2010 when the disgraced FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced the next two tournament hosts, the first – Russia – to general consternation, the latter to outright stupefaction. 

Qatar had never once qualified for a World Cup and was by no means considered to be a footballing nation.

More so, there was no infrastructure in place to host such an expansive three-week festival, and there were additionally some serious logistical problems to overcome, namely a severe climate that made competitive sport nigh-on impossible during the summer.

When Qatar reneged on their far-fetched intention to imagine air-conditioned stadia and the tournament was moved to the winter, whispers of wrongdoing turned to genuine global anger.

In the years thereafter articles began to appear, increasing in number and gravity, detailing the deplorable suffering endured by migrant workers building the stadiums.

In November, with the World Cup underway, the Guardian estimated the death toll to be in the thousands. 

Alongside this distressing revelation, concerns were also raised about Qatar’s archaic stance on LGBTQ+ rights, concerns that escalated when rainbow armbands were banned by FIFA and any rainbow clothing on fans were prohibited from grounds. 

Lastly, and most insignificantly, just 24 hours before the tournament kicked off, Qatar u-turned on a vow to allow alcohol inside stadiums. 

For some balance regarding the beer ban, there were precisely no English arrests throughout Qatar ’22 and that can only be viewed as a refreshing change but still, this was the exceedingly low bar on which hopes for a successful World Cup was set. 

Many resented the domestic club calendar being disrupted. Many had sincere ethical doubts. Many struggled to feel excited about a tournament whose sole remit is to excite.

That low bar remained at knee height for the tournament’s opener that was regrettably ill-attended.

As stated at the top, one of the main criteria needed for a buoyant and unforgettable World Cup is for fans to provide the passion and the colour and here there was neither, the atmosphere flat throughout.

In truth, stadiums across Qatar were only three-quarters full until the competition reached its later stages.

But then, as if a spark ignited, the football began to kick in, its drama inevitably taking over conversations and finally occupying the main space. Two days in, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina and did so courtesy of a goal that deserves iconic status.

Just 24 hours later, Japan showed little regard for the World Cup betting and bested Germany, much-fancied and, well, Germany. If anything was going to get pulses flowing, it was upsets and here were two in quick succession. 

With a trend set, the group stages became unmissable television, full of surprise results such as Morocco trumping Belgium, and Australia dumping Denmark out of contention. 

When the free-scoring, and the late twists, and the penalty shoot-outs elevated the knock-out rounds into blockbuster fare we were hooked, adopting underdogs Morocco all the way to the last four; enthralled by Messi and Mbappe duking it out to claim Qatar ’22 as their own. 

And then finally came the final, and though strangely some of the most popular World Cups in living memory have ultimately led to a disappointing anti-climax, it can be said for sure that Qatar needed a remarkable send-off and boy did it get one. 

All told, and on reflection, there were many positives to take from this past month, not least the emergence of African and Asian teams as forces to be reckoned with.

Individually, superstars ran the show and that’s always welcomed but elsewhere underdogs certainly had their days. 

It will be interesting therefore to see how Qatar ’22 is eventually forged in time, the suspicion being that history will be unkind on the hosts, but recall the actual football with a smile. A ludicrously expensive one as it goes.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

The 2022 World Cup was a showcase for the world’s best player, for the greatest ever, and for ascendant young talents. Veterans tweaked their roles to benefit their team. Managers made big calls to benefit the collective over the individual. 

A few of the players featured on this list were easy picks ahead of the tournament. Others have surprised on overachieving teams or unveiled their brilliance on the biggest stage of all, breaking out and potentially earning a blockbuster transfer. 

There were a few difficult cuts to keep this at 10 players… 

10) Jude Bellingham

Kicking off the tournament with a complete performance in England’s thumping of Iran, Jude Bellingham illustrated why he’s considered one of the best young players in the world. 

Jude Bellingham has that elite mentality.#ITVFootball | #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/RoucIx6gKH

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 10, 2022

As England look to the future under Gareth Southgate, Bellingham will be one of the first names on the team sheet.

His World Cup was, of course, cut short by England’s loss to France, but in just five matches, Bellingham excelled in all facets of the game. 

9) Alexis Mac Allister

The rise of Alexis Mac Allister in 2022 has been phenomenal. At the start of the year, he had just two caps for Argentina, both of which came in 2019. 

In Qatar, the Brighton midfielder did everything. He scored against Poland, and averaged two tackles plus interceptions and 1.3 key passes while completing 89% of his passes. 

Integral for Argentina throughout, Mac Allister’s place in the history of this competition is secure too, thanks to his assist for Argentina’s second goal in the final. 

8) Luka Modrić

Only Achraf Hakimi and midfield partner Mateo Kovačić made more tackles and interceptions combined than Luka Modrić.

Alongside his trademark brilliance on the ball, Modrić showed remarkable energy and work rate for a player in his late thirties.

Winning the Bronze Ball was a bit generous, but the former Tottenham midfielder again delivered a string of exceptional World Cup performances. 

7) Sofyan Amrabat 

Amid Morocco’s rise in World Cup winner odds, the stock of several of their players soared. Sofyan Amrabat was one such player, ranking joint-sixth in tackles and interceptions, and keeping the Morocco midfield ticking.

Less than 30% of earth is covered by land, the other 70% is covered by Sofyan Amrabat 🌍🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/XCyQPLkxsq

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 12, 2022

There were already rumours of a January transfer. Those are bound to be amplified in the coming weeks, with Amrabat excelling against some of the world’s elite midfielders.

Having only celebrated his 26th birthday in August, the best is yet to come from the Fiorentina man. 

6) Antoine Griezmann

Utilised in a deeper midfield role, Antoine Griezmann looked like he had played in that position throughout his career. He led the competition with 3.1 expected assists, and he was tied with Lionel Messi for the most key passes on 21.

The creativity was a well-known part of Griezmann’s game, but he was also tireless out of possession, committing two tackles and clocking 1.1 interceptions per match. 

5) Azzedine Ounahi

Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi was not a household name a few weeks ago. That has changed dramatically. Ounahi was a joy to watch throughout Morocco’s run.

Morocco spent a lot of time without the ball. In those phases of play, Ounahi was industrious and effective, posting 16 clearances across the tournament and regularly disrupting the opposition’s play. 

Once Morocco had the ball, Ounahi shone. Able to weave past defenders and ride challenges, he opened up defences and drove the Atlas Lions forward.

4) Emiliano Martínez

When Randal Kolo Muani was through on goal in the 123rd minute of the final, France’s bench were beginning their celebrations. Emiliano Martínez made himself massive, spreading his limbs in all directions, to pull off the greatest save in World Cup history.

Final minute of extra time.
Tied at 3-3.
Kolo Muani through on goal.
France subs ready to storm the pitch.

Still can’t believe this save from Emi Martínez ❌ pic.twitter.com/IiQyYRW56t

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 19, 2022

Martínez’s position this high on the list is not about one stop, though. He denied Australia in the final seconds of the round of 16, and was the star in multiple penalty shootout wins with his bravado and pushing-the-limits mind games. 

3) Joško Gvardiol

Already attracting some of Europe’s biggest clubs, Joško Gvardiol is one of the world’s most sought-after players following an exceptional World Cup display.

Gvardiol doesn’t turn 21 until January, yet he was a cut above every other defender in Qatar. When physicality was required, Gvardiol was a warrior. When tested on the ground, he was nimble and quick-footed.

A total of 37 clearances was seven more than anyone else, and he capped off his World Cup with a superb header in the third-place playoff. 

2) Kylian Mbappé

The betting favourite for the Golden Boot won the award, but that honour alone does not begin to cover what Kylian Mbappé achieved in Qatar.

Mbappé scorched Australia and Denmark in the group stage. He was involved in all three goals in the round of 16 win over Poland. While quieter against England, his impact on the game and England’s tactics was evident. 

◾ WC winner at 19
◾ WC finalist at 23
◾ Golden Boot winner
◾ A hat-trick in a WC final
◾ 1st man to score 7+ goals at a single WC since Ronaldo in 2002
◾ The most goals by a 23-year-old or younger in a single WC

Let's all take a moment to appreciate Kylian Mbappé 👏 pic.twitter.com/Wp8wPvGNMo

— ESPN India (@ESPNIndia) December 19, 2022

Morocco again did a solid job on Mbappé, but France progressed, setting the PSG star up to become just the second man ever to score a World Cup final hat-trick. 

Mbappé was at the centre of so many of the World Cup highlights – his second final goal, in particular, will be replayed for decades to come. 

1) Lionel Messi

At 35 years old, Lionel Messi led Argentina to their first World Cup triumph since 1986. Messi’s international career was laden with heartache until the last few years, but this winter’s tournament brought redemption for 2014. 

Messi’s seven goals was only bettered by Mbappé (no other player scored more than four) and he was tied for the most assists with three. 

This was a final shot at the ultimate prize for Messi, a final chance of the football-watching world to admire his unparalleled greatness. He delivered repeatedly for Argentina, wiping out the one hole on his incomparable CV.