World Cup experts name best team of the tournament

As the World Cup nears its conclusion with Spain and Argentina set to contest the final, VG's experts have curated a dream team of the tournament's standout players. The selection reflects exceptional performances across various positions, highlighting individual brilliance amidst the global competition.

Petter Veland and Joacim Jonsson independently identified nine players for their ideal World Cup squad. Notable inclusions feature Morocco's Achraf Hakimi for his dynamic play, France's Dayot Upamecano and Spain's Aymeric Laporte for their solid defending, and Spain's Marc Cucurella and Rodri for their contributions in midfield and defense. The attacking prowess is represented by England's Jude Bellingham, France's Kylian Mbappé, and Argentina's Lionel Messi, with Norway's Erling Braut Haaland leading the line.

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Marokko røk riktignok i kvartfinalen, men jeg har sjelden sett en høyreback påvirke angrepsspillet til et landslag så mye. Enorm kraft i det offensive spillet.

Experts praised Hakimi for his high-level performance and offensive contributions, despite Morocco's quarter-final exit. Upamecano was noted for his consistency, while Laporte defied pre-tournament doubts to become a brilliant presence for Spain. Cucurella was lauded as an attacking weapon who also secured the defense. Rodri was recognized for dictating play and performing at a Ballon d'Or level. Messi received effusive praise, with commentators stating no words are sufficient. Bellingham was highlighted for carrying England with six goals from midfield, and Mbappé, despite some criticism, was deemed unstoppable in one-on-one situations with a fantastic tournament. Haaland was celebrated as a powerhouse, athlete, and beast, crucial to Norway's success, including their quarter-final victory over Brazil where he scored seven goals in five games.

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Det var spørsmålstegn rundt Laporte før VM. Mange mente karrieren var på hell etter en tur i Saudi, men han har vært briljant i alle spillets faser.