What on earth just happened?!
The group stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was spectacular. We had stunning goals, major shocks, tears of happiness and, if you’re Luis Suárez, tears of sadness.
With the knockout stages upon us, it’s time to take a deep breath and reminisce about what we’ve just been through together.
Here are your winners and losers.
Winner: Kylian Mbappé
It’s quite strange to say this, considering Kylian Mbappé has already scored in a World Cup final and got a winner’s medal. But even so, this year’s tournament has felt like a proper changing of the guard, with the France forward embodying "main character energy" more so than he ever has.
The waning powers of older stars have contributed to this. Cristiano Ronaldo looks slow, off balance and prone to missing chances he would have buried years ago. Kevin De Bruyne’s great passing attributes evaded him, and despite a stunning goal against Mexico, it’s clear Lionel Messi is slowing down.
Perhaps Karim Benzema’s absence has also allowed the light to shine brighter on Mbappé, who is in electric form. He destroyed Australia with a goal and assist in Les Bleus’ first game and then followed it up with a two-goal performance against Denmark, including the game-winner in the 86th minute.
Didier Deschamps only played the Paris Saint-Germain talisman for half an hour in France’s defeat to Tunisia, but by then, keeping him rested and sharp was more important than getting a result.
The rest of the tournament looks set up for Mbappé.
France face a pretty toothless Poland side next and are en route to taking on England or Senegal in the quarter-finals. None of those sides feel equipped to deal with Mbappé for 90 minutes. In this World Cup of final bows for older icons, Mbappé isn't so much as taking centre stage—he is pushing those alongside him off it.
Loser: Qatar
Host nations quite often perform well above expectations.
Although Qatar weren’t expected to provide too many shocks, everyone involved in the team will be disappointed by defeats to Ecuador, Senegal and the Netherlands.
It really felt like Félix Sánchez’s side never recovered from conceding in the 16th minute of the opening game. Enner Valencia’s penalty drained any hype and hope from the crowd, many of whom decided to leave the Al Bayt Stadium early in the second half.