Man United trio headline our World Cup quarter-finals team as Belgium dominate

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  • The World Cup quarter-finals saw another tournament favourite in Brazil bow out and featured plenty of outstanding performances.

    Hosts Russia saw their dream run come to an end in a penalty-shootout defeat to Croatia. Meanwhile, England and France got their jobs done expertly with convincing 2-0 victories over Sweden and Uruguay respectively.

    Brazil’s elimination at the hands of Belgium delivered the game of the tournament as a pulsating encounter from start to finish ended with the Red Devils clinching a famous 2-1 win.

    A trio of Manchester United players headline our key individual performers from the last eight while there’s a strong Belgian presence as well.

    GK: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

    The Chelsea number one produced his best performance of the tournament – and arguably of his international career – as he was his side’s last line of defence against a second-half onslaught from the Brazilians. He made a total of nine saves to limit Selecao to just the one goal. His efforts to deny Philippe Coutinho and then Neymar from range stood out in particular.

    CB: Raphael Varane (France)

    The defender has looked suspect at times for Real Madrid but France’s conservative approach certainly suits him. He was dominant in the air against Uruguay and comfortable in possession as well. His reading of the game meant he never had to indulge in desperate defending. His eye-catching glancing header from a free-kick sent France on their way.

    CB: Domagoj Vida (Croatia)

    The Besiktas centre-back has enjoyed a fine tournament so far and put in another battling display against Russia. He didn’t put a foot wrong in defence and was good on the ball. However, his standout moment was undoubtedly his header from a corner in extra-time. He made no mistake from the spot during the shootout as well.

    CB: Harry Maguire (England)

    The Leicester City centre-back has arguably been England’s best and most consistent performer of the tournament. He’s been a colossus in defence, an absolute man mountain. Again, he brought the ball out of defence against Sweden with confidence and purpose. His 10 aerial duels won was a game-high as he scored superbly from a corner for the opener.

    RM: Jesse Lingard (England)

    He was England’s busiest player in the final third. Against Sweden’s low block, the Three Lions needed players to zip around and drag defenders around to create openings and he did that well. His passing was among the best on the pitch as well and an excellent cross to the far post for Dele Alli to nod home for the second goal, effectively sealing their semi-final berth.

    CM: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

    The shackles were off as Roberto Martinez deployed the Manchester City playmaker in a more advanced role. He linked up with Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard to devastating effect, creating several chances and scoring a superb second goal for Belgium on the counter-attack with a rocket of a shot into the far corner from the edge of the box.

    CM: Paul Pogba (France)

    Much criticised at United, Paul Pogba has only grown in confidence and influence for France at this World Cup. He was in sync with Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, creating the bulk of the teams chances. Equally impressive were his defensive contributions – no one won more headers while his five clearances helped his side see out the result.

    LM: Denis Cheryshev (Russia)

    We wondered who would be this World Cup’s James Rodriguez – a lesser-known youngster scoring spectacular goals as his side went further than anticipated. At 27 and with a failed stint at Real Madrid behind him, the Villarreal man doesn’t fit the description but another phenomenal strike, this time against Croatia, will see him go down as one of the stars of the tournament.

    08 07 team of the quarter finals

    Team of the round.

    RW: Antoine Griezmann (France)

    The Atletico Madrid star is starting to find his feet in this tournament. His display against Uruguay was his best yet, scoring his side’s second with a strike from range – although he received a helping hand from Fernando Muslera in goal. He also worked some good openings but a rather surprising contribution was his game-high five tackles.

    ST: Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

    Playing largely from the right, he was an outstanding outlet for his team and gave a formidable defender in Miranda the run-around a few times. The striker did a lot of great work through the middle as well in the transition, holding up play and then driving at defenders. His control, powerful run and fine assist for De Bruyne’s goal was a treat to watch.

    LW: Eden Hazard (Belgium)

    One of his best performances in a Belgium shirt and certainly the most important. He led by example, creating openings in the final third but also ran his socks off. His dribbling was on another level as he completed nine on the night, upstaging Neymar in that department (three) among others. A display befitting the armband and strengthened his claim to join the elite in world football.

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