Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe lead the attack: 2022 World Cup team of the group stage

Plenty of standout performances so far in Qatar as the remaining 16 teams switch focus to the knockout stages

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  WORLD CUP TEAM OF THE GROUP (3-4-3): GK: Wojciech Szczesny (Poland). His side squeezed into the last 16 by one goal and were generally unimpressive in the group stage. Put simply, Poland have their goalkeeper to thank for keeping alive their World Cup journey. Szczesny was superb in Poland’s win over Saudi Arabia, saving Al-Dawsari's spot-kick before another penalty save from Messi in the losing effort against Argentina. Were it not for Szczesny’s heroics, Poland would no doubt be heading home. AP

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  CB: Maya Yoshida (Japan). Delivered two captains’ performances when Japan needed him most. Marshalled his backline under immense pressure as Japan defeated Germany and Spain to emerge as unlikely group winners. EPA

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  CB: Harry Maguire (England). Much maligned at club level and has barely featured for Manchester United this season but continues to be a colossus for England at major tournaments. His team’s standout player in the goalless draw against the USA and was in cruise control against Wales. Reuters

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  CB: Josko Gvardiol (Croatia). Would make this team for his sensational late tackle on Romelu Lukaku alone but beyond his heroics against Belgium, Gvardiol was exemplary throughout the group stage. The whole world is now seeing why he’s tipped to become a top-level defender. AP

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  CM: Jude Bellingham (England). Mesmeric in England’s 6-2 opening win over Iran, and while he found it more challenging against USA, was back in control of the midfield in the 3-0 cakewalk past Wales. What a talent. Getty

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  CM: Casemiro (Brazil). Provided the foundation in midfield for Brazil to beat Serbia in their opener and scored a superb winner against Switzerland to ensure they won the group. Rested for the defeat to Cameroon but will resume his vital role for the remainder of Brazil’s tournament. AP

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  RM: Hakim Ziyech (Morocco). Having retired from the national team after falling out with former manager Vahid Halilhodzic, how thankful Morocco must be that the Chelsea winger returned to the fold. The whole team has been brilliant so far – particularly against Belgium – and Ziyech has been one of the stars of the show with a goal and an assist to help Morocco win Group F. Getty

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  LM: Ritsu Doan (Japan). Only started one game so far – which Japan inexplicably lost to Costa Rica – but his impact off the bench has been seismic. Doan scored against Germany and Spain as Japan emerged top from the Group of Death. Getty

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  RF: Cody Gakpo (Netherlands). A goal in each of the three group games, Gakpo has been one of the form players of the tournament. A perennial fixture in the transfer gossip columns in recent months, his performances in Qatar will only increase the speculation surrounding the PSV Eindhoven star. AFP

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  CF: Lionel Messi (Argentina). His tournament got off to the perfect start and then it didn’t. Scored an early penalty against Saudi Arabia before Argentina suffered one of the great shocks in World Cup history. How he rallied the troops was the mark of his brilliance, though. Settled the nerves with a sublime goal for Argentina’s first against Mexico and ran the show against Poland, despite missing a first-half penalty. PA

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  LF: Kylian Mbappe (France). Depleted by injuries, France were being written off in Qatar before a ball had even been kicked. Then Mbappe happened. The PSG superstar was unplayable against Australia and Denmark and has three goals and an assist to his name already. Unable to inspire his team off the bench against Tunisia but is already shaping up to have another top tournament after playing a key role in France’s triumph four years ago. Getty

An entertaining and dramatic 2022 World Cup group stage concluded on Friday night and it was very much in keeping with the rest of the tournament.

There were more shock results as South Korea fought back to beat Portugal before Cameroon became the first African team to defeat Brazil at a World Cup. Korea's last-gasp victory was enough to keep their tournament alive, although Switzerland's pulsating win over Serbia meant Cameroon's historic achievement was not enough.

Following Friday's action, the line-up for the last 16 has now been completed as the remaining teams switch their focus to the do-or-die knockout stages.

Before the round gets underway on Saturday evening - starting with the Netherlands v USA before Argentina take on Australia - the photo gallery above takes a look back to select the best team of the group stage.

To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or swipe if using a mobile device.