Writers covering the World Cup for The Associated Press have chosen their standout players at the tournament so far to form a best team of the group stage.
for The Associated Press have chosen their standout players at the tournament so far to form a best team of the group stage.and Kylian Mbappé are in there, along with surprise names who have helped to cause some of the many big upsets in Qatar and others who are putting themselves in the shop window for post-tournament transfers.GOALKEEPER: Wojciech Szczesny
Forget about Robert Lewandowski — Szczesny is the reason why Poland has reached the knockout stage for the first time since 1986. The Juventus goalkeeper has saved penalties against Saudi Arabia and Argentina, denying Lionel Messi with one of them. Szczesny produced arguably the save of the tournament, too, when tipping over a close-range blast by Salem Aldawsari from the rebound after blocking the Saudi striker's spot kick. He has made more saves — 18 — than any goalkeeper.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
World Cup Friday guide: Final day of group stageSerbia, Switzerland, Cameroon, South Korea, Ghana, and Uruguay all have a chance on Friday to reach the last 16.
Read more »
World Cup 2022: Knockout stage bracket set after Brazil, Switzerland advance in Group GThe knockout stage bracket is set after Group G finished its games on Friday. Brazil won the group, and Switzerland clinched the second spot with its win.
Read more »
World Cup 2022: U.S. players consoled Iranian players following group stage winLost in the tenseness of the United States' 1-0 win over Iran Tuesday is what happened in the moments after the final whistle sounded.
Read more »
World Cup scores, updates: Germany vs. Costa Rica, Japan vs. SpainCan Germany avoid getting eliminated in the group stage at the second straight World Cup?
Read more »
Japan shocks Spain at World Cup, but both teams advance to knockout stageSame Stadium. Same result. Similar shocking victory for Japan at the World Cup -- though unlike Germany, Thursday's loser, Spain, will advance to the Round of 16.
Read more »
2022 World Cup knockout stage schedule: Time, date, TV channel for Round of 16Win or go home! The knockout stages begin in the 2022 World Cup on Saturday with Round of 16 matches, including USA vs. Netherlands.
Read more »