The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was among the most thrilling and exciting editions witnessed in the competition’s history with Argentina coming out on top for their first World Cup title since 1986. Lionel Messi captured the trophy that eluded him for so long, Kylian Mbappé continued to electrify and Morocco shocked all the experts by reaching the semifinals for the best ever performance by an African team on world football’s greatest stage. Below we recap the best players, surprise teams and profile how Africa’s representatives fared in Qatar in our review of the 2022 edition:
Best Player
Lionel Messi
Who else could it be? Kylian Mbappé provided some of the major highlight reel goals of the competition but this tournament was all about the Argentine playmaker securing his legacy with the trophy he was desperate to capture. Messi scored in all of Argentina’s knockout stage matches and was the leader who rallied his team in close matches against the Netherlands and France. The 35-year-old not only delivered for his country but inspired his younger teammates to raise their level after many wrote the team off following their opening match upset by Saudi Arabia.
Best African Player
Sofyan Amrabat
Viewers of the Italy’s Serie A and the Morocco national team knew the quality Amrabat possessed but the 26-year-old is now a star. The defensive midfielder was all over the place breaking up opposition attacks and supporting the Moroccan defensive line, making the Atlas Lions impossible to break down for most of their stay in Qatar. Top European teams are now extending offers for Amrabat, who was also steady in possession and made excellent decisions on the ball to display his technical abilities as well. Followers of African football knew the Moroccan defense was strong but now it is clear that Amrabat makes the defensive line and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou even more imposing with his tireless work.
Surprise Teams
Croatia
Many thought the team with the famous checker-board uniforms were not capable of producing another deep run but once again Luka Modrić and his teammates proved their run to the 2018 final was no fluke. Ivan Perišić showed why his ability to perform on the big stage should never be doubted and goalkeeper Dominik Livaković was outstanding. Perišić, Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Marcelo Brozović and Dejan Lovren were excellent veteran leaders but Livaković was joined by club teammates Mislav Oršić and Bruno Petković in showing that Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb are worthy of respect. Over half of the Croatian squad has spent time at the club including standout center back Joško Gvardiol.
Morocco
It was an excellent showing for nations from the Arab World and the Atlas Lions impressed most of all. Anchored by a strong defense and stellar goalkeeping from Yassine Bounou, Morocco consistently locked down opposition attacks. Tireless performances from standout midfielders Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi gave star attackers Sofiane Boufal and Hakim Ziyech enough room to make the difference while striker Youssef En-Nesyri discovered his goal scoring touch to be a capable leader of the attacking line. Dual national players like Ziyech, Amrabat and Achraf Hakimi got plenty of the spotlight but credit must be given to the advancement of Moroccan domestic football which produced its fair share of stars in Qatar.
Disappointments
Germany
Off-pitch distractions related to the team’s involvement in the social issues surrounding the World Cup host country are often cited as a major reason why Germany failed to advance past the group stage for a second World Cup but the explanation is much simpler: This is a team that is in transition. Germany lacked a cutting edge in the attack and failed to put away Japan in their opening match, a mistake that cost them dearly. There is plenty of younger talent coming up but this team needs to move on from its veterans and look to build around younger players like Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz.
Denmark
Led by English Premier League midfielders Christian Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, the Danish team was expected to be a side to fear but failed to take advantage of a weak group and crashed out early. Once they encountered a determined Tunisia team in a 0-0 opening match draw it was clear Denmark were in for a challenge. The Danes struggled to create opportunities and lacked potency in a weak attack with French publication L’Équipe including promising attacker Andreas Skov Olsen in their “Worst Team of the Tournament”. When the World Cup is held outside Europe there are always a couple of teams from the continent who struggle, strengthening a firm argument that Europe is overrepresented in the World Cup field.
Teams of the Tournament
Best XI
Best African XI
Assessment of African Teams
Morocco
Result- Fourth Place
It does not get any better than the Atlas Lions’ performance when it comes to African teams as Morocco broke through the quarterfinal obstacle three teams from the continent failed to breach in previous editions. The signs were there to see with a strong domestic football scene producing quality players to join their dual national stars. Efforts like the formation of the King Mohammed VI Academy and the increasing quality of the top domestic division, the Botola Pro, are now bearing fruit for the Atlas Lions. Senegal are the reigning African champions but Morocco are now clearly at the top of African club and national team football.
Best Player- Azzedine Ounahi
Sofyan Amrabat is our Best African Player but special attention must be given to midfield partner Ounahi. When a team like the Atlas Lions often look to play on the counter it is necessary to have midfielders who are comfortable operating with the ball in tight spaces and Ounahi was spectacular throughout the competition. The 22-year-old graduate of the Mohammed VI Academy was often under heavy pressure but his ability to receive the ball, keep possession under duress and accurately distribute was crucial to Morocco’s quick team transitions from defense to attack. It seems like only a matter of time before Ounahi makes a big money move to a top European club from French Ligue 1 side Angers.
Looking Ahead
Moroccan supporters will be celebrating this success for a long time and now the Atlas Lions can consider themselves Africa’s best team moving forward. The next step is the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the North African nation will be determined to overthrow Senegal as the African champions for a trophy they have not captured since 1976. Manager Walid Regragui has a good relationship with the dual national players on the team and will look to keep his team together through the coming years. It will be interesting to see if players like Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui can maintain their high level of play and involvement as the Atlas Lions attempt to continue their success.
Senegal
Result- Round of 16
Reaching the Round of 16 and bowing out to England is a success for Aliou Cissé and realistically the farthest the Lions of Teranga could hope for after a devastating injury to talisman Sadio Mané right before the tournament. Senegal benefited from being in the group that featured hosts Qatar but their victory over Ecuador proved that there is more to this team than just Mané. The steady flow of talent coming into the team will continue for Cissé as Senegal now look towards the next Africa Cup of Nations.
Best Player- Kalidou Koulibaly
Senegal may have missed their most important attacking star but supporters knew the defense was going to perform in Qatar as long as the Chelsea center back was involved. The Lions of Teranga captain brought intensity and his best form to the competition, ranking among the tournament leaders in successful tackles and even scoring a rare goal in a 2-1 victory over Ecuador to qualify Senegal for the knockout stage. Koulibaly was a calming presence throughout Senegal’s campaign and Chelsea FC supporters are hoping their big money signing can maintain his form after an inconsistent first half of the 2022-23 English Premier League season.
Looking Ahead
Mané should be around for another World Cup cycle but his absence in Qatar allowed manager Cissé to see how certain players respond to the pressure of playing on the biggest stage. No player on the team can replicate the impact of Mané but each player understood their role to prove that the system of Cissé takes full advantage of the strengths within the Senegalese squad. Senegal should march easily to qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and their veteran core looks set to stay around for one more World Cup cycle while plenty of young talent continue to provide competition in a strong side.
Ghana
Result- Eliminated in the group stage
The Black Stars had a difficult group but did well to remain competitive, showing supporters that their recent struggles were not due to a lack of talent. However it was clear that this team did not have enough time on the pitch together in the buildup to the competition, a major reason why they could not get the result they needed on the final day against Uruguay. When star players Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey are healthy this is a team that is always capable on their best day and the addition of Mohammed Salisu to the heart of the defense and Iñaki Williams to the attack give Ghanaian supporters reasons to be optimistic.
Best Player- Mohammed Kudus
Injuries in recent years have kept supporters from seeing his best but Kudus’ performances in Qatar showed just how dangerous the versatile attacker can be when he is healthy and in form. Operating as an attacking midfielder for Ghana, the Black Stars relied on Kudus to be the playmaker and the Ajax player delivered with confident displays. The 22-year-old was often the only source of creativity in the Ghanaian midfield and showed his eye for goal with two against South Korea including the match winner in an entertaining 3-2 victory. Kudus’ ability to both score and assist goals makes him unique within the Ghana team, helping his country look like an entirely different side from the team that crashed out of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in humiliating fashion.