All good things must come to an end, and every experience can only last so long. Nevertheless, we now have a chance to reflect on the best moments from the World Cup.
Just like that the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup is now ending! There was a lot of talk before the tournament started about who the frontrunners were or should be, but now that the final looms, many questions have been answered.
Qatar has possibly committed a few sins in their quest to host the event, but that has been documented. The reality is also that this World Cup has largely been a success on the pitch. The football has been brilliant, the excitement unmatched and the shocks just keep coming.
But how did we see this tournament unfolding?
Golden Ball
At 12/1, Lionel Messi was my pick, and I am proud to say that he is certainly on track to bag the coveted individual award once again. He was always going to be the talisman for Argentina and should they perform, he would have to play a sizeable role.
It remains Messi’s swansong and I suppose I’m allowed to say: the stars are seemingly still aligned!
Messi vs Australia
— Ziad is NOT in pain 🇦🇷 (@Ziad_EJ) December 3, 2022
GOAT isn’t enough to describe this man pic.twitter.com/qIuGr2Wsq6
Golden Glove
I was quite bullish about Thibaut Courtois and Belgium, they looked to be competitive on paper, and I mean they boasted the world’s best midfielder – but that didn’t cater for their implosion.
It all went a little pear-shaped for Belgium and while my money on the 5/1 price went down the drain. Yassine Bounou of Morocco (at the time of writing) leads the way, and I must admit I am absolutely rooting for the young keeper in the final days of the World Cup.
He currently sits on three clean sheets – tied with Jordan Pickford – but unlike Pickford, he is still in the competition and capable of bringing it home!
Yassine BONO - World Cup 2022pic.twitter.com/IzLm06aN0E
— AboVardy (@iskaholic) December 11, 2022
Golden Boot
I was conflicted around Kylian Mbappe this year only because of the prep France had coming into the tournament and his domestic politics. However, I cannot deny that the young Frenchman has been brilliant this tournament and absolutely reminded all of us of his talent and ability.
Whether he is scoring, assisting, or simply putting pressure on defensive lines – Mbappe remains an absolute sight to behold. Originally trading at 9/1 – if you got a piece of that, well done to you!
Who will walk away with the World Cup Golden Boot? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/UDmC6ynqg4
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 12, 2022
The World Cup final is going to be contested on Sunday evening and I hope you enjoy it! Place a good bet and take it all in. I mean at the end of the day; we’ll only see this again in 2026!
