World Cup 2022 awards: Standard Sport writers pick their best moments and players from Qatar

An unforgettable World Cup came to an end when Argentina beat France on penalties in a breathless final that will go down as one of the best in history.

The tournament in Qatar was filled with controversy but did produce some standout storylines, moments, goals and players, as well as serving up a glorious finale.

From VAR decisions, Wout Weghorst’s late goal against Argentina, disappointment for England and Lionel Messi’s golden last dance, there was drama from day one to the final kick.

Our writers pick their highlights from Qatar…

Player of the tournament

Lionel Messi lifts the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar - In Pictures

Dan Kilpatrick: Lionel Messi. Destiny fulfilled, history made, legacy secured, immortality guaranteed.

Nizaar Kinsella: At 35, Messi adapted his game to give us majestic goals, assists and become a champion. He is San Leo.

Simon Collings: Finally a world champion, it has to be Messi. Incredible.

Malik Ouzia: It’s a clean sweep for Messi. Won his second Golden Ball and this time deserved it.

Breakthrough star

DK: Julian Alvarez, with a mention for Jude Bellingham. For everyone else's sake, hopefully Manchester City don't end up with both.

NK: Bellingham is either close to or already England’s best player based on his performances in Qatar.

SC: Azzedine Ounahi. No one had heard about him a month ago but he shone for Morocco in midfield.

MO: Ounahi. A player I’d genuinely never heard of but was outstanding for Morocco.

Player who will be on Premier League clubs’ radars

DK: Sofyan Amrabat. Tottenham might be kicking themselves that they didn't sign the Moroccan in January. Outstanding here, and perfect for English football.

NK: Wanted by Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid, Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol showed he is one of the best in the world.

SC: Enzo Fernandez. Only joined Benfica in the summer but could easily be on the move again.

MO: Gvardiol. He already was and at 20 looks Premier League-ready.

Biggest surprise

DK: Morocco. The first African nation to reach the semi-finals made history with spirit and style.

NK: Morocco’s run was a huge surprise, but one earned by a great manager and group of players.

SC: It has to be Morocco. Few thought they would get out their group, let alone reach the last four.

MO: It has to be Morocco’s run. That, and how small a factor the heat was in the end.

Biggest disappointment

DK: Wales. The worst team aside from Qatar on their historic return, and Gareth Bale barely registered.

NK: Brazil had arguably the best squad in the competition. Their dismal performance versus Croatia killed those dreams.

SC: Germany. Looked an exciting team under Hansi Flick but crashed out in the group stage.

MO: Brazil’s exit, which denied us a box office semi-final against Argentina.

England return home after World Cup exit

England verdict

DK: Par. The performance against France was encouraging though and points to a bright future under Gareth Southgate.

NK: An incredibly frustrating tournament for a team capable of winning it. Rightly avoided harsh criticism but it is all or nothing for this generation at the next two tournaments.

SC: Always predicted they would go out in the quarter-finals to France and they did, but with their heads held high.

MO: Not the boom or bust tournament I expected. This team is still moving in the right direction.

Best match

DK: The final. A game for the ages on any stage, let alone the biggest stage of all.

NK: The final. You might have to look back decades to find a better match.

SC: Argentina versus France - the greatest World Cup final of all time.

MO: The final, obviously. Honourable mention to Argentina’s games against Saudi Arabia and the Dutch.

Best goal

DK: Kylian Mbappe's second goal against Argentina took the breath away for the drama as much as the skill.

NK: Neymar against Croatia. It was a throwback to Pele’s era and the samba football of the past.

SC: Wout Weghorst v Argentina. To pull off that free-kick, at that moment in a game, is mad.

MO: A tournament short on screamers? Angel Di Maria’s in the final was wonderfully crafted.

Personal highlight

DK: Being in the room for Gianni Infantino's deranged “Today I feel gay” speech on the eve of the tournament.

NK: Listening to the passion of Morocco and Argentina fans. Their football culture is something to be treasured.

SC: Being at the Lusail for the final. The best game I have seen live. It won’t be topped for me.

MO: Watching Messi, the best player I’ve ever seen, play in the flesh for the first time.