We now know who our eight quarter-finalists are for the 2022 Fifa World Cup and understandably, there are players for those nations who have stood out among the rest.
Ahead of the four thrilling quarter-finals to come, here is a look at the top 10 players featuring in the last-eight ties based on their average match ratings from WhoScored.com.
10 - Antoine Griezmann (France) 7.62
The petite superstar has been France’s unsung hero in Qatar so far. Having been deployed in midfield by Didier Deschamps, the 31-year-old has rediscovered his confidence and has been the driving force for Les Bleus’ attacking might. His quality on the ball has seen him dictate games.
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9 - Richarlison (Brazil) 7.62
The Brazil striker has three goals to his name in the tournament and has had a strong influence in Tite’s side. He has been involved in some outstanding goals - his bicycle kick against Serbia and the wonderfully-worked goal against South Korea in the last 16.
8 - Diogo Dalot (Portugal) 7.65
Dalot has been positive in his two World Cup appearances with Portugal in Qatar and it reflects his improving form at club level with Manchester United. He has shown that he can be just as effective in supporting his teammates in attack as he is with his defensive duties.
100% duels won
89% pass accuracy
50 touches
4/4 tackles won
2/2 long ball completed
2 block
1 goal line clearance
1 interception
1 assist
Portugal's RB. 🙌🙌🙌
7 - Alex Sandro (Brazil) 7.70
The Brazilian defender has been one of the strongest performers in Tite’s side at the World Cup as he is as effective bursting forward as he is defensively. He was awarded the Player of the Match award in Brazil’s hard-fought victory over Switzerland.
6 - Jude Bellingham (England) 7.72
The 19-year-old superstar has been one of the best midfielders at the World Cup so far and he has already contributed a goal and an assist for the Three Lions. He has dazzled the footballing world with his outstanding attributes both offensively and defensively - seeing his price tag soar.
5 - Cody Gakpo (Netherlands) 7.80
Speaking of prices going up, that is certainly the case with Netherlands attacker Gakpo. His three goals at the tournament show just why most of Europe’s elite clubs are chasing his signature. He has been the standout star of Louis van Gaal’s side so far.
4 - Bukayo Saka (England) 7.82
Saka has been one of England’s brightest sparks in Qatar so far and he has scored three goals in three appearances for Gareth Southgate’s side. His impressive dribbling has proven to cause problems for any defender he faces, but his link-up play with his teammates has been a joy to watch at times.
3 - Lionel Messi (Argentina) 7.94
Argentina’s leading man has once again been the reason they have been able to reach the knockout stage. His three goals and one assist have been vital to his side and even at 35 he continues to prove he has what it takes to shine at this level and keep his World Cup dream alive.
2 - Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) 8.31
Fernandes has been the leading man for Portugal despite what Cristiano Ronaldo wants to believe. He has already been involved in five goals this tournament in just three appearances, winning the Player of the Match accolade twice.
1 - Kylian Mbappe (France) 8.33
Mbappe has been in lightning form for Les Bleus at this World Cup, showing just how much of an outstanding player he is. He is the tournament’s top scorer with five goals and he has also provided two assists for his teammates. Mbappe is the key to France’s hopes of winning consecutive World Cups.
