Dominant Swiss leaders, Canadian history-makers, and Bosnian defensive anchors headline this elite XI. Discover which breakout stars and established veterans commanded the pitch during a high-stakes Group B finale.
Group B concluded last evening which saw Switzerland top the group, with seven points. Host nations Canada were the runners up, getting out of the groups for the first time ever. Bosnia and Herzegovina come third but should be through with a 3-1 victory in their final game giving them four points. And it was Qatar who finished bottom conceding ten goals in the process.
So lets build a best eleven from this group.
Goalkeeper- Nikola Vasilj: Bosnia and Herzegovina
There hasn't quite been a standout goalkeeper, with the best performance coming from Abunada, of Qatar, against Switzerland, but conceding nine in his other two games rules him out.
Vasilj has been very strong for Bosnia coming up with some big saves and he was vital in getting that point against Canada, a point that makes it seem like their going to the knockouts.
Right Back- Alistair Johnston: Canada
The first Canadian to make this squad is Celtic's full back Johnston, with him having some of the most impressive attacking stats out of any fullback in the World Cup.
He has the most expected assists per 90 out of any full back, 0.60, showing his creating prowess. He is also in the top ten percentile for chances created, big chances created and successful crosses, proving that he is one of the best in the world at making opportunities and is unlucky to only have one assist so far.
Centre Back- Nikola Katic: Bosnia and Herzegovina
One of the easiest decisions made for this team. Katic has been incredible for Bosnia, with that performance against Canada really being one of the best performances by anyone in this group, and the Schalke man is showing his defensive capabilities.
He is not a modern centre-back in any way, shape or form with him being in the bottom half for passes made out of all centre backs. But there has only been three centre halves who have had more duels and ariel duels won. Also him not being dispossessed yet is an advantage to Bosnia, not allowing to concede any cheap goals.
Centre Back- Manuel Akanji: Switzerland
Nerves would have been high for Akanji when he made an early mistake which should have gave Qatar the opening goal in the first game but since then he has hardly put a foot wrong.
He was incredible against Canada in the final game, with his composure helping the Swiss over the line to top the group. With him being one of the best passing defenders in the World Cup so far he is vital for Switzerland.
Left Back- Richie Laryea: Canada
This was a real toss-up between Laryea and Ricardo Rodriguez, from Switzerland, but it is the Canada man who just gets in for me. With his performance against Qatar just about getting him over the line.
He is averaging just over a dribble a game, with everyone he has attempted being successful, and has had been incredible at one v one duels, winning 18 duels at a 72% win rate.
Left Midfield- Ruben Vargas: Switzerland
Vargas has been one of the most entertaining players to watch this entire World Cup, with him being able to score twice and get one assist, and should have had more in their game against Qatar.
He has been able to average 2.02 shots on target a game and having created three big chances a game. Watching his directness and the way he gets at defenders trying to make things happen has been incredibly exciting to watch.
Centre Midfield- Ivan Basic: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Basic is one of the main reasons that Bosnia will be going to the round of 32, he has been vital for this Bosnia side and his hard-working and creativity has lead to him being Bosnia's best player.
Stats wise he has been the best crosser in the World Cup and his long ball stats have been better than 97% of any other midfielders so he makes his way into the team based of that.
Centre Midfield- Granit Xhaka: Switzerland
Probably the highest reputation player in this entire group has lived up to the expectations, with the Switzerland captain being able to control the pace in all three games and was able to grab a goal through a penalty.
He has been able to recover the ball 24 times in the three games and impress average of 5.33 long balls a game, one of the best out of all midfielders.
Right Midfield- Tajon Buchanan: Canada
Watching him in the first two was a joy with him having so many completed dribbles and against Qatar he was incredibly unlucky not to get even a goal or an assist.
Buchanan has been able to average just under six touches in the opposition box a game, showing his ability to try and get in behind and make things happen
Striker- Jonathan David: Canada
If you score a World Cup hat-trick it is hard to ignore and David may not have had great games in the other two but his three against Qatar gets him into the team.
It was a glorious day from the Juventus striker, who etched his way into Canada folklore, which has propelled Canada to the knockouts: against South Africa.
Striker- Johan Manzambi: Switzerland
One of the main breakout starts from this World Cup so far has been Freiburg's Manzambi. The twenty-year-old has took his chance and ran with it, a brace against Bosnia, and grabbed a goal against Canada.
It has been his frightening pace to help him cause problems for defence and he has been able to average 4 shots per 90, with two of them averaging hitting the target.
