RM. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
Okay, I know he’s out of position here, but let’s just roll with it.
It wouldn’t be a combined XI without Cristiano Ronaldo, that’s for sure. The Portuguese is a contender for the best to have ever lived, and he proved it against Spain on Friday night.
In Portugal’s hardest game of the group stage, Ronaldo only went and scored a hat-trick. A free kick, a penalty, and an outside of the box strike. Once again, proving his versatility.
The game finished 3-3, but Ronaldo got all the plaudits. That’s because once again, he saved his side right at the end.
Spain have a strong defense, including the best goalkeeper in the world, David de Gea. It’s not enough to faze Ronaldo though, as he made de Gea look rather silly on a few occasions.
Without Ronaldo, Portugal wouldn’t be at the stature they are at right now. He is their hope, just like he was at EURO 2016. This may be his last World Cup, so he’ll want to head out with a bang.
Honorable mention: Some credit must go to Mexico’s Hirving Lozano too. He was exceptional against Germany, scoring the winning goal.