As Argentina were crowned world champions on Sunday night, we decided to pick our World Cup flop XI, which includes the players that flattered to deceive in Qatar.
Which players made our World Cup Flop XI?
Edouard Mendy
Known for being an elite shotstopper, Edouard Mendy made a meal of things at the back against the Netherlands in particular.
For Cody Gakpo’s winner, the Chelsea goalkeeper rushed out of his line just to not claim the ball and grant the Dutchman a free header.
And for Davy Klassen’s strike, Mendy parried the ball in his direction, handing the midfielder an open net to aim towards.
Considering Senegal could well have won the game and finished top of the group, Edouard Mendy’s howlers at the back gifted Louis van Gaal’s side three points.
Jules Kounde
It is key to emphasise that naturally, Jules Kounde is a centre-back.
While he has played as a right-back on several occasions for Sevilla and Barcelona, the Frenchman looked out of his depth in an unfamiliar role throughout the tournament.
If Kounde’s display against Denmark was alarming, his outing in the World Cup final was appalling as Angel Di Maria ran rings around him for fun.
Considering much isn’t expected from the 23-year-old from an attacking perspective, he endured a forgettable tournament.
Niklas Sule
As Germany bowed out of the World Cup group stage, Niklas Sule was perhaps one of their most underwhelming performers.
Against Japan, it was the Borussia Dortmund defender who played Takuma Asano onside for his late winner.
While in the decider against Costa Rica, he lost the header for Juan Pablo Vargas’ strike, whilst being completely oblivious about his presence.
The German did not cover himself in glory in Qatar to say the least.
Toby Alderweireld
Not as if many expected Toby Alderweireld to pull up any trees for at 33, but in all honesty, any of the Belgium defenders could have been put into the side.
Against the likes of Canada and Morocco in particular, Alderweireld just looked way past his best to still be starting for the Red Devils at a World Cup.
A poor tournament for an ageing centre-back that should be nowhere near the Belgian XI if they wish to progress further.
Daley Blind
Yes, Daley Blind put up a goal and assist against the United States.
And while we acknowledge that the Ajax defender is not a left wing-back, there is no running away from the fact that he offered virtually nothing in an attacking position.
However, the blame lies on Louis van Gaal for preferring the Dutchman over a more natural option such as Tyrell Malacia.
Ousmane Dembele
There is a shout for Ousmane Dembele perhaps being the ultimate flop of the World Cup.
Entering the tournament in a rich vein of form, the Frenchman was expected to wreak havoc in Qatar.
Barring the odd moment of magic here and there, Dembele was largely non-existent and in the final, he was nothing short of abysmal.
Losing possession time and again whilst naively fouling Di Maria for the penalty, Didier Deschamps had no option but to take to him off within the first 45.
If that doesn’t sum up Dembele’s struggles, what does?
Kevin De Bruyne
For starters, Kevin De Bruyne candidly admitted in an interview with the Guardian that Belgium were “too old” to win the World Cup, which isn’t the inspirational message one expects from the side’s best player.
While the Manchester City midfielder was spot on, some things are best kept private, especially during a major tournament.
On the pitch as well, De Bruyne’s passing was uncharacteristically wayward while he struggled to impose himself on games.
A shocking tournament as a whole for arguably the best midfielder in world football.
Federico Valverde
As brilliant as Federico Valverde has been this season, he was nowhere near his all-encompassing best for Uruguay, who were expected to do some real damage in Qatar.
The Real Madrid dynamo, who has thrived as a right-winger-cum-midfielder operated in the middle of the park and looked anonymous all tournament.
While Valverde remains a sensational footballer, he was far from his best at the World Cup.
Papu Gomez
Starting Argentina’s first two games, Papu Gomez just struggled to make any impact on proceedings.
While one does not necessarily expect the Atalanta attacker to be an elite defensive presence, he did little to nothing from a creative standpoint as well.
Upon being replaced by Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Scaloni’s side found a lot more balance and went on to win the World Cup, which says it all.
Darwin Nunez
Heading into the tournament in a rich vein of form, Darwin Nunez was expected to make headlines for all the right reasons in Qatar.
Instead, the Liverpool striker’s technical deficiencies were laid bare, as he also managed not to score a single goal at the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo
While one does not expect Cristiano Ronaldo to be at his brilliant best at this point of his career, he was dreadful every time he started.
Barring a well-taken spot-kick, Ronaldo’s finishing and link-up play was as poor as it has been for Manchester United recently.
And to make matters worse for him, Portugal looked like a completely different side in his absence, with Goncalo Ramos bagging a hat-trick against Switzerland as well.
A horrendous World Cup for one of the greatest players of all time.
While this list of players certainly deserved to make the grade in our World Cup Flop XI, this isn’t to question their quality based on a couple of games, but to simply call a spade a spade after their disappointing displays in Qatar.
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