A combined starting 11 of the best players from the group stage

[June 29, 2018]  By Richard Martin

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (Reuters) - After an entertaining World Cup group stage crammed with late deciding goals and a host of unexpected results, not least holders Germany crashing out, Reuters Sports picks a combined starting 11 of the best performing players so far.

Cho Hyun-woo (South Korea)

The goalkeeper made a jaw-dropping save in all three of his games, the pick of which was to deny Leon Goretzka's point-blank header in Korea's famous 2-0 win over Germany, for which he was deservedly named man of the match.

Kieran Trippier (England)

The full back was given greater room to roam by manager Gareth Southgate and his pace and crossing ability caused Panama and Tunisia constant headaches in England's first two wins.

Diego Godin (Uruguay)

The center back marshaled the only defense to keep clean sheets in all three games and with him patrolling the backline, Uruguay rarely looked in danger.

Andreas Granqvist (Sweden)

The defender banged in two penalties in three games but it was his grit and sacrifice which harnessed Sweden's unforgiving backline and saw them claim top spot in Group F.

Martin Caceres (Uruguay)

Another soldier of Uruguay's grueling defense, Caceres has also provided vital support in wide midfield, one of the few weak spots in Oscar Tabarez's side.

N'golo Kante (France)

The holding midfielder's renowned energy levels have again come to the fore in Russia, prompting Paul Pogba to rave after the 1-0 win over Peru that his team mate had "15 lungs".

Luka Modric (Croatia)

The graceful midfielder conducted Croatia's perfect group stage campaign, helping seal their splendid 3-0 win over Argentina with a delightful curling shot from long range.

Denis Cheryshev (Russia)

Had barely featured for his country until he was called on to replace an injured team mate against Saudi Arabia but he quickly showed his class with two mesmerizing goals and struck again against Egypt to help send the host nation through.

Sweden's Andreas Granqvist celebrates after the match REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge/File Photo

Philippe Coutinho (Brazil)

The playmaker has taken full control of Brazil's attacking machine and been responsible each time they have broken the deadlock, striking first against Switzerland and Costa Rica and assisting Paulinho's goal against Serbia.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Confirmed his reputation for delivering on the biggest stage yet again with a hat-trick in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain, crowned by his outstanding late equalizer from a free kick.

Romelu Lukaku

Four goals, two in each game he has played and all from open play, speak for themselves.

Coach: Janne Andersson (Sweden)

Seamlessly lead the nation out of the post-Zlatan Ibrahimovic era by building a resilient team who bounced back from their painful loss to Germany to thrash Mexico and top a group many thought they would struggle to get out of.

Substitutes

Hirving Lozano (Mexico)

Andreas Christensen (Denmark)

Isco (Spain)

Harry Kane (England)

Kevin de Bruyne (Belgium)

William Carvalho (Portugal)

Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)

(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

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