FIFA World Cup 2018: Matchday 1 Combined XI

#10 Left Back- Aleksandar Kolarov (Serbia)

It was a tough choice for us to choose between Jesus Gallardo (Mexico) and Aleksandar Kolarov for the left back position. But, we went with the latter due to his phenomenal left-footed strike at the 56th minute which made all the difference.

The Serbian was also instrumental in the build-up play as he completed 28 passes in 90 minutes. Coming off from a fantastic Roma season, the 32-year-old even recovered the ball five times. The 56th-minute shot didn't give Keylor Navas, who plays for Real Madrid, any chance whatsoever. It is that sort of goal which Cristiano Ronaldo would be proud of.

If Serbia wants to make it through to the knockout stages, the left-back will have to deliver in the subsequent games. Brazil and Switzerland shouldn't be in your group if you want to progress to the next round easily.

#9 Centre Back - Jose Gimenez (Uruguay)

Making it next to our list is the 23-year-old Uruguayan defender, Jose Gimenez. The Atletico Madrid defender has proved the world why he is on the radars of Juventus, Arsenal, and Liverpool for a potential summer transfer.

Recovering the ball 12 times and throwing in 2 crucial tackles, he was a significant figure in thwarting Egypt's attacking plans. Furthermore, it was his header in the 90th-minute which gave Uruguay the all-important 3 points. Sanchez delivered the free-kick from the right, and Gimenez rose the highest to head into the right-hand corner of the net. It was enough to leave the Egyptian fans in tears.

Placed in a relatively easier group comprising of Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, they shouldn't find it a tough nut to crack. However, if they want to avoid Portugal, they should top the group and Jose Gimenez will have a huge role to play.

#8 Centre Back- Andreas Granqvist (Sweden)

The game between Sweden and South Korea should have been a 0-0 draw. However, VAR gave Sweden a penalty for a foul by South Korea which the official couldn't notice. Their captain, Andreas Granqvist, had stepped up and ensured Sweden got the lead.

The 33-year-old recovered the ball efficiently whenever South Korea came up with a counter-attack. The veteran used all his experience to push Sweden forward as he had given 36 forward passes in the game. For his all-important goal and defensive heroics, the Swedish was rightly adjudged with the 'Man of the Match' award.

Sweden will next face Germany for a potential second-place spot in the group. A win for them will almost knock the defending champions out of the tournament. Sweden knows it better, and all the eyes will be on their captain if they want to prevent Germany from scoring.

#7 Right Back- Stephan Lichtsteiner (Switzerland)

This summer, Arsenal signed Juventus right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Swiss captain knew that the Arsenal fans would judge him by his performance against Brazil. If he could put Neymar at bay, Arsenal fans would be more than happy.

He did pick-up a yellow card early in the match for a foul on Neymar, but he silenced the critics thereafter. The 34-year-old bonded perfectly with Granit Xhaka (another Arsenal player) to silence Neymar. Other than his woeful crosses, the Swiss should give tough competition to Hector Bellarin for a spot in the starting line-up.

Switzerland will next face Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E. If they want to continue their heroics, their captain shouldn't fall back.

Enter — A back four of Kolarov, Gimenez, Granqvist, and Lichtsteiner