2018 World Cup Team of the Tournament: Sweden's Granqvist puts in captain's performance

Sweden performed well to secure top spot in a group containing both Mexico and Germany and their quarter-final finish is commendable to say the least. 

Many expected the Scandinavian’s to leave Russia early, yet they very much exceeded expectations, with their resolute backline the foundation for success. Captain Andreas Granqvist was the star performer for Sweden with a WhoScored.com rating of 7.54. 

Granqvist netted two goals, including the crucial penalty in the 1-0 win over South Korea, while his defensive resolve was rarely called into question as he put his body on the line to Sweden’s benefit. Indeed, the 33-year-old blocked more shots (13) than any other player at the World Cup to highlight a statistically calculated WhoScored.com strength of ‘blocking the ball’, while 37 clearances was the third best return at the tournament. 

Few gave Sweden a decent chance of making an impact in Russia, but their performances won them numerous admirers, with Granqvist the star man at the back as he won two WhoScored.com man of the match awards against South Korea and Mexico. This is likely to be his final World Cup considering his advancing years, but it’s one he can bow out of with his head held high.