A number of Portugal forwards were in the headlines for all sorts of reasons this winter. For Rafael Leao, whose minutes were surprisingly limited, the feedback was largely positive.
# The best goals of the 2022 World Cup

#### By Tom Gott | Dec 19, 2022

Mbappe scored a brilliant volley in the final

Mbappe scored a brilliant volley in the final / Jean Catuffe/GettyImages

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It's safe to say the 2022 World Cup will go down as one of the best tournaments in history.

The Qatar edition had a little bit of everything: drama, chaos, tension, excitement and a whole lot of worldies.

Here's a look at the best goals from the 2022 World Cup.

## 1. Salem Al-Dawsari vs Argentina

This was a special moment and a truly special goal.

The first of many major surprises at this World Cup was Salem Al-Dawsari absolute worldie against Argentina in the opening round of fixtures, securing a shock 2-1 victory for Saudi Arabia.

## 2. Richarlison vs Serbia

Responding to doubts over his ability to lead the line for a bona-fide contender, Richarlison pulled out this acrobatic effort in Brazil's early victory over Serbia.

Vinicius Junior's cross is nice but that finish is just something else entirely.

## 3. Lionel Messi vs Mexico

Lionel Messi's class was on show throughout this tournament, beginning with this arrowing effort from range against Mexico.

He would end up missing out on the Golden Boot, but to be honest, we don't really think he cares right now.

## 4. Cody Gakpo vs Ecuador

While the Netherlands exited Qatar feeling disappointed, one man who should not be sad is the in-demand Cody Gakpo, whose transfer value has only jumped up because of his scoring exploits.

He netted in all three of his side's group games, with this rocket against Ecuador the pick of the bunch.

## 5. Casemiro vs Switzerland

Switzerland kept Brazil quiet for nearly the entire 90 minutes of their group game, only for a moment of magic from Casemiro of all people to break their hearts.

The Manchester United midfielder was a creative force in Qatar but his biggest trick was pulling this scorching strike out of his sleeve.

## 6. Marcus Rashford vs Wales

Marcus Rashford arrived in Qatar looking to rediscover his best form, and in limited minutes, he did exactly that.

His two-goal haul against Wales was the pick of the bunch and this piledriver of a free-kick will live long in the memory of England fans.

## 7. Luis Chavez vs Saudi Arabia

If you look up 'banger' in the dictionary, you'll find a video of Luis Chavez's ferocious free-kick against Saudi Arabia.

The ability needed to pull that off is out of this world. It's literally perfect.

## 8. Remo Freuler vs Serbia

From individual brilliance to a superb team move.

Switzerland flicked their way through Serbia with some fast passing and a tidy backheel, which Remo Freuler gleefully finished off.

## 9. Paik Seung-ho vs Brazil

South Korea fans will be keen to forget their round-of-16 drubbing at the hands of Brazil, which is a real shame for Paik Seung-ho.

With everyone watching sharing the collective thought of shooooooot, Paik did not disappoint as he lashed this consolation effort into the top corner of Alisson's net.

## 10. Rafael Leao vs Switzerland

A number of Portugal forwards were in the headlines for all sorts of reasons this winter. For Rafael Leao, whose minutes were surprisingly limited, the feedback was largely positive.

In the Goncalo Ramos hat-trick/Cristano Ronaldo on the bench game against Switzerland, Leao offered up the best highlight of the game with this sumptuous curling effort into the top corner.

## 11. Neymar vs Croatia

A moment of real magic from Neymar looked to have seen off Croatia in the quarter-final, but it wasn't to be.

Still, the goal itself - a tricky team move orchestrated by the PSG man - deserves to be watched time and time again.

## 12. Aurelien Tchouameni vs England

Aurelien Tchouameni isn't exactly known for his goals, but he made sure this one stayed hit when France saw off England in the quarter-final.

This laser strike from range arrowed into Jordan Pickford's bottom corner and knocked the stuffing out of the Three Lions early on.

## 13. Mislav Orsic vs Morocco

If you're one of those people who skipped the third-place play-off, you missed out on this absolute beaut from Mislav Orsic.

The Croatia winger is known for his love of goals on the big stage and he'll probably never score another better than this.

## 14. Angel Di Maria vs France

In the World Cup final, Argentina put together this unreal passage of play that saw them tear through France and tap home through Angel Di Maria.

While the finish itself is nothing special, it's the whole team move that should have your mouth watering. In a World Cup final, against the reigning champions.

## 15. Kylian Mbappe vs Argentina

Kylian Mbappe came up short when all was said and done, but he did net one of the tournament's best goals as he fizzed home this volley to drag France level in the final.

He's only the second player to ever score a hat-trick in the World Cup final, and is probably going to become the top scorer in tournament history in 2026. No biggie.

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