Bench-sitters, entrepreneurs and the eliminated superstar: An interim report from the World Cup’s Jupiler Pro pioneers | world Cup of football

He had to stop training (against his will) at Van Gaal’s suggestion after tapping his ankle, but was fit again the next day. You should be watching from the couch now. In the Netherlands they aren’t quite as enthusiastic about the ‘boring’ Orange. People even called here and there to try Lang.

An essential place and raid for the Orange, but it did not carry much weight on the defense of both Senegal and Qatar to replace Depay with dignity. He almost gave an assist against the host country, but was reported offside.

Not the first choice in Japan, but it would be the worst for him. Japan qualified as group winners in a group with Spain and Germany.

Did get between the lines in trick victories against Germany and Spain. He got his chance when Japan rolled against Costa Rica, but it was again substituted in the first half.

The rough diamond of Genk Race. As the youngest of the Moroccans, he went to the World Cup, immediately stopping to “his” Belgium, but for the time being remains out of work. National coach Regragui believes in it.

A quiet force in the Moroccan midfield, but not unimportant. He didn’t hit enough ball against Croatia to be good, also against Belgium and (as a substitute against Canada) he wasn’t on top, but they’re still great group winners.

He started the World Cup very strong and was one of the stars in the opening game – even providing an assist – but still had to pack a punch for Ecuador after the defeat to Senegal.

He came to Qatar without concrete expectations, because before that he had not achieved any caps for his country. I didn’t participate in the World Cup either.

He showed his tricks many times and was at times the most dangerous Iranian. And I witnessed a goal that was not allowed against Wales, and he also hit the wooden goal with a beautiful long shot in the same match. He picked up an assist against England, but was eliminated along with Iran.

Not a second of playing time for the left-back to lead in the Jupiler Pro League, although he is in great shape. It was woefully eliminated on goal difference by Poland.

Two basic places, but disappointed (along with all of Denmark). It made the nets shiver against Tunisia, but it was reported. He was criticized especially in his country for his performance against Australia, where he had bad luck with dribbling. You still need to take steps.

He was a nightmare for the Belgian (and sometimes Croatian) defense with his speed, but lacked efficiency. He showed himself with some good works and zeal, like the whole of Canada.

Against Croatia and Morocco in the starting line-up, but the club’s lack of game rhythm was delayed with it. He might be his country’s all-time leading scorer, but he failed to score.

He cried happily with his World Cup selection – beautiful pictures. Besides, he wasn’t really in the picture with the Canadians. An extra boost for him: Deinze hasn’t lost once since his absence.

Cameroon were held up by Brazil, but failed to qualify. His mother came with 100 minutes of playing time, more than the total since the beginning of September at KV Mechelen.

Short substitution to win the score against South Korea, the “professor” didn’t get anything else. Competition for the right-back is fierce in Ghana.

His country’s national team is magical, but goalkeeper Eupen (second) is always on the bench with Ghana.

At AA Gent he alternated between starting places and raids, at the World Cup he was not a midfielder.

He did not see his fine form at Club Brugge rewarded with a starting place, or playing time at all. Perhaps I was hoping for something more.