While Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud have been among the goals for France at this World Cup so far, it is the hardworking attacking midfielder or playmaker Antoine Griezmann’s persistent tackling, re-tackling and timely interceptions that have benefitted the reigning world champions the most. He would have created over two dozen scoring opportunities for his team—easily 
the most by anyone else throughout this competition.

On Wednesday night, Griezmann, 31, was once again at his fleet-footed best, running hard in support of the forwardline and then backtracking consistently and efficiently to help out the defence against the gritty Moroccans in the second semi-final at the Al Bayt Stadium. It is for this reason the creative genius won the Player of the Match.