World Cup team of the group stage: Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku and Kieran Trippier all make the cut

South Korea were poor for large parts of their campaign but discovered early on that they could rely on Cho, who bowed out with the goalkeeping performance of the World Cup so far against Germany. Though not Shin Tae-yong’s first-choice on the eve of the tournament, the 26-year-old displaced Kim Seung-gyu and is now recognised for more than his David de Gea-inspired hairstyle in his home nation.

Sweden’s captain may not have caught the eye during an unsuccessful spell at Wigan Athletic during the 2007-08 season, but his organisation and authority at the heart of Janne Andersson’s defence has not gone unnoticed in Russia. Two goals from the penalty spot help his cause, it is his marshalling of mean backline that has proved most impressive.

Now 32-years-old, Godin is still the paragon of old-fashioned, simplistic yet effective defending. Uruguay are the only team that are yet to concede in Russia, and much of that is down to the partnership of Godin and Jose Gimenez, forged under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid and since easily transferred to the international stage.

Mina’s partnership with Davinson Sanchez is still developing and his performances have not been as defensively sound as either Granqvist’s or Godin’s, but his threat on set-plays in this tournament so far cannot be ignored. His two goals both broke the deadlock in games Colombia needed to win. After a challenging few months at club level with Barcelona, the 23-year-old is doing his chances of remaining at the Camp Nou no harm.

The surprise of England’s campaign so far, Trippier’s delivery from the right flank and on set pieces played a major part in the opening wins over Tunisia and Panama. His deputy Trent Alexander-Arnold was one of the few to emerge from the defeat to Belgium with much credit, but Trippier should regain his place against Colombia and test north London rival David Ospina’s ability to claim crosses.

The best central midfielder in world football for the past three years, Modric eased Croatia through the toughest group at this World Cup with several typically elegant displays. The Real Madrid playmaker saved his best for the second half against Jorge Sampaoli’s chaotic Argentina, who only looked yet more exposed when Modric and his midfield partner Ivan Rakitic began to expertly pull the strings. Modric’s strike for Croatia’s second that night was also one of the group stage’s finest.

After his struggles with Porto and coming close to falling out of football, Quintero’s renaissance is the feel-good story of the group stages. Quintero - an avid fan of reggaeton - eases the load on James Rodriguez, Colombia’s talisman, and England must be wary that Rodriguez’s potential absence from Tuesday’s round of 16 clash in Moscow is only likely to encourage and coax more out of this inventive 25-year-old.

Man-of-the-match in Sweden’s critical win over Mexico, the teetotal Werder Bremen full-back quietly impressed in his outings against South Korea and Germany too. A dynamic, pacey outlet in an otherwise functional and uncomplicated side, Augustinsson is likely to prove key if Sweden are to build on their excellent start and progress through the knockout stages.

Ronaldo’s place in this team was settled by his performance against Spain in the opening round of fixtures and the stunning late free-kick that rescued a point for Portugal in Sochi. It was a night where, in brief moments, his direct play and willingness to run at opponents harked back to his early days at Manchester United. The less said about the final outing against Iran, the better, but this group stage was a reminder that he can still dominate as a 33-year-old.

AM: Philippe Coutinho (Brazil)

A forgotten man at international level until the calamity of Brazil’s 2014 World Cup, Coutinho is now one of the Selecao’s most influential players and particularly benefits from the adventurous, proactive style adopted by Tite. His goal against Switzerland sticks in the memory, the late breakthrough against Costa Rica was important, but his assist for Paulinho against Serbia was as impressive as either strike.

If Belgium progress deep into the tournament, this could Lukaku’s opportunity to truly announce himself on the world stage. The Manchester United striker appears to revel in a system that encourages movement and passing through the lines, despite the perception that he has a poor touch and is more suited to physical, direct play.

Substitutes: Alireza Beiranvand (Iran), Jose Gimenez (Uruguay), Dejan Lovren (Croatia), Granit Xhaka (Switzerland), Aleksandr Golovin (Russia), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Harry Kane (England)