FIFA World Cup 2014 Quarterfinals: Top 5 players

The quarter-final matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup proved to be tight affairs, much like the ones in the early stages. While there were some inspired performances from the losers, what has been evident is that the quality of football in this World Cup has been astounding.Colombia and Costa Rica fought very hard to try and make history, but in the end, the heavyweights prevailed to set up two exciting clashes in the semifinal.In the end, the better teams won and two European nations along with two others from South America play in the semifinals. As we look forward to some breathtaking football in the upcoming matches, we shall look at five players who excelled in the quarterfinals and produced some memorable performances.Disclaimer: This list is in no particular order and is the opinion of the writer, and isin no wayendorsed by Sportskeeda.

#5 Toni Kroos

The German team is unfairly riddled with so many star players that Toni Kroos rarely gets his due. Despite being the best player for the side after Mats Hummels, Kroos hasn’t been on the receiving end of many plaudits or applauses.

The Bayern Munich midfielder is one of the most important players in the German line up and contributes a large part of Germany’s dominance in midfield. Often likened to midfield stalwarts of the recent past such as Xavi and Scholes, Kroos’ style of play is one that emphasizes on creating space for himself to utilize the ball to the maximum.

Against France, Kroos put on a spectacular display once again to propel his team to victory. While Hummels’ header was in the spotlight, Kroos was the man who built it. He won the free kick and provided an inch-perfect delivery for Hummels to head it into the top corner.

Playing at the head of a three man midfield, Kroos provided the perfect link between the midfielders and the mobile attackers. His passing range allows him the luxury of dictating the game with little effort and to do it from the position of a No.10 shows his quality.

#4 David Luiz

To the football fan who watches club football week in week out, this guy seems downright erratic. But then, once in a while, he performs so as to give all those thoughts a big wash out. David Luiz scored one of the best goals in this World Cup to secure a place for his country in the semifinals.

When everyone had expected Colombia to surprise the hosts, an inspired performance from Luiz ensured that wouldn’t happen.

Ever since the start of the tournament, Luiz has been consistent and has scored two goals as well. The one against Colombia will be something to cherish for a long time, for it was a perfectly weighted set piece with the appropriate amount of swing and power, a combination which requires perfect technique and execution.

With Thiago Silva suspended for the semifinals, the responsibility would be upon Luiz to lead the defense against an incredibly mobile German attack.

Luiz was appreciated for his post-match actions as well, wherein he consoled a teary James Rodriguez and encouraged him for his performances.

#3 Lionel Messi

Argentina, although they had a very complete game against Belgium, were not able to create a lot of chances. While their opponents weren’t great, they could have put the game beyond question, had they shown the urgency.

But then, Lionel Messi was just as good as he had been in the earlier games. He was, just as every other game, at the heart of things and controlled the game. The Argentine manager had sensed that playing Messi on either wing was ineffective long before the World Cup and a free role behind the striker meant Messi had acres of time and space.

As a result, Messi has been Argentina’s best player in the World Cup. Period. No second thoughts on that one, the team has failed to perform extraordinarily as a unit but Messi has kept the ship sailing. He has had the most dribbles in the tournament and his creative outlet has not been put to the best use by his teammates.

Gonzalo Higuain scored the goal, but at the end of the day, just like so far in this World Cup, Leo Messi stood out.

#2 Sami Khedira

Sami Khedira has had a stop-start World Cup.Although he was on the bench for the two previous matches, Lahm moving to right back saw Khedira come in to the midfield. Recuperating after a long-term injury, not many expected Khedira to have such an impact on the game.

Schweinsteiger was made to sit deep and act as a destroyer to counter France’s pace on the break, and that meant Khedira could move forward.

Toni Kroos’ lack of pace made Khedira do the work of a ball carrier around the park and he did it admiringly well. Possessing a great engine, he was running all over the pitch and was one of the primary reasons for France being unable to control the game.

This performance clearly marked out his qualities as a versatile player wherein he can fit into different roles within the center midfield and adapt to his team’s requirements. Khedira and Toni Kroos are two players who gel together on the field and going into the semifinals, it is unlikely that Joachim Loew will tweak this combination.

#1 Arjen Robben

Robin van Persie may be the star of team and Tim Krul may have put on a masterful performance in the shootout, but Arjen Robben has undoubtedly been the best player of the Dutch side. At the age of 30, his legs never seem to wear out as his performances have clearly portrayed.

Although the Costa Rican defense was playing Robben tight by allowing him little space, Robben’s role up front seems to allow him the liberty of playing across the line.

The combination of Robben with van Persie has worked very well, with Robben thriving in that role. His runs across the frontline make him a constant threat, but Costa Rica’s resolute defending made it tough for the Netherlands.

Robben, who made every effort to penetrate a deep seated defense, was unlucky to end the match without a goal. Nevertheless, going into the semifinal, he will be the one player who could potentially wound the Argentine defense which has conceded just two goals till now.