FIFA World Cup 2014 XI

Arguably the greatest world cup ever has just drawn to a close with that most remarkable final between Argentina and Germany. As a tribute, i give you my top XI players of the Cup, they were selected keeping in mind the smiles put on faces, tears wiped away and hearts won around the world. They were selectedon the basis of how pivotal they were to their teams and how inspirational they were, rather than whatthe statistics and numbers that always seem to dominate these lists tell you.Keeping in mind the attacking verve displayed at this World Cup Ive gone for a flexible 4-2-3-1, witha solid defense made of a classy new-age centre back, a no-nonsense old fashioned one and two defensively soundfullbacks who have the tireless energy and the requisite skill to bound forward at every opportunity.This is protected by a narrow,combative midfield pairing cable of bossing any oppositionand a dynamic attack with one flying winger on the right, two magical playmakersand the ultimate predator,a man who has redefined the art of goal poaching. All four are fluid and capable of playing anywhere across the front.There are several limitations with this team, notably the lack of width in midfield when the team doesnt have the balland thepredominantly left footed attack but, with the effective man-magement and brilliant tactics of the manager in charge of this team wed surely see some brilliant football!

#1 GK Manuel Neuer (Germany)

This world cup showcased the magnificent, under-estimated art of goalkeeping like never before. The grand old greats of goalkeeping – Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas were overshadowed by the new guard of unheralded goalkeepers as Keylor Navas, Guillermo Ochoa, Tim ‘superman’ Howard, Fatau Daudu, Rais M’Bohli and Vincent Enyeama played out of their skins to build the platform on which the underdogs fought so magnificently.

As for the footballing superpowers, Jesper Cillesen (Tim Krul as well, what a display that was in the crucial penalty shootout against Costa Rica) and Hugo Lloris were on top of their games for the impressive Dutch and French.

But the goalkeeper of the tournament was that imposing of men, the giant from Gelsenkirchen. Owning his penalty like no other mortal could dream of, charging out to become a virtual defender, a veritable sweeper who provided cover for his defence as they held a dangerously high defensive line, Manuel Neuer was absolutely immense for the Champions. One moment of Neuer’s still stands fresh in the mind – Karim Benzema, in the dying stages of their quarterfinal meeting, had absolutely blasted a shot aimed at the roof of the net. Neuer stuck a hand up quite brilliantly, the ball ricocheting of it as if it had struck metal. Perhaps it had, this man was most probably Terminator incarnate.

#2 RB - Pablo Zabaleta

In a world cup which was not short on quality, it appeared as if the full back position was the one real weakness for most teams in the competition. This was especially true of Argentina’s left back position where Marcos Rojo had been identified as the weak link – he put in a spirited performance, but his limitations were often exposed by the sheer class and skill of his opposition. This claim of ‘weakness at fullback’ however was patently untrue on the opposite flank of Argentina’s defence.

Pablo Zabaleta was an inspoirational prescence on the right, his tireless runs up and down the right the source for so much joy for the Argentinians. Never compromising on defensive solidity, the Manchester City man was ever willing to run forward in support of his more illustious compatriots. His boundless energy and ever-smiling enthusiasm was a constant source of inspiration for his teammates as the tough Argentianian outfit defied expectations and the doomfilled predictions of the critics to reach the final of the world cup, where Zabaleta was one of the outstanding performers..

#3 CB Mats Hummels (Germany)

The gala festival of goals that this tournament has been, is reflection on the genius on display in the attacking third, rather than any defensive frailties or follies (David Luiz and Dante, the door is that a-way, please stop calling yourselves defenders. You guys are no more defenders than I am Brazilian, which is to say not at all)

The highly acclaimed Mats Hummels lived up to his top billing as his velvety class and calm sophistication on the ball led the way as a defensively sound Germans were deservedly crowned champions. To top the cake, Hummels scored two crucial goals as well, wonderful headers that opened the goal-fest against Portugal, and the winning goal in dour, tight match against a tough French outfit.

#4 CB Ron Vlaar (Holland)

Whenever people mentioned Holland in the build-up and during their wonderful run to the semifinals, there was only one name that was being talked about – Arjen Robben; and his magnificent attacking compatriots Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder. They were the biggest names in the side, a side which on paper was as lopsided as they come – their defense composed almost entirely of players form the Dutch Eredivise. All except one man, Ron Vlaar plied his trade at Aston Villa in the English league and he had endured a fairly mediocre season as Aston Villa struggled all season to stay afloat.

But he wasn’t in the claret and blue of the Villains. Vlaar, wearing the Orange of his nation and shouldering the responsibility of the defense, was absolutely immense as he marshaled his young and inexperienced partners throughout the tournament, the astute Louis Van Gaal leading them to a more than expected and much deserved third place finish

#5 LB Faouzi Ghoulam (Algeria)

One of the many Algerians who were born and brought up in the land of their former colonial masters – France, Faouzi Ghoulam had been brilliant at the youth levels, representing Saint Etienne at a very young age, his composure on the ball and natural tenacity evident for all to see. He was rewarded with a call-up to the French under 21 squad in 2012, but Ghoulam had his heart set elsewhere. A year later he had gone on to represent Algeria in the African Cup of Nations.

At 23, Ghoulam (now of the famous Napoli FC) was at the World Cup playing for Les Fennecs. He was outstanding throughout as Algeria made it out of a rather tricky group only to face up against the might of Germany in the pre-quarters. Die Mannschaft, however, were in for a surprise as a plucky, skillful and resolute Algeria took the match all the way to extra time, Ghoulam their stand-out performer. They may have lost the match 2-1, but they had won the hearts of millions and the tireless left back had cemented his reputation as a talented young defender in the eyes of one and all.

#6 CM Javier Mascherano (Argentina) captain

In 2010, Diego Maradona said he had built his Argentinian team around the human pit-bull that was Javier Mascherano. While many of his strategies and policies had been questionable, few had doubted the wisdom in this move. Even those few would now have been absolutely converted to the sect of Mascherano worshippers, as the cult hero – a natural leader of men and a street fighter of immense willpower - battled and battered his way around Argentina’s half of the pitch as La Albiceleste fought their way to a hard-earned and ultimately well-deserved second place.

The man was everywhere, flying into tackles all over the pitch, marshaling the incessant pressing game of Argentina to great effect, leading by example and by motivation. The man would quite literally break open his backside before he let an opponent have an easy shot at his goal (that Robben tackle!)

If Leo Messi was the brain of this Argentinian team, Javier Mascherano was its heart and soul.

#7 CM Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

There wouldn’t have been a blade of grass in Brazil that Bastian Schweinsteiger would not have dominated during this wonderful tournament.

The great midfield general was absolutely majestic as he owned every match he played in with his imitable charisma and magical footballing abilities, bending them to his iron willpower. Like Mascherano, he was everywhere, flying into tackles all over the place; and yet he couldn’t be more different than the great Mashcerano, for the man dominated the opposition in the attacking half of the pitch as well.

Supreme talent and emulation worthy spirit of sportsmanship welded with an indefatigable confidence and a superhuman grit – this was the complete player. In the final, when an aggressive challenge by Sergio Aguero ended with ‘Shweini’ requiring staples to his face to stop the bleeding, the man could not wait to get back onto the battlefield, his impatience obvious as he harried the doctor trying to fix the profusely bleeding, clearluy painful brusie.

It was going to make something more than puny blood to keep Bastian Shweinstigar off a football pitch.

#8 CAM James Rodriguez (Colombia)

When he smiled, the world smiled with him; when he danced, the world danced with him; when he felt pain, the world felt it with him and when he cried, the world cried with him.

Over the past month, the little wizard from the coffee laden mountains of Colombia, James Rodriguez, had woven his spell across millions across the world as he led the effervescent Los Cafeteros to the quarterfinals. At that stage, he was kicked out of the game by a thuggish Brazilian side more intent on disrupting the rhythm of the little genius than creating any of their own. It ended in tears for Rodriguez as Colombia was knocked out in that match, 2-1. He did however, have the consolation of winning the golden boot for his six goals in the tournament. His swivel and volley against Uruguay the pick of the bunch.

This World Cup had well and truly announced the arrival of its next global supertar.

#9 RW/RM - Arjen Robben

RW – Arjen Robben (Holland)

At 30 years old, most footballers are considering retirement, as they slow make their way down the slippery slopes after the peaks of their youth.

Arjen Robben, however seems to be getting even better with age. Quite possibly the fastest and arguably the most exciting player on any pitch, in any match, at the World Cup. Robben was indeed a sight to behold.

The Flying Dutchman started off by ripping apart the defending Champions and never looked back, as he played the best football of his life to single-handedly drag a well drilled Dutch team to a most deserved third place. Impossibly, he seemed to be faster than ever, his unbelievable acceleration and outrageous skill on the ball lighting up the grounds of Brazil as he took the tournament by storm and sealed his place amongst the greats of the modern game.

In fact, it took the most magnificent tackle from the indomitable Javier Mascherano to prevent him from dragging his country into the Final.

#10 CF/CAM Thomas Mueller (Germany)

He calls himself the Raumdeuter (German for space interpreter), possibly the only name that could begin to do justice to his unique and splendid abilities.Tall and ungainly, Thomas Mueller is neither very fast like or does he have the incredible vision to carve open defences with a magic through ball. What he does have however are a special set of skills that can not be replicated by anyone on this planet. He can find space. And he knows exactly what to do when he gets it.

No matter what the situation, no matter who the opposition, Mueller has this uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time. He is however much more than your average goal hungry predator, his hat-trick against the beleaguered Portugese showing just how good he is.

At 24 years old, Mueller has 10 World Cup goals. His teammate, the great Miroslav Klose shouldn’t bet on keeping his record for much longer.

#11 LW Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Statistics show that this wasn’t the greatest performance by a player at the World cup, other players had scored more goals, made more opportunities and run more miles. These statistics have been used by fans, experts and opponents as a drum upon which to beat out wave after wave of criticism.

Statistics however hide more than they reveal. No number can show you what it means to be shouldering the hopes of a nation, to play for a chance at redemption in the eyes of his countrymen. No percentage can show you the magnitude of the burden that hounds the greatest player in the world – the burden of having to emulate Diego Armando Maradona.

Lionel Messi did score 4 goals, vital goals against Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia. He also created the match winning goal for Angel di Maria in the knockout game against the tough adn well-drilled Swiss. Haters and arm-chair critics will say these were against minnows, that he didn’t score when it mattered, against the big boys.

They are missing the big picture here – leading by example (leaving the speeches to his great friend Mascherano) Messi waged war against his inner demons and the devils outside as he inspired in flashes, his magic irressitable, bending matches to his will as much as his skill, dragging a tough Argentina side to their first World Cup Final since 1990.

Statistics be damned. This was a brilliant display by a magnificent footballer, his mere presence gnawing at the minds of the opposition, opening up spaces and creating chances for others. We should learn to enjoy, rather than compare, the sight of Lionel Messi scurrying around a football pitch, treating the ball as if it were an extension of his very self. (Messi fans and anti-Messi fans are equally culpable in this madness – let it rest guys, just be happy that we had the great fortune to see Messi in full flight at a World Cup)

#12 Manager - Jorge Luis Pinto

There were many brilliant managers at this tournamnet - Joachim Loew ,the ‘nearly’ man, finally leading his golden generation of footballers to a deserved triumph, Louis Van Gaal , the master tactician masterminding the limited Dutch side’s inspired run into the semis, Alejandro Sabella’s drillmaster routine working perfectly as he set his uber-disciplined side areound the talents of one man and reaped the rewards.

But for all these big names, who led their superstars so ably, one man stood out, Jorge Luis Pinto led a team of players who were as diverse as they come. His favoured starting eleven plied their trade in ten different countries (that’s right, not clubs – COUNTRIES), their biggest name and captain Brian Ruiz out of favour at Premier League powerhouses Fulham (sense the sarcasm here folks). This was a team with limited abilities that had to take on the might of football superpowers (no sarcasm here) Italy, Uruguay and (ahem!) England, right in the group stages

Everyone expected them to be the punching bags of this group of death. Oh! How wrong those silly people (everyone, everyone was silly) were.

Costa Rica played some brilliant attacking (yet defensively sound) football as they thrashed Uruguay and bossed Italy with the utmost of ease and fought valiantly (a man down in the second half) agaisnt the Greeks only to meet their ends at the hands of an inspired Dutch team after another fantastic display the inspiration here being LVG unleashing the Krul! during the penalty shoot out)

Honourable mentions – Miguel Herrara for masterminding the progress of an unfancied Mexican side and the great Jose Pekerman for the joy that was Colombia.

#13 Honourable Mentions

CAM/LM - Mario Goetze (Germany)

As the clock ticked 112 minutes, in a tense but highly entertaining final against Argentina, the man who replaced the legendary Miroslav Klose, conjured out of thin air a moment of absolute genius. Chesting down a wonderful cross from the tireless Andre Schurrle, Mario Goetze swiveled around to guide the most beautiful finish into the bottom corner, a goal that did justice to the brilliance that had been on display tonight, a goal that did justice to what had arguably been the greatest World Cup ever.

Goetze, after failing to live up to his immense promise and un, and haing been dropped from the starting eleven, had stepped up on to the biggest stage in the world and had gone on to win the World Cup for his nation.

CM - Toni Kroos (Germany)

The 20th minute of the World Cup Final, Toni Kroos attempt to cushion back a header to his keeper. It was a horribly miscalculated and Gonzalo Higuain pounced, now through on goal with only the keeper to beat. The usually lethal marksman scuffed his shot. The German no. 18 could afford to start breathing normally again. Kroos, the ambidextrous mastermind of the German midfield, had hardly set a foot wrong in the entire tournament till that almost fatal blunder – it would have been a cruel twist of fate.

Staring from the annihilation of Portugal in the opening game right to the evisceration of Brazil, Toni Kroos had been absolutely pivotal to the march of Die Mannschaft, the talented young maverick from Greifswald finally learning to channel his energies and make the most of his magical skills on the ball and almost supernatural reading of the game; and what a stage to do it.

  1. LW - Neymar Junior (Brazil)

This was supposed to be his world cup. Carrying the hopes of a nation on his back, Neymar had lit up the world cup in his country, the twinkly toed superstar, the lone bright spot in a dull Brazil side. His goals and his charisma inspired them to the quarterfinals but that was where it all went wrong. Juan Zuniga’s ugly tackle breaking a vertebra in Neymar’s back and with it the spine of his team.

Brazil capitulated against the Germans to lose by a humiliating seven goals to one and were then thrashed by Holland by three goals as they crashed out of their own world cup just like their Superstar did.

  1. ST - Miroslav Klose (Germany)

4 World Cups - 16 goal; World Champion and World Record Holder; 36 years old, and still doing somersaults every time he scores.

Enough said.

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Edited by Staff Editor