Football's best XI that didn't make the 2014 World Cup

Montenegro v Czech Republic - EURO 2012 Qualifier: Play Off Second Leg

Arda Turan, Turkey (CM)

FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier - Turkey v Netherlands

In a close-fought Group D, Arda Turan’s Turkey side missed out on a qualifying berth due to unimpressive home performances against fellow competitors Romania and Hungary, finishing in fourth place, three points behind runners-up Romania.

Marek Hamsik, Slovakia (CM)

FBL-WC2014-SVK-LAT

12 points behind second-placed Greece in Group G, Slovakia never really looked in contention for a World Cup spot, as Hamsik could not inspire his team to a second successive World Cup spot.

Gareth Bale, Wales (LM)

Wales v Finland - International Friendly

Real Madrid’s world-record summer signing Gareth Bale scored four goals and notched up a few more assists during European World Cup qualifying, but his efforts weren’t enough to help a struggling Wales side qualify for Brazil, as they finished fifth out of six teams in Group A.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Armenia (RM)

FBL-WC2014-ARM-BGR

Much like Bale, Mkhitaryan played in an Armenia team devoid of too many other established names, and saw his side only manage fifth place in Group B of European qualifying.

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Edited by Staff Editor