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World Cup 2014 has been embellished by some outstanding performances from the so called small teams. It is true that when you make it to the top 32 teams in the world you can rarely be called "small" but again we look up to the likes of the Messis, the Ronaldos to grace the stage always. Here's a quick look at the 11 that made a mark along with many others from the underdogs/minnows/small teams whatever you may call them.I am going with my prefered3-2-4-1 line up with a GK, 3 Defenders, 2 CDM, 4 CAM and1 FWD.
#1 GK- Keylor Navas-Costa Rica
Goalkeeper is supposedly the last line of defence and this Levante custodian showed exactly why it is so. He let just 2 goals past him while he stood tall in the World Cup, with ironically Costa Rica getting knocked out in a penalty shoot out.
According to FIFA.com, Navas had an incredible 91.3% save rate at the World Cup and hence his inclusion in the line-up.
#2 Left Back: Pablo Armero, Colombia
Colombia has had a dream run in the tournament and so has this 27-year old left back from Udinese. He put on a stellar show for his nation and ushered in interests from Arsenal and Southampton.
He even found the back of the net once, against Greece. Thus, he find himself on the list.
#3 Centre Back: Giancarlo Gonzalez, Costa Rica
Gonzalez may have missed a penalty when his side went down to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals but that doesnt dissuade from the fact that he put in some fantastic performances in the tournament.
Costa Rica conceded only 2 goals in 5 matches in World Cup 2014, a stat that any defender can be proud of.
#4 Right Back: Juan Camilo Ziga, Colombia
Ziga may be a villain to some after his tackle on Neymar that ended the latters World Cup, but he has certainly been a rock for his team. Additionally, he has relentlessly made moves up the pitch, time and again to assist in attacks as well. Just what you would come to expect from your fullback.
#5 CDM: Arturo Vidal, Chile
Vidal is already very well known midfielder who did his reputation no harm by putting in a magnificent performance in the World Cup. Although he missed out on the match against the Netherlands, he makes it to the list as a CDM,a position he made his own playing in the Serie A with Juventus.
#6 CDM: Yeltsin Tejeda, Costa Rica
This Deportivo Saprissa midfielder has been excellent for Costa Rica. Tajeda was on hand to make an astonishing goal line save against the Netherlands. Although substituted for most of the matches, he was one of the first names on the list for the CONCACAF nation and also makes it to the list here.
#7 CAM: James Rodriguez, Colombia
No surprises, I guess, for this selection. With 6 goals for his team, this attacking midfielder has been the find of the tournament.Scoring arguably the goal of World Cup 2014against Uruguay, Ha-mez has got the interest bud tickling of teams such as Real Madrid and Manchester United. James also has 2 assists to highlight his performance further. Unanimous choice into the squad.
#8 CAM: Bryan Ruiz, Costa Rica
The Fulham midfielder captained the fantastic Costa Rica side and he himself led by example.
The pundits had tagged the CONCACAF nation as cannon fodder for others in Group D to increase their goal difference. However, Costa Rica, to the surprise of all, topped the Group Of Death. Ruiz scored 2 crucial goals and was a tireless worker up front, hence making it to the list.
#9 CAM: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, Colombia
You need a goal? Well, perhaps Cuadrado is the man you should contact. The provider of 4 and the scorer of 1, Cuadrado played his heart out. The Fiorentina winger dazzled with his flare of skills and stepovers and was a nightmare for the defenders at Brazil.
#10 CAM: Xherdan Shaqiri, Switzerland
The only Swiss player who makes it to the list, Shaqiri has been a constant threat for the defenders with his guile and skill. The Bayern winger even notched up the only hat-trick of the tournament against Honduras.
Shaqiri showed his ability of creating opportunities out of nothing and was the heart and soul of the Swiss attack in the tournament.
#11 FWD: Alexis Sanchez, Chile
The list would not have been complete without the name of Alexis Sanchez. A forward role for this Chilean is my preference who wound up this tournament with 2 goals and an assist. Arsenal bound, Sanchez was the star performer for the underrated Chileans who were eventually knocked out on penalties with Sanchez being the culprit of missing one of them.
