The 2014 World Cup will surely go down as one of the best in the history of the tournament. It has delivered enthralling football, spectacular goals, tactical masterstrokes from the likes of Dutch coach Louis van Gaal and Germany’s Joachim Loew and outstanding performances from the game’s leading lights and emerging stars. Kevin Azzopardi selects his World Cup dream team...
Manuel Neuer (Germany)
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper has further cemented his status as arguably the best goalkeeper on the planet. Calm, composed and focused, Manuel Neuer embodies the qualities that define the modern-day goalkeeper. Agile in goal, Neuer is not afraid to sprint off his line and make vital interceptions. These qualities were evident in last night’s final. Stood firm in the face of mounting pressure from Algeria and Brazil when the outclassed hosts tried to make a reaction in the second half of their semi-final drubbing by Germany.
Philipp Lahm (Germany)
In a Germany team replete with world-class players, Philipp Lahm is the captain, a key component of Joachim Loew’s plans. Skilful and versatile, Lahm started the World Cup in a midfield role but reverted seamlessly to right-back after Shkodran Mustafi’s tournament was ended by injury. A contender for the Golden Ball award, Lahm was one of Germany’s best players in last night’s final win.
Mats Hummels (Germany)
The Borussia Dortmund powerhouse has been instrumental in Germany’s march to World Cup glory. Comfortable on the ball, Mats Hummels is dominant in the air and strong in the tackle. He is also an asset in set-pieces as illustrated by his crucial goal in the quarter-final win over France. A nominee for the Golden Ball accolade.
Raphael Varane (France)
A tough call as Brazil’s Thiago Silva, Mexico veteran Rafael Marquez and Ron Vlaar, of the Netherlands, also impressed but my verdict goes in favour of Raphael Varane. The promising Real Madrid centre-half was a mainstay of the France defence, helping Les Bleus reach the quarter-finals. Tall, athletic and powerful, Varane is one of three candidates for the World Cup young player award.
Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
Arjen Robben has been one of the stand-out performers in Brazil. Quick, skilful and blessed with a powerful shot, Robben has a knack of veering infield from the right to transfer the ball on to his stronger left foot but he’s such a good dribbler and shields the ball so well, that defenders find it so difficult to stop him. A candidate for the Golden Ball award after helping the Dutch team finish third.
Daley Blind (Netherlands)
The Ajax left-back has been one of the revelations of the World Cup. Aged 24, Daley Blind rose to prominence with that perfectly-flighted pass that led to Robin van Persie’s spectacular header in the Netherlands’ 5-1 thrashing of Spain. Versatile and energetic, Blind capped an excellent tournament with a well-struck effort – with his right foot – in the 3-0 defeat of Brazil.
James Rodriguez (Colombia)
The young Monaco playmaker dazzled in Brazil as Colombia reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. James Rodriguez top-scored with six goals in five appearances with his superb volley in the 2-0 defeat of Uruguay considered as one of the best goals of the tournament. He is the only candidate for the Golden Ball prize not to have figured in the semi-finals.
Javier Mascherano (Argentina)
His tactical discipline and never-say-die attitude helped Argentina in no small measure on their journey to the final. Javier Mascherano’s fearless approach was there for all to see in the semi-final against the Netherlands when the Barcelona midfielder returned to the pitch only minutes after a clash of heads left him dazed. One of three Argentine players shortlisted for the Golden Ball award.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
The Barcelona talisman struck four goals to steer an erstwhile low-key Argentina into the last 16. Despite looking jaded in the semi-final win over the Netherlands as well as in the 1-0 defeat to Germany in last night’s showdown, Lionel Messi did his part in helping his team reach the final, providing the assist for Angel Di Maria’s winner in the 1-0 defeat of Switzerland. A Golden Ball candidate.
Toni Kroos (Germany)
Bayern Munich’s Toni Kroos has banished any lingering doubts about his ability to shine on the international stage. His passing and marauding runs from midfield ripped the Brazilian defence apart in last week’s semi-final, capping a stunning performance with a brace as Germany won 7-1. The 24-year-old is also a strong contender for the best player honour.
Thomas Mueller (Germany)
Tall and lean, Thomas Mueller is hardly the typical winger/centre-forward but there are few players who match his eye for goal, never mind his versatility. Mueller is what analysts refer to as a ‘false no.9’, essentially a midfielder playing as a striker whose ghosting runs and finishing wreak havoc in opposing defences. A nominee for the top player award, Mueller has been at his clinical best in Brazil.