The 2014 World Cup in Brazil ended on Sunday, with Germany lifting the fourth World Cup of their history after beating Argentina 1-0.
Even after Lionel Messi unexpectedly walked away with the Golden Ball trophy, it is time for Forza Italian Football to award the other special players of this World Cup.
The dominant trend of this World Cup have been three-men defenses, and so Forza Italian Football’s World Cup Best XI will be deployed as a 3-4-3.
Manuel Neuer (GK; Germany)
Manuel Neuer was the pick of the goalkeepers amongst a host of impressive candidates. He was unflappable and oozed confidence throughout the competition.
Not only did his crucial saves earn him a spot in our Best XI, but his sense of anticipation to snuff out danger early and sweep behind his defense — especially in the Round of 16 against Algeria — incontestably make him the best of the tournament.
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Mats Hummels (RCB; Germany)
Mats Hummels was the perfect blend of defensive security and ball-playing ability Germany needed at the center of their defense. The Borussia Dortmund defender was imperious in the air, cutting out danger in his own penalty box and making himself a goal-threat off of set-pieces in the opposition area.
Ron Vlaar (CB; Netherlands)
Ron Vlaar was the veteran in the middle of a young Netherlands defense. But in terms of experience, no one expected the Aston Villa defender to put in such high-level performances throughout the World Cup. Always at the right place and at the right time, Vlaar led by example.
Ezequiel Garay (LCB; Argentina)
When looking at Argentina’s attacking lineup, few would have guessed that their defenders would be the standout performers. Ezequiel Garay was the cornerstone of Alejandro Sabella’s defense, by far the best and most consistent player in a miserly team that only gave up four goals (including one own-goal) in the entire tournament.
Philipp Lahm (RWB; Germany)
The Germany captain started the competition as a holding midfielder until he was repositioned mid-game in the Round of 16 against Algeria.
The marauding fullback is one of the few in his position today able to perfectly marry forward thrust with defensive reliability.
Lahm’s repositioning at fullback offered more balance in defense to Germany, as well as more width and versatility in attack.
Daley Blind (LWB; Netherlands)
The Netherlands defender was one of the surprise performers of this young Netherlands side. Generous in his efforts, Daley Blind impressed both defensively and offensively. He especially burst out to the world thanks to his fearless display against World Cup holders Spain, when he managed two assists. Although we will mostly remember Robin van Persie’s majestic header, let it not be forgotten that it was young Blind who whipped in a great cross to make it happen.
Javier Mascherano (CDM; Argentina)
Javier Mascherano was the heart of the side. Tireless and fiery, the Argentina midfielder showed admirable qualities of self-sacrifice. It was just about his never-say-die attitude however, he excelled by showcasing great passing range and intelligence to stitch the entire side together.
Ruthless and perfect in his tackling, he particularly shone in the semi-final against Netherlands.
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James Rodriguez (CAM; Colombia)
Young James Rodriguez grabbed the spotlight in the absence of Radamel Falcao, earning the World Cup Golden Boot award for his six goals. The 23-year-old playmaker ran the show in midfield on the biggest stage of them all, and gratified us with his performances full of exuberance and temerity, epitomized by his unforgettable goal in the Round of 16 against Uruguay.
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Arjen Robben (RW; Netherlands)
Arjen Robben was a one-man army when it came to running the Netherlands attack. Often considered too much of a soloist and a diver, it was his decisive displays that allowed Netherlands to reach the World Cup semi-finals. When in full flight and at full pace, seldom many teams could cope with Robben’s guile, agility or that booming left foot.
Neymar (LW; Brazil)
Brazil’s most talented player this World Cup, Neymar shouldered an inconceivable amount of pressure.
With the hopes and dreams of 200 million Brazilians as his burden, Neymar remained intrepid in his displays, running through crunching tackles and conjuring up moments of magic that carried Brazil to the World Cup semi-finals.
Thomas Mueller (ST; Germany)
Thomas Mueller had to interpret an unfamiliar False no.9 role at the start of the competition. He proved more than up for the challenge however, grabbing the first hat-trick of the tournament in the group stages against Portugal.
He led the line admirably in those opening games, until he returned to his more natural position when he showcased all his intelligence, goal-sense and ability to attack space in helping Germany lift the World Cup trophy.
Joachim Loew (Coach – Germany)
Joachim Loew’s Germany proved the most consistent team of the competition. Germany controlled and dominated all their games throughout the competition.
With many last-minute injuries — notably to Marco Reus — Loew proved not to be as dogmatic as he had been in the past and was rewarded for his flexibility. Loew started out with a 4-3-3 with four center-backs, Lahm in midfield and Mueller as a False No.9.
In the quarter-final against France and then on, he returned to his more familiar 4-2-3-1 system however and reaped the benefits of it in Germany’s 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in the semi-final.
You can follow Ogo Sylla on Twitter at: @RossonerOgo_3
