40 | tuesday, july 15, 2014, mumbai, web www.mid-day.com, twitter @mid_day
samba2014
mid-day’s
World
Cup XI
After football’s showpiece
event drew to a close on
Sunday, we pick our best
players in each position
based on their
performances in Brazil
RON VLAAR
POSITION: CENTRAL DEFENDER
COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS
The central defender had a superb World Cup, bar his penalty
shootout miss against Argentina in the semi-finals. The defender’s
performance against Argentina, where he kept Lionel Messi and
Sergio Aguero quiet, would have come as a shocker to even Aston
Villa fans, the EPL club for which he plays.
PHILIPP LAHM
POSITION: RIGHT-BACK
COUNTRY: GERMANY
Germany’s run to the World Cup title owes a huge debt to
their versatile captain who can play both as a right-back
and as a defensive midfielder. Having started the World
Cup in the middle, he moved to the right-back position
after an injury to Shkodran Mustafi from where he
provided quality crosses to Mueller and Klose.
JAVIER MASCHERANO
POSITION: MIDFIELDER
COUNTRY: ARGENTINA
Mascherano, like Lahm, has the flexibility to play
as a defender and as a defensive midfielder. For
Argentina, he did the task beautifully. Beyond
being a wall, he commanded the entire team in
the semi-final win over Netherlands. Despite
suffering from a possible concussion
and an injury in the semi-final, he
came back for the final and
was faultless.
ARJEN ROBBEN
POSITION: RIGHT WINGER
COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS
His pace and ability to cut from the
right on his left foot is what makes
Robben a major threat to opponents. It
was clearly visible when he ripped the
defending champions Spain’s defence to
pieces. Grabbing three goals and
providing another, Robben was a
menacing threat throughout.
JAMES RODRIGUEZ
TEXT: TANUJ LAKHINA,
DESIGN: MOULVI ZAKI HASAN
POSITION: STRIKER
COUNTRY: COLOMBIA
Colombia’s young player had a tough time for French side
AS Monaco last season but that didn’t seem to deter him
going into the World Cup. Scoring a peach of a goal
against Uruguay on a volley, he carried the team forward.
Even against Brazil, where they lost, he was a handful for
their defence.
smart
stat
171
The 2014 World Cup edition
saw the joint-highest number
of goals scored — same as
1998 World Cup in France
MANUEL NEUER
POSITION: GOALKEEPER
COUNTRY: GERMANY
One reason Germany won the
World Cup is because of their
’keeper. Neuer ensured
Germany’s defence could play a
high line due to the speed with
which he could read situations
and thwart attacks — witnessed
especially against Algeria.
JÉRÔME BOATENG
POSITION: CENTRAL DEFENDER
COUNTRY: GERMANY
While Boateng had a fantastic
World Cup, he was at his
absolute best in the final. He
didn’t put one foot wrong —
made incredible tackles,
interventions and was solid in
the air too.
DALEY BLIND
POSITION: LEFT BACK
COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS
The 24-year-old scored once and
provided two assists, including the
pass for Robin van Persie’s famous
headed goal against Spain, at the
World Cup. His performances in Brazil
have reportedly drawn interest from
Man United who are looking to
replace Patrice Evra.
TONI KROOS
POSITION: MIDFIELDER
COUNTRY: GERMANY
The 24-year-old is likened to Xavi for his shots
from distance and impressive passing accuracy.
And in Brazil, he showed it to the world that it is
not just confined to his club (Bayern). Scoring two
and creating four, Kroos kept the midfield ticking
and ensured its fluidity in all the games.
LIONEL MESSI
POSITION: LEFT WINGER
COUNTRY: ARGENTINA
The Golden Ball winner may have gone home
without the World Cup, but Argentina could thank
Messi for getting to the final. Scoring four goals
and assisting the other, Messi as always was
difficult to contain. He scored the winner against
Iran and helped Argentina beat Switzerland with
a darting run late into extra time.
NEYMAR
POSITION: STRIKER
COUNTRY: BRAZIL
Prodigiously talented, Neymar was Brazil’s goodluck
charm, hero and inspiration all rolled into one. He almost
single-handedly took Brazil into the semi-finals of the
World Cup. Brazil really suffered in his absence, conceding
a humiliating 10 goals in just two games.