The group stages of this season’s World Cup has indeed seen some
bigger teams eliminated with less anticipated teams progressing to the last 16
stage. Players have also risen to the occasion to publicize their names to the
entire World. Some players have made it to their standards while some have
performed even better than they were rated. New stars have emerged while few common names
have maintained their reputation. However most of the noticeable personalities
have failed to perform to their level.
With the group stages coming to an end, let us look at some
of the best players that can make a good 11 to compete with.
Team Formation: 4:2:3:1
No. 1 Guillermo
Ochoa
The Mexican keeper has been impressive in their
entire group A matches. Not all Brazilians will forget the effort of the Ajaccio
man pulled to deny Neymar goals in several occasions. Cameroon and Croatia will
also testify Ocho’s work which denied them glory in certain incidences.
Mexicans will have to thank the keeper for where they are and will depend on
him to deliver them past Netherlands.
Defense
In the guard line, a number of defenders stood their
grounds to deny strikers from scoring while others have gone further to win it
for their teams. The following are my pick in this category.
Central defence: Rafael Marquez, Diego Godin
Rafael Marquez did everything for his country to
ensure they made it to the next stage. The center-back produced a solid barrier
against Brazil in their barren draw as well as keeping in check his former Barcelona
teammate and Cameroon’s danger man Samuel Eto’o neutralising his scoring
threats. His goal against Croatia and an assist was enough to kick out the
Croats from the competition.
Alongside Marquez is Atletico’s Diego Godin. The
Uruguayan defender was also tough to beat and scored a crucial goal against
Italy that sent them through to the last 16. Although he lost balance in the
Costa Rica’s 3-1 defeat, Godin found his feet back and did his job against
England and the Italians.
Left back: Oscar Duarte
He is one of the players behind Costa Rica’s World Cup
surprise triumph in what was viewed as the group of death. They came as
underdogs but emerged top in the group. Duarte’s solidity in the left back
denied England Uruguay and Italy chances to move past them.
Right Back: Sokratis Papastathopoulos
Sokratis is undoubtedly the best in this position,
his hard work and stiffness gave the Greek hope against Japan and helping them
past Cote d’ Ivoire. He will be vital in their next fixture against Costa Rica.
Defensive midfielders: Blaise Matuidi, Luiz Gustavo
Matuidi’s display in Brazil has been studding for
the French team, bagging a goal against Switzerland and maintaining his
position to keep off the opponents has been nothing to go by at this stage. His
partnership with Brazilian Gustavo would make a perfect combination. Gustavo
despite being one of the less celebrated in the Brazilian squad has always performed
better for the hosts. He will always be the key in midfield tussles.
Attacking midfielders: Ajen Robben, Lionel Messi, Neymar
Ajen Robben has proved yet again that he can be the
change in any game despite of his age. His amazing runs dribbles and two goals were
responsible for Netherlands’ elimination of World Champions Spain as well as
seeing off Australia and Chile to top the group after winning all their three
matches.
Lionel Messi has done nothing new in the football
but a confirmation that he is still the best. Four goals in his name so far and
scoring a match-winning goal against a highly-defensive Iran has shown how
important he is in international level amidst criticisms. This being the early stages
in the competition, I believe we are yet to see more from the four-times balloon
d’ or holder.
The Brazilian wonder kid continues to prove his
worth in football by scoring more crucial goals for his nation. His amazing
skills and goals have given Brazil what they need from him. With four goals in
his docket, there is no doubt that the young Barcelona man will star and the
chances of his nation winning the cup lies on his performance.
Striker: Van Persie
The Manchester United forward has also made headlines
in the tournament. Scoring an amazing equaliser against Spain, which gave him
the name ‘flying Dutch’, will go down the history. His brace in the match and
pace were instrumental. He however missed their last match against Chile due to
suspension therefore unable to add to his goals tally. He will be ready for the
next matches and is likely to score more for his country.
Coach: Luis Van Gaal
He is intelligent and always inspires and encourages his players. He is the key to unity in the Dutch team and will be important in the success of this team.
Substitutes.
James Rodriguez for
Neymar
James Rodriguez has also been important in success
of the Colombian side at group stage. With Radamel Falcao missing the out of
the tournament, Rodriguez has so far filled the void, with three goals from
three matches he is a big threat to any opponents.
Thomas Muller for Van
Persie
The German striker is currently joint tops corer
with Messi and Neymar on four goals and his ability to score goals any time at
any place has helped the Germans ease through to the next round. He will be a
great substitute in this team.
Arturo Vidal for
Matuidi
The Chilean star has also performed well in the
tournament and is one of the key players behind Chilean cruise to the last 16.
He will be an important addition in the squad.
Do you have any
other name missing in the list or are you contented with the names? Feel free
to add your views in the comment box below.
No comments:
Post a Comment