• Mats Hummels of Germany showed his worth perfectly when returning to his side after missing the match with Algeria with the flu. Against the Africans, Germany had looked ropey, but with Hummels reinstated at the heart of defence for the last-16 match with France, Germany’s solidity returned. He scored the only goal of the game to become only the third German defender to score twice at a World Cup. Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
    Mats Hummels of Germany showed his worth perfectly when returning to his side after missing the match with Algeria with the flu. Against the Africans, Germany had looked ropey, but with Hummels reinstated at the heart of defence for the last-16 match with France, Germany’s solidity returned. He scored the only goal of the game to become only the third German defender to score twice at a World Cup. Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
  • Although Germany’s Toni Kroos notched two assists in the rout of Portugal, it was not until the knockout stages when Kroos became arguably the best player of the tournament. He struck the free-kick that led to the solitary goal against France and was unstoppable in the semi-final demolition of Brazil, scoring twice, claiming a fourth tournament assist and forever floating between the lines, causing problems for the befuddled opposition. EPA/THOMAS EISENHUTH
    Although Germany’s Toni Kroos notched two assists in the rout of Portugal, it was not until the knockout stages when Kroos became arguably the best player of the tournament. He struck the free-kick that led to the solitary goal against France and was unstoppable in the semi-final demolition of Brazil, scoring twice, claiming a fourth tournament assist and forever floating between the lines, causing problems for the befuddled opposition. EPA/THOMAS EISENHUTH
  • The perfect defensive shield in midfield, Argentina’s Javier Mascherano’s quality this month has made Barcelona’s insistence on playing him in central defence all the more ludicrous. A tireless terrier with a reputation of having an aggressive streak, he came through his side’s six-game run to the final without collecting a booking. Against Holland, he made a late, sliding tackle when Arjen Robben broke through that was as valuable as any goal. Clive Rose/Getty Images
    The perfect defensive shield in midfield, Argentina’s Javier Mascherano’s quality this month has made Barcelona’s insistence on playing him in central defence all the more ludicrous. A tireless terrier with a reputation of having an aggressive streak, he came through his side’s six-game run to the final without collecting a booking. Against Holland, he made a late, sliding tackle when Arjen Robben broke through that was as valuable as any goal. Clive Rose/Getty Images
  • It would have been easy for Neymar to crumble under the pressure, but instead he rose to the occasion and was Brazil’s star. He produced four goals in the group stages and injected flair in an otherwise workmanlike team. His importance – physically and psychologically – was obvious as his country crashed and burned without him against Germany. Buda Mendes/Getty Images
    It would have been easy for Neymar to crumble under the pressure, but instead he rose to the occasion and was Brazil’s star. He produced four goals in the group stages and injected flair in an otherwise workmanlike team. His importance – physically and psychologically – was obvious as his country crashed and burned without him against Germany. Buda Mendes/Getty Images
  • The Dutch wingback Daley Blind produced two of the passes of the tournament in the group stages. Against Spain and with his side trailing 1-0, Blind hit a magnificent 50-yard cross onto the head of Robin van Persie, while his assist for Arjen Robben later in the game was exceptional. In the third-place playoff against Brazil, he showed composure to control a loose ball and fire in his country’s third score. AFP PHOTO / VANDERLEI ALMEIDA
    The Dutch wingback Daley Blind produced two of the passes of the tournament in the group stages. Against Spain and with his side trailing 1-0, Blind hit a magnificent 50-yard cross onto the head of Robin van Persie, while his assist for Arjen Robben later in the game was exceptional. In the third-place playoff against Brazil, he showed composure to control a loose ball and fire in his country’s third score. AFP PHOTO / VANDERLEI ALMEIDA
  • Pablo Zabaleta, centre, of Argentina, came into the tournament off the back of another fine title-winning season with Manchester City and picked up where he left off. A solid presence in the back four, he also complemented his country’s counter-attacks with runs down the right flank. Kept four clean sheets en route to the final. Beats out competition from Philipp Lahm, since the German was deployed in midfield during the group stages. AFP PHOTO / JUAN MABROMATA
    Pablo Zabaleta, centre, of Argentina, came into the tournament off the back of another fine title-winning season with Manchester City and picked up where he left off. A solid presence in the back four, he also complemented his country’s counter-attacks with runs down the right flank. Kept four clean sheets en route to the final. Beats out competition from Philipp Lahm, since the German was deployed in midfield during the group stages. AFP PHOTO / JUAN MABROMATA
  • The American Jermaine Jones, right, born in Germany and employed in Turkey, arrived in Brazil relatively unknown and with a slightly lumbering gait. His all-energy performances, during which he broke up opposition attacks and quickly turned defence into attack, however, were crucial to the American run to the last 16. Netted a fantastic, curling strike against Portugal, which appeared to catch even him by surprise. AFP PHOTO/ FRANCISCO LEONG
    The American Jermaine Jones, right, born in Germany and employed in Turkey, arrived in Brazil relatively unknown and with a slightly lumbering gait. His all-energy performances, during which he broke up opposition attacks and quickly turned defence into attack, however, were crucial to the American run to the last 16. Netted a fantastic, curling strike against Portugal, which appeared to catch even him by surprise. AFP PHOTO/ FRANCISCO LEONG
  • The Costa Rica tactician, Jorge Luis Pinto, led his team to the quarter-finals and left the tournament undefeated. With the players he had at his disposal, the achievement is all the more remarkable. Pinto’s side, ranked No 28 in the world, were supposed to be the whipping boys of Group D, yet finished top after wins over Uruguay and Italy. REUTERS/Ruben Sprich
    The Costa Rica tactician, Jorge Luis Pinto, led his team to the quarter-finals and left the tournament undefeated. With the players he had at his disposal, the achievement is all the more remarkable. Pinto’s side, ranked No 28 in the world, were supposed to be the whipping boys of Group D, yet finished top after wins over Uruguay and Italy. REUTERS/Ruben Sprich

Football

In pictures: James Rodriguez, Ron Vlaar and Keylor Navas headline top XI of World Cup 2014

Aaron Gray

July 14, 2014

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Gary Meenaghan was in Brazil for all of the World Cup 2014 action and picks his three stars of the tournament, along with other top players, a few substitutes and the best manager.

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