In pictures: The cult heroes of the World Cup

Jose Luis Chilavert: Jose Luis Chilavert was not only a celebrated, decorated goalkeeper; he was also a free-kick specialist. The Paraguayan scored more times internationally than any other goalkeeper (8) and is the second highest-scoring shot-stopper in history with 62 goals, behind Brazil’s Rogerio Ceni. He won league titles in Paraguay, Argentina, France and Uruguay and also lifted the Copa Libertadores in 1994 with Velez Sarsfield. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Jorge Campos: At 5 foot 8 inches, Jorge Campos should never have made it as an international goalkeeper. The fact he became Mexico’s fourth most-capped player should act as motivation for anybody with self-doubt. Switching between roles as a striker and a goalkeeper, he played professionally for 16 years and appeared at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Alexi Lalas: In 1994 and with the United States hosting its first World Cup, the beautiful game was about to experience a new dawn in a country that had so far failed to embrace it. But it needed a poster boy – or at least a cult hero. Step forward, Alexi Lalas. A gangly, ginger-haired defender, Lalas was immediately recognisable and came to symbolise “soccer” in the US. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Paul Breitner: Be it his socialist stance or his dismissive remarks about Bayern Munich (while employed by them), Paul Breitner’s undeniable talent on the pitch likely saved him from suffering off it. By the age of 24, he had won every major title available to him. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Josimar: The uncapped Brazilian right-back was not supposed to be at the World Cup in 1986, let alone play and score two of the tournament’s finest goals. Yet, he did just that and was later named in Fifa’s All-Star team. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Socrates: A tall and gangly social activist with a shaggy beard and pensive countenance, Socrates looked more like a philosopher than a football player. Yet, what a player he was. Captain of Brazil’s joyful, free-wheeling 1982 team, the elegant midfielder scored 22 goals in 60 appearances for his country and never once appeared flustered. He died in 2011, at age 57. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Carlos Valderrama: The Colombian, with the mound of tight blonde curls and wrists adorned with colourful bracelets, remains one of the most-recognisable players in history. His elegant, unhurried style contrasted with the passionate determination he used as fuel to lead his country to three successive World Cups. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Yordan Letchkov: A temperamental Eastern European, Yordan Letchkov’s career is littered with controversy. A stand-out player of Bulgaria’s strong 1994 World Cup squad, he missed the following tournament because of a dispute. He was later jailed for corruption. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Paolo Rossi: The Italian was relatively weak, had a poor shot and no particular burst of pace. Yet what he lacked in power, he made up for in positioning. The supreme poacher, he is remembered as the man who fought back from a two-year suspension to take his country to the 1982 World Cup title. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Preben Elkjaer: It was once said the great Dane debunked three common beliefs during his 14-year career. Firstly, a footballer does not need to treat his body like a temple to be the best player on the field. Secondly, he does not require a low centre of gravity to dribble proficiently and, thirdly, he does not need to wear football boots to score goals. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Roger Milla: Nobody knows for sure what age Roger Milla is, but it is universally accepted that the gangly, moustachioed Cameroon striker is the oldest player to ever score at a world cup finals and, therefore, is also the oldest player to ever inspire a generation to belly dance with a corner flag after scoring a goal. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Bruno Metsu: The globe-trotting Frenchman with the tousled brown locks cemented his place in footballing folklore when he led Senegal to their first World Cup finals and then defeated the reigning champions en route to the last eight. He died in October 2013 after battling cancer. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Jack Charlton: It says much about the achievements of Jack Charlton that he is more often remembered for being coach of Republic of Ireland than he is for winning the World Cup with England. “Big Jack” coached Ireland to their first finals in 1990, reached the last eight and qualified again in 1994. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

Bora Milutinovic: The New York Times once wrote, “If the United Nations had a soccer team, Bora Milutinovic would undoubtedly be its coach.” The Serb became the first manager to coach five nations at World Cup finals. Having taken four of them to the second round, he lives up to his sobriquet “Miracle Worker”. Illustration by Mathew Kurian / The National

A look at all 15 of Gary Meenaghan’s World Cup cult heroes.