Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
In the aftermath of such a breathlessly engaging FIFA World Cup, it would seem remiss of me to eschew the predictable team of the tournament conversation. It always amuses me how modern footballing pundits (myself included) tend to gravitate towards the 4-4-2 formation when compiling such whimsical lists. The 4-4-2 formation is about as relevant in world football as a horribly obese loose-head prop is in Super Rugby. So I have opted for a far more fashionable 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing for a degree of theoretical flexibility. So without further ado, let’s see how a month of footballing magic manifests itself on the page.
1. Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Had Tim Howard played for the Dutch, hypothetically, he may have challenged the almost omnipotent German to the top goalkeeping prize. But he doesn’t, so he didn’t. Neuer became the bastion of solidity that really catapulted Germany to success. Other notables include Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico and Vincent Enyeama of Nigeria, both exceptionally agile ‘keepers but no match for the stoic German.
2. Pablo Zabaleta (Argentina)
Contentiously – some might say – I have opted for the Argentine right full-back ahead of the inspirational German skipper Lahm. This is partially due to Lahm’s schizophrenic use in all areas of the pitch, but Gotze’s last gasp winner for Germany should not detract from the excellence of Zabaleta throughout the tournament.
3. Ron Vlaar (The Netherlands)
Vlaar will surely be impossible for Villa to retain following a World Cup that announced a natural successor to Jaap Stam’s mantle as the Dutch defensive patriarch. Rumour has it that Roma have expressed interest, while national coach Louis van Gaal surely has an eye on securing Vlaar’s services at Old Trafford. He stepped up to take the first Dutch penalty in the semi-final after two teammates had eschewed the unenviable task. He missed, the ball spun back off the ‘keeper and nestled itself on the goal line. Nevertheless, no guts no glory.
4. Thiago Silva (Brazil)
It almost seems heretical to include a Brazilian in my side following the debacle against Germany. Especially a defender. However, it was Silva’s absence that was at least partially to blame to for the massacre and Silva had been immense throughout the tournament – I don’t want to include the 3rd/4th play-off into the reckoning. He will be partnered by David Luiz in the heart of defence at PSG this season, and this World Cup made clear that Luiz is a better player with his teammate on the pitch.
5. Jerome Boateng (Germany)
The flexible German played in a variety of positions in the tournament and really forced his way into the side due to a slight lack of depth in the left back position. Marcelo was exciting on attack, but proved a liability defensively. Boateng’s pace and distribution were excellent and he earns a somewhat default place in my squad.
6. Javier Mascherano (Argentina)
The Barcelona stopper proved instrumental in Argentina’s unlikely run towards the World Cup final. His last ditch tackling was inspirational, while his defensive instincts make him the perfect fit as my screen between the back four and the attacking contingent.
7. Blaise Matuidi (France)
The French midfielder was inexhaustible in defence and the transition towards attack. His natural athleticism makes him the perfect man to complement Mascherano’s stoic defensive mind-set.
8. Toni Kroos (Germany)
The Real Madrid bound German is the guy at the back of my attacking diamond. His vision and ability to dictate the pace of the match make him an essential part of my side.
9. Thomas Muller (Germany)
Muller will be the man up front, with that irrepressible ability to drift into dangerous attacking areas. His scoring has been a revelation for Germany, and he also poses enough of an aerial threat to allow for some tactical flexibility.
10. Arjen Robben (The Netherlands)
The Dutch maestro, gravitational defiance aside, was amazing in this tournament, with his fleet footed bursts of acceleration a constant threat for defences everywhere. He’s long been among the best players in the world and while he continues to take flack for inviting penalties, you’d rather have him with you than against you.
11. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Despite missing the chance to cement footballing ‘immortality’ by lifting the iconic World Cup, Messi still dazzled at varying moments, displaying his terrier-like tenacity and pinball wizardry in equal measure. His form dropped somewhat in the knockout stages but an interesting statistic shows that the influential Argentine completed the third-most dribbles in a single World Cup, behind only Maradona and Jairzinho.
So there you have it, an intimidating side you would have to agree. James Rodriguez’s exclusion may confound some, but I seriously could not find a spot for the impressive Colombian. It was definitely the best World Cup that I have ever seen, embracing tactical acuity as well as attacking flair. You won’t hear much from me until the beginning of the Premier League season, but what a melting pot of gritty attrition that promises to be.
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