World Cup 2014 Rosters and Best XI: Lionel Messi, Neymar and Others Among Best Players at FIFA World Cup
Creating a fantasy team has become the norm for all sports, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup is no different.
At the end of each tournament, FIFA selects the team of the tournament comprised of the XI best players at different positions.
Here is a look at the top 11 players in this year's World Cup. For the intents and purposes of this exercise, a 4-1-3-2 formation will be used:
Goalie
Keylor Navas (Costa Rica)
Tim Howard's 15-save performance against Belgium will live on for years to come, but Navas' performance throughout the tournament to help Costa Rica overachieve historically cannot be overlooked. He helped the team avoid an embarrassing blowout against the Netherlands and made 21 saves throughout the World Cup.
Defense
Center backs - Stefan De Vrij (Netherlands) and Ron Vlaar (Netherlands)
The Dutch defending duo has been a major part of their country's success. Both players have been steady at the back and have helped the Dutch in pitching two straight clean sheets heading into the third place match. Vlaar in particular was dominant against Argentina in the semifinal; his only mistake was on the offensive side of the game, when his penalty was stopped by Sergio Romero.
Right back - Philipp Lahm (Germany)
Germany's captain started the tournament in the midfield, but in the two most recent games, he returned to usual spot at right back. The impact has been terrific for Germany defensively as it has steadied a previously creaky defense and made the team more fluid and free moving forward. Lahm helped set up the sixth goal against Brazil with a brilliant low cross into the area and has proven dynamic on both sides of the ball throughout the tournament.
Left Back - Daley Blind (Netherlands)
Another Dutch player that has had a superb tournament is Blind. His ferocious aerial crosses were the key behind the destruction of Spain and his speed up the flanks consistently gave the Dutch the offensive prowess they needed. Louis Van Gaal's 5-3-2 system enabled Blind to take the necessary risks without being too cautious about the defensive side of the ball. He has had a tournament to remember and will be a hot item in the transfer market.
Defensive Midfielder - Javier Mascherano (Argentina)
This is a tough one. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira or even Jermaine Jones could easily slot in this spot, but the Argentinean man deserves some mention for the way that he has helped stabilize Argentina's defense and enabled the side to move the ball fluidly up the pitch. This is his natural position and his play for the national side has shown that he excels when he is allowed to hold in the midfield and create the outlet passes.
Attacking Midfielders - James Rodriguez (Colombia), Thomas Muller (Germany), Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
All three of these players can potentially win the Golden Ball. James Rodriguez is probably a lock for best young player and could still walk away with the Golden Boot for his six goals and two assists. He was the man behind Colombia's glorious attacking system that exhilarated everyone who watched the tournament. He knew how to create brilliant passes as well as he knew how to score gorgeous goals, and his absence was missed sorely in the semifinals matches.
Thomas Muller could still win the Golden Boot as he has five goals and three assists; one more goal and he automatically passes Rodriguez. He has been fabulous in versatile roles, whether it be as a false nine striker or as a winger.
Meanwhile Arjen Robben has decimated defenses with his speed. Just as Spain, Chile and Australia how they feel about the Dutchman's ability to win any footrace with or without the ball at his feet. He had some controversial moments, but he is the main reason why the Netherlands are among the top four in the tournament.
Forwards - Lionel Messi (Argentina), Neymar (Brazil)
The Barcelona teammates cap off the list of the top XI.
Neymar scored four goals in the first three games before he was shut down in his final two World Cup matches. Both Chile and Colombia imposed physical games on his frail body and the result was an inevitable injury. But no one can overlook how wondrous Neymar looked in the group stage when he single-handedly carried a mediocre Brazilian side to first place.
Meanwhile, Messi has been far from his best. And even then, he has managed to score four goals and make one assist. Like Neymar, all the goals came in the group stage at opportune moments. Messi has yet to put together a complete 90 minutes of dominance, but he has done enough to lead an average Argentina side to the final.