The group stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup has provided the world with some wondrous performances not only from teams, but individual players.

Prior to the final on July 13, viewers will know which player FIFA has considered the most valuable throughout the tournament.

Here are some early candidates based on group stage performance:

1. Arjen Robben - Netherlands

Can one man win the World Cup on his own? Four years ago, the Netherlands was a well-oiled machine led by Wesley Sneijder. In this tournament, the team has significantly less talent, but is enjoying a riveting display from Arjen Robben. Sneijder is still on this side, as is Robin Van Persie, but no player has demonstrated the will or determination that Robben has. His blazing speed and skill undid Spain in the second half of their confrontation while similar attributes were on display when he scored the opener against Australia. Unsurprisingly, it was his wondrous speed and will to win a footrace that led to the second Dutch goal against Chile that clinched the top spot in the group. He looks capable of winning the World Cup on his own.

2. James Rodriguez - Colombia

Colombia arguably has more balance than the Netherlands, but the South American team relies heavily on its star man. And it is not who you think it is.

When Radamel Falcao was taken off the World Cup roster, the entire world questioned Los Cafeteros' chances at making a deep run. James Rodriguez has responded to the critics with not one, not two, but three incredible performances, each one better than the last. In the opener against Greece, he let a pass go through him to set up the opening goal; he would cap the night by scoring the third. Against the Ivory Coast, he was invisible in the first half, but jumped over Didier Drogba to head home Colombia's first goal. Then he stole the ball in the midfield and set up the counter that resulted in Colombia's second. In the final game against Japan, his absence in the first half was immediately felt, as was his arrival to take over the game in the second. He set up two goals with brilliant assists and punctuated the evening with a gorgeous goal. If he is not the top Golden Ball candidate, then he is certainly the best young player in the tournament barring none.

3. Robin Van Persie - Netherlands

Weren't the Dutch supposed to be a one-man show? Not exactly.

While Robben has been the undeniable driving force, Van Persie has played his part to perfection with three goals in two games. He missed the last one against Chile due to a yellow card, but he has done everything right thus far to lead his team. His opening goal against Spain is still arguably the goal of the tournament while his goal against Australia was nothing to forget about. He is not as influential on the pitch as Robben, but he is just as capable of being a game-changer.

4. Neymar - Brazil

Here is the truth: Brazil is not a great team.

Far from it. The midfield is a debacle. The defensive line looks creaky. Oscar has looked worse and worse as the tournament has dragged on, and Fred is clearly not the offensive option that Luiz Felipe Scolari was expecting. Almost everything is looking bad for Brazil.

Except for Neymar.

The Barcelona star has risen to the level of legend throughout this tournament and currently leads it with four goals. His second goal against Cameroon was his finest to date and he easily could have scored more. Do not expect that one to be his final goal of this tournament. Even in a game when the team was shutout by Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa, he created two or three sensational chances that would not have been stopped by another keeper. He has certainly played his part. And that alone could be enough to elevate a mediocre team to the status of champion.

5. Thomas Muller

After the opening round of games, Muller was undeniably the most dominant player in the tournament.

In the second game against Ghana, he was effectively shutout throughout. However, he made one key pass to set up Mario Gotze's goal and started to create an active threat against Ghana. He is likely to have a big game against the United States in the final group game.

What about Lionel Messi and Ronaldo?

Currently, Messi has saved his country twice but this has hardly been his international coming out party. His wonder goal against Iran came at the tail-end of a poor performance. Same for Ronaldo, who attempted to dazzle against the United States but was shut down for most of the 90+ minutes. His last gasp assist salvaged Portuguese pride, but was not enough to keep the team in the race.

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