Now that the group stage
is completed, let’s take a look at who the best starting XI of the group stage
are.
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris (France)
He has been one of the
best keepers of the tournament so far. He has managed two clean sheets and only
allowed 2 goals in the game against Switzerland. Those were two good goals that
there was not much he could have done about it.
Defender – Rafa Marquez (Mexico)
Mexico’s veteran defender
has been solid for Mexico. Costa Rica, Mexico and Belgium have only allowed one
goal during the group stage. For Mexico, the play of Rafa Marquez was fundamental;
he also helped Mexico with one goal.
Defender – Mario Yepes (Colombia)
Mario Yepes has been the
boss of the Colombian defense. He didn’t play in the last game but they had
already qualified. He will be a key player if Colombia is to go beyond the
round of 16. At the age of 38, he still plays like if he was 28.
Defender – Vertonghen (Belgium)
The Spurs player has had
a solid World Cup, and to add to his defensive play he also managed to score
the winning goal against Korea Republic in their last group stage game. Belgium
only allowed 1 goal during the group stages, a lot of that has to do with Vertonghen.
Defender – Mertesacker (Germany)
When you are in the group
of death and you manage two clean sheets and your team only allows 2 goals,
some of that credit has to go to the defensive line. Mertesacker has been the
main staple of that defensive line and a huge reason why Germany has only let 2
goals in and finished first in their group.
Midfield – James Rodriguez (Colombia)
If you are to have a
creating midfielder on your team, James Rodriguez is your only logical choice.
He had an incredible group stage with 3 goals and 2 assists in 3 games. He is
the main reason why Colombia finished first in their group. A young star in the
making, James has made us all forget about Falcao.
Midfield – Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
Robben’s impact on his
team’s play is undeniable. He finished the group stages with 3 goals and 1
assist. His speed has been his biggest weapon, and also the biggest headache to
his opponents. He has looked amazing in this tournament, the best he has played
for Netherlands.
Midfield – Neymar Jr (Brazil)
What can you say about
Neymar? He has scored 4 goals in three games and is tied for top scorer. He has
been the Brazilian star at this tournament, and has carried his team on his
shoulders. He has answered all critics and was one of the big stars of the
group stage.
Midfield – Blaise Matuidi (France)
Everyone was expecting
Paul Pogba to be the star in France’s midfield but he has been over eclipsed by
Blaise Matuidi. He has been the motor of the French side. Able to recoup the
ball, distribute and carry it forward as he starts his team’s offensive
maneuvers, Matuidi, has been a modern day Jean Tigana.
Forward – Messi (Argentina)
Messi is the main reason
why Argentina finished first in the group and has moved on to the round of 16.
As a team, they haven’t impressed, but Messi has stepped up his game and been
the force pushing this team forward. He scored the winning goals in all three
of Argentina’s group games and finished the group with 4 goals in 3 games.
Forward – Thomas Muller (Germany)
We are seeing vintage
Mueller. He has scored 4 goals and has 1 assist in 3 games. He managed a hat
trick in his first game against Portugal, and scored the winning goal in a 1-0
win against the USA in their last group game. If Germany is to go deep in this
tournament they will need Mueller to continue to score goals.
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