My World Cup XI

I do find it a bit of a shame that the only players we ever remember from World Cups are the ones who make it into these inconclusive  XI's, so many players who may not play for the most formidable nations or be world renowned stars often go unnoticed and their brilliant performances fade from memory.

Having said that, I'm going to offer my World Cup XI regardless.

Manuel Neuer - Germany

Neuer demonstrated why he is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in the world, with some brilliant performances. The best of which being his sweeping master class against Algeria, in which he kept Germany in the game.

Philipp Lahm - Germany

I have often claimed, and I'm not the only one, that Lahm is the most complete footballer on the planet. He continued to prove me right in Brazil, with a string of fine performances. Defender, creator, leader. Lahm has it all.

Ron Vlaar - Netherlands

Roncrete, as he's known, was exceptional through out the tournament, being the rock in the middle of the Dutch defence. He guided the two young centre backs who were either side of him and let very little at all get past him, his game against Argentina was particularly outstanding.

Mats Hummels - Germany

Aside from a blip in the early stages of the final, Hummels was immaculate and made the Germany high line work. Germany sorely missed him the game he was out, proving how important he was to the team and his quality.

Daley Blind - Netherlands

I was looking forward to watching Blind in the tournament, and he didn't disappoint. His versatility and composure on the ball was vital for the Netherlands, and he topped a fine World Cup off, with a well taken goal against Brazil.

Bastian Schweinsteiger - Germany

An absolute warrior. His performance in the final was something special, he just kept going until it was won, no matter how many time he got taken out. Schweinsteiger has been a brilliant player for years and I'm glad that he, Lahm and also Klose, got to lift the trophy. Especially after the tournament they had.

Javier Mascherano - Argentina

Messi's early tournament brilliance got Argentina into the knock out rounds, but it was Mascherano's leadership and barnstorming battling that got them to the final. He broke up the play countless time, making more tackles than any other player at the World Cup, but also kept Argentina ticking with a good range of passing.

Arjen Robben - Netherlands

Netherlands' most lethal attacker through out, it was great to see Robben take his club form into the tournament. For all the bad press he gets, he is still one of the world's best players and you know why? The wholes god damn planet knows that he's going to cut inside, but they still can't stop him. It's a shame that his, much like his team's,  performances dwindled towards the end, but for the most part, he was fantastic and lead what was an average Dutch side well.

James Rodriguez - Colombia

The top goal scorer of the tournament and one of the star players, Rodriguez had a stunning tournament. His goals, and the overall joy him and his team mates brought to the tournament will last long in the memory.

Andre Schürrle - Germany

I feel Schürrle's fine tournament has gone some what unstated, he's been just as important for Germany as their other stars, coming off the bench on several occasions and helping swing the game in his country's favour. He scored the all important first goal against Algeria; hit a brace, which included a lovely volley, against Brazil, and set up the winner in the World Cup final. Not bad.

Thomas Müller - Germany

Thomas Müller is only 24 and is already half way there to beating the World Cup goal record, he's an exceptional footballer. Being able to lead the line or play out on the right, he was another important cog in the German machine.

Substitutes:

Keylor Navas - Costa Rica

Giancarlo Gonzalez - Costa Rica

Ricardo Rodriguez - Switzerland

Rafael Marquez - Mexico

Toni Kroos - Germany

Neymar - Brazil

Lionel Messi - Argentina