World Cup 2014 – Team of the Tournament

The biggest show on earth finally reached its climax as Germans won their 4th World Cup crown beating Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the best team eventually won the game’s biggest prize but the South Americans did put a up a brilliant fight.
The competition has produced many surprises and top performances which makes the team of the tournament selection somewhat complex but here are names who make our team.
Goalie
There were more than a few world class performers as far as goalkeeping is concerned but Neuer wins the place with the Germans winning the ultimate prize and Bayern star was arguably the best goalie in the knockout rounds.
Defense
Having played the first four games as a midfielder, Lahm was shifted back to fullback position in the quarterfinals and from then onwards was perhaps flawless. Borussia Dortmund center half Mats Hummels was perhaps the best defender in the competition. Not only was he solid at the back, but also scored two crucial goals for his side as well. 
Joining him in the central defense is Costa Rica star Giancarlo Gonzalez. The North Americans conceded only a single goal from open play and kept clean sheets against teams like England, Italy and Netherlands. All down to brilliant defense and Gonzalez was at the heart.
Dutch star Blind rose to fame in the first game against Spain, not for his defensive strength but his two brilliant passes that set up goals for Van Persie and Robben. Netherlands conceded only a single goal in the KO rounds and Blind was strong as ever.
Midfield
There was no better defensive midfielder than Argentine Javier Mascherano. Played mostly as a center back for Barcelona all season with no consistency at the back, Masch produced stunning performances to take pressure off defense that was considered weak before the start of the tournament. By far, he was the best Argentine player in the World Cup.
Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger were the main reason why Germany dominated midfield battle against every team and although the former played better in the quarter and semi finals, Schweni makes our list for his outstanding display in the final. Kroos was off his game while Schweinsteiger provided the much needed leadership in the midfield.
Attack
As an individual, there was no better player than James Rodriguez. Won the golden boot with 6 goals. Sadly, Colombians lost in the quarter finals or else he might have won the Golden Ball as well. Arjen Robben was the standout attacker for Netherlands, especially in the KO rounds where other experienced Dutch players were far from their best.
Messi won the player of the tournament prize. Whether he deserved it or not is another argument but the captain lead from the front. He won four man of the match awards in the first four games and was easily the best Argentine playmaker and deserves his place in the team of the tournament.
German forward Muller makes the list as a lone forward. Once again, the Bayern star netted 5 goals in the World Cup, also provided 3 assists as well. Technically not considered amongst the very best but without doubt the most effective player who always turned up.

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