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June 29, 2014

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Messi and Neymar headline best X1

IMAGINE having World Cup standouts Lionel Messi, Neymar, James Rodriguez and Arjen Robben all in the same team.

After two weeks and 48 group-stage games in what is widely considered the best World Cup in a generation, there are already some players who have shone above the rest.

Below is a composite team of the tournament so far, in the heavily favored 4-3-3 formation

Goalkeeper: Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico

Produced a series of stunning saves to secure Mexico a 0-0 draw against Brazil.

Right back: Serge Aurier, Ivory Coast

Aurier has stood out for his marauding thrusts down the right flank and his crossing ability.

Left back: Junior Diaz, Costa Rica

The whole Costa Rica defense deserves credit but Diaz gets the nod as he has complemented the attack.

Center back: Rafael Marquez, Mexico and  Thiago Silva, Brazil

Silva has remained the unruffled presence at the heart of the Brazil defense.

Midfield: Charles Aranguiz, Chile, Blaise Matuidi, France and  James Rodriguez, Colombia

Rodriguez has scored in all three games.

Forward: Neymar, Brazil

The poster boy of the World Cup, he has four goals. Brazil expects more of the same.

Forward: Arjen Robben, Netherlands, Robben helped rip Spain’s defense apart.

Forward: Lionel Messi, Argentina

Messi has four goals and is carrying Argentina’s attacking burden on his own.


 

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