Below is a team of the tournament made up of players who played in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
At the bottom of this article is the “official” team of the tournament, as determined by Castrol’s dodgy player index.
Goalkeeper – Manuel Neuer – Germany
A huge presence in the Germany goal, and their defence as a whole. Neuer put in an all round goalkeeping display playing the role of both goalkeeper and sweeper.
Right Back – Fabian Johnson – USA
Overshadowed later in the tournament by DeAndre Yedlin’s cameo, Johnson had put in an impressive string of performances at right back throughout the group stage.
Centre Back – Giancarlo González – Costa Rica
The Columbus crew centre back was part of the Costa Rican fairy tale, and a defence which conceded just two goals in five World Cup games. Much credit went to goalkeeper Keylor Navas, but González was part of a never say die back three who played their own part in the team’s success.
Centre Back – Mats Hummels – Germany
Hummels was the savvy organiser in Germany’s defence, using his awareness to full effect in both defence and attack. Managed to get on the scoresheet twice in the tournament, and was Man of the Match in the World Cup final according to WhoScored’s player ratings.
Left Back – Dirk Kuyt – Netherlands
Kuyt played several positions for the Netherlands during this World Cup, including right wing back, left back, striker, and winger. He was the tactical linchpin of Van Gaal’s side and allowed others – especially Robben – to play their game.
Defensive Midfield – Javier Mascherano – Argentina
If Argentina were a one man team in this tournament, then this man was Mascherano and not Messi. The forward may have helped them through the group stage, but it was Mascherano whose doggedness and passing in midfield helped Argentina to the final.
Central Midfield – Bastian Schweinsteiger – Germany
Came into his own as the tournament progressed and peaked in the most important game of all. His battle with Mascherano was one of the highlights of the final, and ultimately it was Schweinsteiger who came out on top.
Right Midfield – Juan Cuadrado – Colombia
Cuadrado topped the assists chart at the end of the tournament with four, and was arguably as important to his team’s progress as James Rodriguez. Works the right flank in both phases of play and was vital to Colombia’s tactical system.
Left Wing – James Rodriguez – Colombia
The star of the World Cup. He won the Golden Boot for finishing the tournament with the most goals (six), and should have won the Golden Ball as its best player. Also scored the goal of the tournament with a great chest control and volley versus Uruguay in the last sixteen tie.
Forward – Arjen Robben – Netherlands
Lit up the group stages with exciting displays of unstoppable dribbling and general trickiness. His alleged diving was spoken about for a short time, but the focus soon turned to his world class footballing talent.
Striker – Thomas Müller – Germany
The brains of the German attack. Müller wasn’t bothered about the individual awards he could have easily won, especially as his side mauled Brazil, but instead played a number of support roles up front for his team. Caused endless problems for opposition defences, scoring five goals and assisting three others.
Castrol All Star Team:
Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Marcos Rojo (Argentina)
Mats Hummels (Germany)
Thiago Silva (Brazil)
Stefan de Vrij (Netherlands)
Oscar (Brazil)
Toni Kroos (Germany)
Philipp Lahm (Germany)
James Rodríguez (Colombia)
Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
Thomas Müller (Germany)