The best XI from the opening pool of the World Cup in Brazil.
Monday night saw Group A of the 2014 World Cup concluded, with hosts Brazil topping the pool and followed into the last-16 by second-placed Mexico.
Cameroon turned out to be something of the whipping boys after losing all three of their matches and conceding nine goals, whilst Croatia were also eliminated despite a plucky showing.
Here is the best starting XI from the group.
GK – Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico
Having only conceded one goal in the tournament this goalkeeper stood tall throughout and has caught the eye of both Arsenal and Liverpool as a result of his fine performances.
CB – Thiago Silva, Brazil
Despite many stating that the Brazilians’ strongest area was defence, their captain has been the only player to have shown any sign of that and the Paris Saint-Germain skipper will become more important as the competition progresses.
CB – Rafael Marquez, Mexico
Captaining his nation at a record fourth World Cup, the 35-year-old Marquez has never shown his advancing years with some dominant showings throughout.
CB – Francisco Rodriguez, Mexico
In a three-man defence – a tactic adopted by many sides at this tournament – we have included a second Mexican centre-back, with Rodriguez having supported Marquez and Hector Moreno brilliantly.
RM – Paul Aguilar, Mexico
Continuing our Mexican theme is a right-sided player who has posed a significant threat from the flank, as well as being shore in defence to keep both the Brazilians and Cameroon out.
CM – Luka Modric, Croatia
Although his country has been eliminated, this Real Madrid midfielder has proven why so much money was spent on him by the Spanish giants with some assured displays in the middle of the park.
CM – Oscar, Brazil
Alongside Modric is a Chelsea playmaker who started the competition in his home nation with a bang, scoring in a 3-1 victory over the Croatians, but will need to ensure his performances don’t drop as things go on.
LM – Ivan Perisic, Croatia
A second from Robert Kovac’s side now and a left winger who has constantly been a creative outlet and attacking threat for his side from the flank, scoring twice.
RF – Ivica Olic, Croatia
At 34-years-old the workmanlike performances of this veteran forward have to be applauded and Olic got on the score-sheet during the 4-0 rout of the Cameroonians.
ST – Mario Mandzukic, Croatia
Bizarrely strikers have been relatively quiet in this group and despite playing just two games – one of which was decidedly poor – for netting twice against the Africans Mandzukic is given the No.9 spot.
LF – Neymar, Brazil
At 22-years-old there is much expectation on this FC Barcelona star from the host nation, but Neymar has not disappointed and is the current top-scorer at the World Cup with four goals.
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.