Manchester United targets also included…
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Of the four teams still left in the World Cup, Brazil, Germany, Holland and Argentina – here’s our fantasy XI, based on the performances of the stars from the said nations at the tournament so far.
GK) Manuel Neuer – Germany
Is there a better keeper in world football than Germany and Bayern Munich’s no.1? Probably not, is the answer. Neuer performed brilliantly against Algeria in the LAst 16, playing as a virtual sweeper behind his back four. In five matches so far, he’s only conceded three so far.
DR) Daryl Janmaat – Holland
The Dutchman’s been mightily impressive for Louis van Gaal’s exciting side, and has earned himself heavy links to Manchester United as a result – although Newcastle are also similarly interested.
DC) Stefan de Vrij – Holland
Another Dutchman linked heavily to United, de Vrij, aged only 22, has marshalled Holland’s back four very impressively. He’s also scored a goal, and looks set to develop into one of the best centre-backs in Europe.
DC) Mats Hummels – Germany
Easily the best central defender at the World Cup so far, Hummels scored Germany’s opening goal against Portugal in the 4-0 group stage win, and also bagged the winner with his head verses France in the quarter-finals.
DL) Marcos Rojo – Argentina
Holland’s Daley Blind has also been pretty good, but Germany’s left-back Benedict Howedes has struggled as it’s not his natural position – and Brazil’s Marcelo has been defensively shaky. Therefore, Rojo makes it in our side by default!
MC) Javier Mascherano – Argentina
Mascherano’s showed everyone why he’s wasted at centre-back for Barcelona. Deployed in the anchoring midfield role, Mascherano has made countless tackles, passed the ball well, and won back possession with interceptions.
MC) Luiz Gustavo – Brazil
Like Mascherano for Argentina, Gustavo has provided the platform in midfield from which the rest of the side can perform. He’s been combative, and will surely return to the starting XI after missing the quarters through suspension.
AMR) Arjen Robben – Holland
Robben’s one of the best players in the world, although because of his consistent diving, he sometimes doesn’t get the plaudits his talent warrants. He’s scored three goals so far from the wing.
AMC) Thomas Muller – Germany
Muller performs simply superbly at the World Cup! Used either on the right or as a central striker, Muller’s notched four, including a hat-trick in the opening match against Portugal.
AML) Neymar – Brazil
Unfortunately, Neymar’s injured and has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament with an injury. While the tournament will be a lesser place without him, his four goals prior to the semi-finals were totally crucial.
FC) Lionel Messi – Argentina
the stage is set for the greatest player in the world to make this tournament forever known as ‘Messi’s World Cup’. Scoring four so far, including a wonderful winner against Iran – Messi is readying himself now for a mouthwatering semi-final against the Dutch.
