Coral’s World Cup Best XI from the Group Stage

Costa Rica

Centre Back

Oscar Duarte

Belonging to the team that has perhaps brought the most amount of fun to the tournament, Costa Rica’s Duarte along with the rest of his teammates have embraced being in Brazil. The 25-year-old centre back’s header against Uruguay catapulted the Club Brugge player into the limelight, and turned him into an overnight national hero.

Netherlands

Left Back

Daley Blind

The assist for Robin van Persie’s first goal against Spain was quite simply out of this world. There is no higher accolade. His left foot produces passes with as much fluidity as the Amazon flows into the Atlantic. Currently at Ajax, the 24-year-old’s perfect performances will have attracted interest from a number of clubs.

France

Midfield Anchorman

Blaise Matuidi

France’s performances have perhaps been one of the surprises at the World Cup. Although many of their attacking players earned a lot of the plaudits, this is down in part to the Les Bleus having a solid foundation. PSG bruiser Matuidi has been vital, tackling, breaking up play, and putting himself around.

Netherlands

Attacking Midfield

Arjen Robben

Robben stole the show against Spain. Along with Van Persie that is. Pinning the player down to an actual position is the hardest task. Put simply, he scores goals, he creates chances, glides past opponents, splits teams in half. We definitely know he’s not a defender, nor is he a deep lying, central, defensive midfielder. He isn’t a traditional, battering-ram type centre-forward. Striker? Attacker? Winger? No 10? A player of his class deserves a separate tag, probably along with the next four in this team!

Colombia

Attacking Midfield

James Rodriguez

Same as above, the only difference being that he probably couldn’t play as a lone frontman, unless as the fashionable label; ‘false nine’. Which raises the question, is that technically a ‘no 10’, but with more attacking support? All we know is that this boy can play, oh yes, no doubt about it. His goal against Japan elucidated elegance in footballing finishing. Colombia have their very own Columbo who’s instincts can detect a chance with minimal effort.

Brazil

Attacking Midfield

Neymar

Possibly a tad unfair to say he’s an attacking midfielder, but the lad seems a good sport. He’s currently joint top scorer at the World Cup, with four goals, and there seems no sign of him letting up. He will need to be on form against Chile, as they have a number of players who can also make a difference.

Argentina

Forward

Lionel Messi

Not including this man in the team of the World Cup so far, would be like Alan Hansen without Mark Lawrenson. It just wouldn’t make sense. He is currently tied on four goals in Brazil as the joint top scorer, and has basically carried Argentina into the second round of the tournament. This guy can win it on his own, though.

Germany

Forward

Thomas Muller

Back to the ‘what is his best position debate?’. Literally five words; ‘anywhere near to the goal’. The German, who won the Golden Boot four years ago with five strikes and three assists, is back in contention again, currently joint top with four goals. Practically everything he touches in the penalty area makes the net bulge. Do not be surprised to see him add another Golden Boot award to his list this time round.

There you have it guys, enjoy the rest of the World Cup, and good luck with your bets!