Heroes and Villains: Five heroes of the World Cup

Miguel Herrera
Benches at the World Cup were certainly less animated without the touchline dramatics of Mexico manager Herrera in the latter stages. His Aztec army managed to qualify superbly from Group A, consisting of hosts Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon, and we all had the pleasure of witnessing his jubilant celebrations on multiple occasions.

While not quite as agile as he was in his international playing days as a stocky, mullet-wearing defender, Herrera was still seen springing up and down in his green Mexico attire, not too dissimilar to a bullfrog. Unfortunately for world viewers, a last 16 exit at the hands of the Netherlands in the dying moments sent El Tri hopping disconsolately back home.

Mexico are 66/1 to win the World Cup in 2018.

James Rodriguez
Rodriguez scored arguably the tournament’s best goal by smashing a volley off his chest to help blast Colombia into the quarter-finals for the first time, at the expense of a toothless Uruguay side.

Monaco man Rodriguez finished the tournament with a personal accolade at least, getting the Golden Boot trophy for scoring six times, and shone brighter than superstars such as Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – although FIFA did not think so about the latter. Radamel Falcao who?

Colombia are 25/1 to win the World Cup in 2018.

Thomas Muller
Far away in talent from legend, compatriot, former Bayern Munich forward and namesake Gerd, young pretender Thomas has stepped out of the shadows and certainly made a name for himself, despite his more mortal abilities.

On the world stage, his form cannot be argued with. Golden Boot winner at the last finals, his five goals in Brazil saw him fall just one short of Rodriguez’s effort of six, but a World Cup winners medal instead might somehow ease his woes.

Germany are favourites to defend their World Cup crown in Russia 2018 at 5/1.

Magic spray
Brazil’s answer to the vuvuzelas from South Africa in 2010; the magic spray. This water-based substance really has been a success, though, and somewhat less annoying than the infamous dull drones from four years ago.