Best XI of 2014 World Cup

Germany’s 1-0 win over Argentina in the final secured them their fourth World Cup. Not surprisingly, there is a strong German presence in TODAY football columnist Adrian Clarke’s (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg) Team of the 2014 World Cup.

GOALKEEPER — MANUEL NEUER (GERMANY)

No other custodian commands his 18-yard box better and he got his side out of jail many times by flying off his line to thwart attackers.

RIGHT-BACK — PHILIPP LAHM (GERMANY)

Switching back to his favourite position transformed Germany’s tournament, adding balance to the side and verve to the right flank.

CENTRE-BACK — RON VLAAR (NETHERLANDS)

Big and strong, showing class and leadership, the 29-year-old Aston Villa defender looked a player reborn.

CENTRE-BACK — MATS HUMMELS (GERMANY)

He has been battling a knee injury all month, but Hummels was still arguably the best centre-back in Brazil.

LEFT-BACK — DALEY BLIND (NETHERLANDS)

Calm on the ball, extremely competent in attack and defence, the Ajax defender was Mr Reliable for Louis van Gaal.

CENTRE-MIDFIELD — JAVIER MASCHERANO (ARGENTINA)

He was a beast. Holding the Argentinian midfield together, scampering around the field, he was superb for seven successive matches. A runners-up medal is a cruel end.

CENTRE-MIDFIELD — BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER (GERMANY)

The 29-year-old got better with every game and peaked at the right time with a barnstorming World Cup final display.

LEFT-MIDFIELD — JAMES RODRIGUEZ (COLOMBIA)

Possessing a velvety smooth left foot, tremendous intelligence and ice cool finishing, Rodriguez is a name we will be hearing a lot.

RIGHT-MIDFIELD — ARJEN ROBBEN (NETHERLANDS)

Love him or loathe him, Robben was sensational in this World Cup. His turn of pace scared defenders witless.

FORWARD — LIONEL MESSI (ARGENTINA)

He could not grasp his moment to join Pele and Maradona in the pantheon of World Cup greats. Sadly when it mattered most, the magic dried up for him.

FORWARD — THOMAS MULLER (GERMANY)

When it comes to sniffing out space and finishing with cool aplomb, no one does it better than Germany’s No 13.

MANAGER — JOACHIM LOW (GERMANY)

He is not a man afraid to make big decisions. His substitutions in the final effectively won them the World Cup with Andre Schurrle crossing for Mario Gotze to score.