FIFA World Cup 2014: Casillas heads the Worst XI
Here is the list the Worst XI of the tournament in Brazil
By : tn raghu
Update: 2014-07-07 04:21 GMT
Goalkeeper
Iker Casillas (Spain)
It was a horrendous tournament for one of the most successful players of this era. Casillas dropped clanger after clanger as Spain crashed out at the first hurdle itself. The Real Madrid captain’s performance exemplified the adage: Time and tide wait for no man. Casillas won’t be delighted by the news that he has been named the captain of the Worst XI.
Right-back
Dani Alves (Brazil)
Luiz Felipe Scolari did the right thing ahead of his team’s quarterfinal by leaving Alves on the bench. The over-rated player doesn’t have qualities that define a defender. His bullet runs down the flank have also slowed down as a result of wear and tear, and age.
Central defender
Pepe(Portugual)
The hot-headed Real Madrid player did Portugal no favours by getting himself sent off for one of the stupidest fouls in the tournament. It was probably the moment Portugal lost the plot in Brazil.
Central defender
Giorgio Chiellini (Italy)
He would be remembered for being at the wrong end of Luis Suarez’s teeth and nothing else. All outfield players of the Azzurri can make mistakes, but defenders?
Left-back
Leighton Baines (England)
If you are able to recall a positive contribution of the Everton player to The Three Lions’ cause, you must be a biologist specialising in micro-organisms. Baines left a yearning for Ashley Cole, his predecessor in the position.
Right-sided midfielder
Joao Moutinho(Portugal)
Many experts believed that the Monaco midfielder would use the World Cup to join the big boys of international football. How wrong they were, as the immensely talented player came a cropper.
Central Mifielder
Steven Gerrard (England)
Stevie G endured a wretched campaign. His mistakes were highlighted as he was England’s captain and midfield general. Maybe it is time for him to bid farewell to England duties. Meanwhile, does a different Gerrard turn out for Liverpool?
Central Mifielder
Alexander Song (Cameroon)
After a close fight with Kevin-Prince Boateng of Ghana, Song claims the position. Not long ago, Song was deemed to be one of the most promising defensive midfielders in Europe. But he left Brazil a beaten man with a red card to boot.
Left-sided midfielder
Danny Welbeck (England)
He resembles his team-mate Daniel Stur ridge but never a goal scorer. Manchester United fans can rejoice: Welbeck has dropped a hint that he wants to leave Old Trafford.
Forward
Diego Costa (Spain)
Before the World Cup, Brazilians were upset that Costa ditched their country in favour of Spain. After three matches and Spain’s exit, they aren’t complaining.
Forward
Fred (Brazil)
Sorry, Fred. You may yet have time to redeem yourself by playing like your compatriot Ronaldo in the semi-final and final but you deserve a place in this list based on your performance in five
Formation
4-4-2 (even though it doesn’t matter as the result is predetermined).
Manager: Fabio Capello (Russia)
The Italian is tarnishing his glorious club record with his clueless tenures at the international level. It’s high time he left the dug-out. The Russians have already found out the truth that Capello can lead them nowhere.
Teams that you wouldn’t pay to watch
Cameroon, Japan, England, Ecuador, Honduras, Iran, Portugal, Russia and South Korea.
Group stage matches you would forget
(if you haven’t already)
Australia vs Spain, Japan vs Greece, Japan vs Colombia, Costa Rica vs England, Ecuador vs France, Iran vs Nigeria, Germany vs USA, Russia vs South Korea, Belgium vs Russia and Cameroon vs Everybody.