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Team of the Group Stages XI

Cape Town - The group stages are a thing of the past, we've seen goals, bites and more goals. Here is the Team of the Group Stages XI.

The stage has been set for a fantastic run in to the final of Brazil 2014 on 13 July 2014.

Who will win the final is still unclear and up for debate. France? Germany? Netherlands? Or the hosts?

Over 130 goals have been scored in the 48 games so far.

Thomas Muller, Neymar and Lionel Messi lead the race for the Golden Boot. But who will make the "Team of the Group Stages XI"?

Team of the Group Stages XI

Coach: Jorge Luis Pinto (Costa Rica)

Assistant: Didier Deschamps (France)

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper:

Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) - Ochoa has kept two clean sheets and conceded only one goal. His star performance came against Brazil. 

Defenders:

Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast) - Despite Ivory Coast crashing out, Aurier stood out in a team of high profile names. He played consistently well in all three group games.

Mats Hummels (Germany) - Germany have been fantastic in front of goal but little credit is given to their defence. Hummels is earning himself a reputation for being a big game player.

Vincent Kompany (Belgium) - Makes the team without playing in Belgium's final group game. It's hard to beat Kompany for a better centre-back in world football.

Daley Blind (Netherlands) - Netherlands have emerged as a favourite to win Brazil 2014 and Blind has emerged as a fine left back. Great on attack and solid in defence.

Midfielders:

Arturo Vidal (Chile) - Chile destroyed Spain and Vidal was one of the reasons. Fantastic distribution and personifies the "never say die" attitude.

Blaise Mutuidi (France) - Mutuidi has been excellent in the heart of the French midfield. He has been key in the France's exceptionally quick transition from defence to attack.

Attacking midfielders:

Thomas Muller (Germany) - There is little the world does not know about Muller. He is in sensational form and a Golden Boot contender. One of the first names on the team sheet.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) - Much criticised for not transferring club form into form for La Albiceleste, Messi has shone brightest in Brazil. If Argentina win, expect Messi to be the reason.

James Rodriguez (Colombia) - Falcao who? Rodriguez is announced himself on the world stage and has dragged Colombia into the Round of 16 along with him.

Striker:

Neymar (Brazil) - Simple fact is when Neymar plays well then Brazil win. Neymar is coping well with the expectations placed on his young shoulders incredibly well, so far.

Reserves

Enyeama (Nigeria), Debuchy (France), Vertonghen (Belgium), Silva (Brazil), Gervinho (Ivory Coast), Cahill (Australia), Perisic (Croatia) and Benzema (France).


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