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An emotional Neymar has claimed the challenge that meant he missed the World Cup semi-final might have left him paralysed.
The Brazil star fractured a vertebra after being kneed in the back by Colombia defender Juan Zuniga during Brazil's 2-1 quarter-final win.
In a press conference, the 22-year-old broke down in tears when answering questions that ended his involvement in the tournament.
"I thank God for helping me, because if that blow had been a few inches lower I would have risked being paralysed," he said.
Show all 50 1 /50The 50 best players of the World Cup The 50 best players of the World Cup Manuel Neuer (Goalkeeper, Germany) 'Sweeper-keeper' or ‘False 5’, Neuer has redefined a goalkeeper’s role in a team. The 28-year-old is the main reason Germany are able to play such a high pressing game – he is lightning quick off his line and good enough on the ball to be an outfield player. Against Algeria he made an astonishing 21 touched outside the box and he’s brilliant when doing actual goalkeeper stuff. Even with Germany 7-0 up against Brazil, he was launching attacks with his brilliant distribution; quite simply the best goalkeeper in world football.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Guillermo Ochoa (Goalkeeper, Mexico) The Mexican put in one of the greatest goalkeeping displays in World Cup history this summer. Before the Netherlands’ late brace in their last-16 tie, the free agent had conceded only one goal: a consolation for Croatia in Mexico’s 3-1 group stage win. This statistic only tells half of the story, however. He was in inspired form when his side held hosts Brazil to an unlikely 0-0 draw, denying Thiago Silva and Neymar twice with spectacular saves, and against the Netherlands he made a truly astounding point-blank stop from a thunderous Stefan De Vrij volley.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Tim Howard (Goalkeeper, United States) The reason Ochoa only put in “one of” the greatest goalkeeping displays in World Cup history is because of Tim Howard’s outstanding performance against Belgium. He made 16 saves in one game – more than any other player in the competition since records began. The impressive array of reflex saves and blocks led to an incredible social media response; some fans went as far as to nominate the Everton man as the next US Secretary of Defence while one posted 'just followed Tim Howard on Twitter... got blocked'.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Keylor Navas (Goalkeeper, Costa Rica) Costa Rica shocked the world when they emerged from a tough looking Group D that included England, Italy and Uruguay. But they did not just emerge, they topped the group going undefeated, beat Greece with 10 men and then took the Netherlands all the way to penalties. Costa Rica’s work rate and team ethic inspired them in this tournament, but Navas was the difference maker, pulling off a string of brilliant saves to keep out the likes of Wayne Rooney, Mario Balotelli and Robin van Persie. He made the decisive penalty save against Greece, too, although he had no chance with any of the penalties against the Netherlands.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Mario Yepes (Defender, Colombia) Any player who can keep up with Columbia’s level of intensity at 38 years of age and go generally unnoticed is mystifying. Mario Yepes will retire at the end of the World Cup as the oldest out-field player in the competition, but his composure under pressure and inspirational leadership helped take Colombia so close to a semi-final. It may have been James Rodriguez grabbing the headlines for Colombia with his stunning goals, but he has Mario Yepes to thank for the solid platform on which he flourished.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Mauricio Isla (Wing-back, Chile) Chile’s ravenous work rate put a huge amount of strain on the two wing backs, who were often called upon to patrol the flanks completely alone. Along with Eugenio Mena the Juventus man, nicknamed Huaso or cowboy, can run for days and averaged 11.1km per game in the four matches he played. He was a constant menace as an attacking threat and helped to shackle some of the best attackers in the tournament, including Neymar.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Rafael Marquez (Defender, Mexico) The veteran centre-back, 35, is another ageless defender who seems to have turned back time in this tournament. He marshalled a well-disciplined Mexican defence and led his side into the knock-out rounds. As classy on the ball as ever, Marquez was an excellent attacking threat for Miguel Herrera’s side, launching pinpoint passes and stepping into midfield with the ball whenever needed. He was harshly penalised for the late foul on Arjen Robben that dumped Mexico out of the tournament.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Ricardo Rodriguez (Full-back, Switzerland) With the way he surges forward from full-back, the 21-year-old has epitomised the adventurous and brave nature of an impressive Swiss team, proving productive in their energetic attacks. The exceptional Xherdan Shaqiri has particularly benefited from the space that Rodriguez spots and creates. He provided both assists in the opening game against Ecuador, a trend that follows on from the nine assists he cleverly created for Wolsfburg last season. His performances in the Bundesliga and at the World Cup have seen him become a target for Premier League sides Manchester United and Liverpool.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Serge Aurier (Right-back, Ivory Coast) One of the few bright spots of a crushingly disappointing Ivory Coast team, the right back swung in two pinpoint crosses in the opening win against Japan. He remained a potent attacking threat down the right as the Elephants’ more recognised stars such as Yaya Toure and Dider Drogba floundered. Aurier has been long linked with a move to Arsenal, though they seem to have decided that Mathieu Debuchy is the better option. Newcastle may look to Aurier to replace the departing Frenchman, but Tottenham are also reported to be interested in the energetic 21-year-old.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Vincent Kompany (Defender, Belgium) A reliable presence in the talented young Belgium team, the Red Devils skipper added some much needed steel to a team that sometimes lacked a winning mentality. Belgium rarely looked in danger in the group stages and, bar a few shaky moments when the United States attempted a late, great comeback, Kompany was in complete control of his defence. He may have got closer to Higuain against Argentina but he played well as Belgium kept Lionel Messi in check.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Daley Blind (Wing-back/left-back, Netherlands) Provided the pass of the tournament for Robin van Persie’s brilliant diving header and has been thoroughly excellent playing in a number of positions. His flexibility has allowed Louis van Gaal to chop and change his team with the minimum of fuss, whether used as a wing back or a more conventional left back. The Netherlands missed Nigel de Jong as the midfield enforcer but Blind stepped into that role and filled in admirably – should get a move from Ajax this summer.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Gary Medel (Defender, Chile) He might only be 5ft 7in but playing at the heart of the back three the Pitbull performed as if he was a foot taller. The Cardiff man was exceptional at the centre of the defence, never shirking a tackle, winning every loose ball or 50/50 that came his way as well as starting numerous attacks with his comfort in possession. He ran himself into the ground against in every game, never giving less than 100 per cent for his team. Medel, who was relegated with the Bluebirds last season, is now being linked with numerous clubs across Europe.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Diego Godin Godin came into the World Cup on a wave of momentum following his La Liga-clinching goal that won the Spanish league for Atletico Madrid. The centre-back was not at his best for the opening defeat to Costa Rica, but came into his own as Uruguay battled back to qualify for the second round. Very much the linchpin of the back-four, Godin helped keep a clean sheet against Italy and scored the crucial goal that took them through to the last-16. However, he suffered due to those around him offering insufficient support in defence against the better teams.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Kostas Manolas (Centre-back, Greece) Manolas had a stellar tournament for Greece in his marking and tackles, and he was also consistent in his performances on the whole that helped the Greeks reach the second round. The 23-year-old, who has been linked with Arsenal, is a natural defender with a strong and tough personality that can pose a problem to any player in the world. Given that Greece’s campaign lacked goals, Manolas was the stand-out player during their four-game run.
The 50 best players of the World Cup Thiago Silva (Centre-back, Brazil) While Silva’s talents were obvious for all to see before the tournament, his impact could not have been felt more when he was ruled out of the semi-finals after picking up a stupid second yellow card against Colombia. Nonetheless, his performances helped Brazil to come through a tricky group and take the impressive Chile to a penalty shootout, not to mention his goal against Colombia to take the Selecao through. Such is Silva’s commandment at the back, he has even had a calming influence on David Luiz, which is in a way even more impressive than his talent.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Rafik Halliche (Centre-back, Algeria) The surprise package of the World Cup came in the form of Algeria, and before the World Cup started many would have been guilty of asking “who?” when quizzed on Halliche. The 27-year-old was part of a well-drilled Algerian side that based itself on its defence, and he even managed to add a goal during the 4-1 win over South Korea.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Philipp Lahm (Defensive midfielder/right-back, Germany) The Germany captain had a quiet start to the tournament as he let the attacking-minded players take the plaudits against Portugal. But he controlled the strings after that, consistently completing more passes than any other player, and his versatility meant the likes of Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil could push on to leave Lahm marshalling the back-four. When Germany needed solidity at the back, Lahm was shifted to right-back – his old position – and sure enough he helped nullify the threat of France and Brazil in the knock-out phase.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Ezequiel Garay Among Argentina's stand-out performers in their advancement to the final. Playing in a mean defence, Garay was ready to intercept the ball and get the ball clear. His dirty work at the back laid the platform for the more creative talents ahead of him.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Toni Kroos (Central midfield, Germany) The question for Kroos was could he convert his club form onto the international stage and show his ability to unlock opposition defences. It was a resounding yes with the Bayern Munich player growing in stature as the tournament progressed. Against Brazil he scored the goals his performances had deserved with a particularly beautiful strike for Germany's third in their 7-1 demolition of the hosts. He also chipped in with numerous assists.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Gervinho (Forward, Ivory Coast) Remember Gervinho? The Arsenal failure has always been high-rated by his country, yet it was still a surprise to see him shine in Brazil. Two goals in his first two games prompted Arsenal fans to wonder what had happened to the man they sold last summer, who couldn’t hit a barn door at the Emirates. But he continued to impress, notching an assist in the unlucky 2-1 defeat to Greece.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Juan Cuadrado (Right winger, Colombia) The Colombian has been one of the more impressive stars of the World Cup, laying on two assists in the opening victory over Greece and getting on the score-sheet himself in the demolition of Greece. He laid on a goal for his team-mate James Rodriguez in the win over Uruguay, and while the Monaco star took the plaudits, many have recognised Cuadrado as a driving force in the much-improved Colombian side.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Jermaine Jones (Midfielder, USA) The United States side in Brazil had strong German links, from manager Jurgen Klinsmann to Jermaine Jones who even made three appearances for the German national side. However there could be no doubting his commitment to the US cause, as he played every minute of their encouraging campaign and was at the heart of almost everything they did. His phenomenal work rate set the tone for the rest of the side, not to mention the fact that he provided the assist to Clint Dempsey’s very early opening goal against Ghana and equalised against Portugal with a well-taken strike.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Paul Pogba (Midfielder, France) The one that got away for Manchester United and his every performance in this World Cup must make that all the harder to bear for their fans. He arrived at the tournament with hype to live up to after two excellent seasons at Juventus and did not disappoint – helping to take France into the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Still a little raw but his youth surely excuses that and picked up his first World Cup goal in the game against Nigeria.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Arturo Vidal (Playmaker, Chile) The self-styled best player in the world in his position, Vidal arrived at this World Cup as an injury doubt after undergoing surgery shortly before the tournament. However the Chilean shrugged those concerns aside, helping his team to stun defending champions Spain and take hosts Brazil as close to elimination as possible in the last-16. Dodgy tattoos aside, it was an impressive tournament from Vidal who has seen his stock rise even higher to put him among the most sought-after footballers in the world.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Yohan Cabaye (Midfielder, France) The extent of Newcastle’s decline last season following Cabaye’s departure showed just how integral the Frenchman can be to a side’s fortunes, and he showed that once again at this tournament. Up until a disappointing quarter-final against Germany, France were arguably the surprise package of this World Cup, playing exciting football and looking once more like a force to be reckoned with. Cabaye’s scheming from midfield was at the heart of all of that and he showed just why PSG were so keen to get their hands on him last January.
The 50 best players of the World Cup Charles Aranguiz (Midfielder, Chile) Another of Chile’s classy midfield who helped make his side such firm favourites with the neutrals, Aranguiz embodied his countries tireless efforts on the pitch and was key to their successes at the tournament. He was on hand to punish Iker Casillas’ mistake against Spain with a coolly taken finish and hit a ferociously unstoppable penalty in the shoot-out with Brazil – a strike hit so hard that Julio Cesar flinched rather than attempt to save it.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Raheem Sterling (Forward, England) The only Englishman to make it into our pick of the top 50 players - and he only just squeezes in. In a tournament to forget from an England perspective, Sterling provided the beacon of hope before things got started and for a couple of seconds, probably the most joyous moment of the tournament for fans of the Three Lions. However his rifled shot against Italy didn't go in, it hit the side netting. So close but not quite good enough - a bit like England in general.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Luka Modric (Midfielder, Croatia) The Real Madrid player showed his class throughout the group stages and can feel unlucky that he couldn't take Croatia into the knock-out stages. In the opening game of the tournament against Brazil he was the architect of Croatia's best play and on the balance of it (and if it weren't for some strange refereeing decisions) the European nation should have caused one of the great upsets in Sao Paulo. Was excellent in the 4-0 demolition of Cameroon.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Angel Di Maria (Winger, Argentina) Not always brilliant but was often enough a nuisance to opposition defences to warrant his inclusion among our top 50. The Real Madrid player showed a tendency to give away the ball but his importance to the team cannot be underestimated, particularly his willingness to always show for the ball. Deflecting at least some attention away from Lionel Messi is an achievement in itself. Scored the extra-time Last-16 winner against Switzerland too.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Eduardo Vargas (Forward, Chile) A couple of assists and a goal against Spain were a strong return for the Chile forward. A tireless runner with skills to boot made him one of the stars of a Chile team that caught the imagination and who many were sorry to see exit the competition on penalties against Brazil.
The 50 best players of the World Cup Ahmed Musa (Striker, Nigeria) The Nigerian striker put in an attacking performance against Argentina of the highest level, scoring twice and giving the South Americans all kind of problems. He was also extremely disciplined in tracking back against the French, showing another side to his game.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Xherdan Shaqiri (Midfielder, Switzerland) How are Switzerland so high in the Fifa rankings? It was a question asked every time the Swiss prepared to take the field, but one of the reasons is Xherdan Shaqiri. The Bayern Munich midfielder played an integral role as the Swiss made it to the Last-16 only to be knocked out deep into extra-time by Argentina. Oh, the 22-year-old also scored a hat-trick against Honduras.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Bryan Ruiz (Forward, Costa Rica) To think that this was a player Fulham have been all too happy to discard, banishing him on loan to PSV Eindhoven midway through last season. Of course, much of that was the fault of Ruiz himself. He looked conspicuously lazy in a team full of languid attackers. That appears to have revitalised him. Ruiz was the driving force of Costa Rica’s historic tournament. It was not just about the goals he scored that brought such momentous results against Italy and Greece. It was also about the touches and technique, as he’s now really doing what a player of his talent should. Fulham can surely earn a much higher price now.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Sami Khedira (Midfielder, Germany) A vital cog in the beautiful Germany midfield machine. Having been out for most of the season through injury, the Real Madrid man returned playing the football of his life at this World Cup. His performance in the 7-1 thrashing of Brazil was as good as anyone's on the night and he got himself a goal to boot.
The 50 best players of the World Cup Islam Slimani (Striker, Algeria) Algeria were one of the most exciting of the tournament’s ‘underdogs’, with Slimani their brightest player. He had the ball in the net in his side’s fantastic knock-out performance against Germany, only to see the effort ruled out for offside – with Algeria just not able to overcome the odds against their more fancied opponents. Just turned 26, his career has shown a steady upward curve, moving from CR Belouizdad to Sporting Lisbon in 2013, and now making his ability all the more widely known. Slimani looks ready for one of Europe’s primary leagues.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Neymar (Striker, Brazil) The golden boy of Brazilian football carried his national side at times this summer, not least in the opening game of the tournament when the five-time winners fell behind to an early Marcelo own-goal. Two goals in that game, and two more in the group thereafter, saw Neymar help Brazil make their way through into the last-16 with him being the only shining light. His serious injury in the quarter-final against Colombia provoked scenes of national mourning and outrage and in his absence Brazil were humiliated 7-1 by Germany – the team’s promises to ‘play for Neymar’ not quite the tribute to their injured team-mate they were hoping for.
The 50 best players of the World Cup Lionel Messi (Forward, Argentina) Seen by many as a contender for the greatest ever footballer, the only thing Messi lacked prior to this tournament was a World Cup medal and a convincing set of performances at a major international tournament. He soon put the latter to bed. The Argentine was at his best in the group stages with four goals, including a stunning late winner that made the difference in a tight game against Iran. He also provided the selfless assist for Angel Di Maria’s extra-time winner against Switzerland and helped lead his side all the way to the final.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Arjen Robben (Forward, Netherlands) The pacey winger, despite being in his thirties, reportedly clocked up speeds of 37kph when he tore Spain’s defence to shreds in his side’s 5-1 demolition of the European and World champions. Although familiar accusations of diving re-emerged, Robben’s goal tally and consistent levels of performance made him one of the stand-out players of the tournament. In the group stage alone he bagged three goals and an assist as the Netherlands marched into the latter stages of the tournament, although he was nullified by Javier Mascherano in his side's semi-final exit.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Robin van Persie (Striker, Netherlands) When the words 'Robin van Persie' and 'Brazil 2014' are uttered in the same breath only one thought will come to mind: that header. The superman-style jump as the Manchester United forward launched himself into one of the best diving headers of all time has been immortalised by the overwhelming social media reaction to the Dutchman’s long awaited return to form. The timing of his equaliser against Australia, to drag floundering Netherlands back into the game, also deserves recognition as the captain helped turn the tide in his team’s favour.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Joel Campbell (Striker, Costa Rica) The 22-year-old striker was a virtual unknown before the World Cup this summer, despite belonging to Arsenal. However, Campbell officially announced his arrival on the world stage with a goal and a stunning assist in Costa Rica’s 3-1 demolition of Uruguay. He even squeezed in an entertaining goal celebration in the match that showed Costa Rica were no whipping boys in a group also containing England and Italy. He continued to shine throughout his nation’s unlikely progression to the quarter-finals, coolly slotting home his side’s penultimate penalty against Greece in the last 16. Costa Rica eventually went out on penalties to the Netherlands but Campbell was unable to take a spot-kick in that one having been substituted earlier in the game.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Enner Valencia (Striker, Ecuador) Not the Valencia in the Ecuador squad that anybody had heard of prior to the World Cup, but that was a situation that altered pretty quickly thanks to his performances in the group stages. The scorer of all three of his countries goals, including two against Honduras, the striker who currently plays for Pachuca in Mexico, put himself firmly ‘in the shop window’ and has now been linked with a move to the Premier League.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Alexis Sanchez All of a sudden, it seems ludicrous that Barcelona would consider selling Sanchez, let alone use him as a mere makeweight on a deal to bring someone else in. The Chilean may not have set the world alight in his final season at the Camp Nou, but this World Cup re-asserted why they initially signed him, as well as what kind of player he can be when used correctly. The two goals, which came against Spain and Brazil, were displays of his clinical finishing.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Karim Benzema (Striker, France) He may have failed to score in his final three games of the tournament, but at one point during the finals the France striker led the Castrol Index which uses Fifa tracking technology to capture data on each player, making him, statistically, the most effective player at the tournament. In total he netted three goals for Didier Deschamps' side, and despite a €40m transfer five years ago, finally proved himself on the world stage.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Thomas Muller (Forward, Germany) Thomas Muller is quickly asserting himself as one of the World Cup’s all-time greats with 10 goals already to his name. At 24, with at least two more competitions left in him, he is an outside bet to overthrow fellow countryman Miroslav Klose as the highest ever scorer. A hat-trick in Germany’s opening game blew Portugal out of the water as the side stole a march on the last-16, and was unplayable in the 7-1 demolition of Brazil.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Tim Cahill (Striker, Australia) Played twice, scored twice. But that doesn't tell the whole story. The former Everton striker not only scored at his third World Cup, he also scored arguably the best strike of the 2014 tournament. Against the mighty Netherlands, the ball was sent across goal before Cahill unleashed an unstoppable volley with his left foot into the far corner. Brilliant.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Jackson Martinez (Forward, Colombia) The Colombian forward justified why Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are all reportedly interested in him, showing his explosive speed and deadly finishing by scoring two goals in his three appearances. The 27-year-old Porto man will surely now be the next Colombian player to make a big-money move.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Clint Dempsey (Striker, United States) He was a hero to Fulham fans already, but ended the tournament a hero to millions of Americans with his passionate displays up front. He notched two goals in Brazil, and who could forget that fiery celebration after scoring late on against Portugal. The 31-year-old now heads back to the Seattle Sounders as something of a national institution.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Andre Ayew (Striker, Ghana) The Ghanaian speedster was on target in each of his first two matches in Brazil, proving a real handful for the worried defences of United States and Portugal. The 24-year-old Marseilles forward heads back to France with his reputation enhanced.
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The 50 best players of the World Cup Miroslav Klose (Striker, Germany) At 36 years of age, not many backed Klose to get the two goals needed to overtake Ronaldo as the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer. Yet in his first game of the tournament against Ghana he notched his first and than rather suitably, he found the second against Brazil. A master at the goal from six-to-12 yards, both slotted nicely into his collection of 16.
The 50 best players of the World Cup James Rodriguez (Playmaker, Colombia The player of the tournament with his best years very much ahead of him. No one would have put money on this young man stealing the limelight in Brazil, the attention was more on the talisman of the home nation who is also twenty-two years of age, but James turned out to be a whirlwind force that swept aside every nation he faced prior to Brazil's rough tactics. His breath taking twenty yard volley in the last-16 is a firm contender for goal of the tournament, as the Monaco attacker scored in all five games he played including two against Uruguay leaving him with a total tally of six. If that wasn’t enough, he also assisted two on top of the one he scored against Japan to help Colombia qualify top of their group with nine points. And even more, he managed to become a platform for a huge bug to land on during his team's quarter-final exit.
Without their star man, Brazil were humiliated 7-1 by Germany in Belo Horizonte.
Zuniga called Neymar to apologise for the injury, but the Barcelona man did not fully forgive the Colombian defender.
"I don't hate him, I don't hold a grudge, but I don't feel anything," added Neymar. "It's difficult to talk about a move that ended happening in such an important moment of my career.
"I won't say he came to injure me - I don't know what was going on in his head - but everyone who understands football can see that it wasn't a normal challenge."
Neymar missed the semi-final humiliation against Germany (Getty) Despite the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina, Neymar said he hoped Argentina won the World Cup, because club team-mates Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano play for La Albiceleste.
"He's won almost everything and I think he deserves to be champion," he said about Messi. "He is my team-mate and my friend."
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