Sure, their teams ended up heading home after playing just the 3 group stage matches, but the players making up this lineup at least acquitted themselves nicely with some impressive performances. Keeping in mind that the phrase “One of few to shine on their squad this summer….” is essentially a redundant phrase for purposes of this lineup, here’s an attacking 4-3-3 lineup:
Alexander Dominguez
But for one disastrous last-minute defensive lapse against Switzerland in their opener, things might have turned out very differently for an Ecuador side which was anchored by a very solid performance from Dominguez in goal.
Serge Aurier
Already cited as a rising star following his impressive performances, keep an eye on this young right-back, who showed to be just as adept in attack as he was on defense.
Sergey Ignashevich
In what was likely his major tournament swansong, Ignashevich saved his best for last, with 3 very good games. That Russia was eliminated early was not so much the defense’s and his fault as it was their inability to convert at the other end.
Giorgio Chiellini
Recipient of perhaps the most famous bite in football history, Chiellini was also part of an Italian defense that went a long way towards reclaiming its reputation as a disciplined backline. It’s no coincidence that the goal which ultimately sealed the Italians’ exit came shortly after the Suarez/Chiellini incident, when he was still clearly rattled.
Mehrdad Pooladi
Iran were seconds away from snatching a sensational point off eventual finalists Argentina, and even had great chances to grab the win that day. A large part of their defensive success that day centered on Pooladi’s play at left-back. It’s no coincidence that the majority of goals Iran conceded were not stemming from his area of the pitch.
Andrea Pirlo
The ageless master opened the tournament with a virtuoso performance against England that seemed almost effortless. Alas, the effort required in the Amazonian heat clearly took its toll as his form tapered off following that match.
Ross Barkley
Roy Hodgson was openly second-guessed for naming many young and inexperienced players to the English squad, but among others, Barkley helped vindicate their selections with his form off the bench. In moments where England needed a spark from midfield, Barkley was able to provide some direction, and the experience will serve him well moving forward.
Ivan Perišíć
Surrounded by more illustrious names like Rakitic and Modric in the Croatian midfield, Perišíć provided the spark for a squad that was otherwise underwhelming. Even as Croatia struggled, this young man’s stock certainly rose as his efforts in attack provided 2 goals and an assist.
Cristiano Ronaldo
As such a polarizing figure in the sport, it is easy for critics to overlook that he was hardly at 100%, and he did provide glimpses of his game-changing ability with his pinpoint pass to Varela on the one occasion where he had space to operate vs. the US and with his volleyed finish against Ghana.
Enner Valencia
“The other Valencia” on the Ecuadorian squad provided a fine glimpse into a bright future ahead with his 3 goals in just 2 matches. West Ham will be looking for him to maintain such form as the new Premiership season begins.
Asamoah Gyan
Though Ghana came up short, Gyan was in superb form for them throughout. The highlight of the tournament for them will be the game vs. Germany, when Gyan smashed home a superb finish past Golden Glove winner Manuel Neuer to give them a tantalizing lead.
(All player images and featured image: FIFA.com)
