Rejected starting XI: The best players not selected for the 2014 World Cup
As is the case with every major international tournament, the buildup to the competition is dominated by talk of who has been deemed surplus to requirements by their respective national teams.
At no time is this discussion more rampant than in a World Cup year, as squad decisions are put under the microscope and debated to no end.
With a host of teams unveiling their provisional squads this week, it was inevitable that some of the world's best players would hear the disappointing news that they will have to watch next month's tournament from home.
Be it for reasons of form, fitness or otherwise (cough, Nasri, cough), some of the biggest names in the game have been left off of their national team's roster. Naturally, we've put together a starting lineup consisting of those rejected men.
Note: The team is set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper
Diego Lopez
The Real Madrid shot-stopper may have won the battle with teammate and countryman Iker Casillas at the club level, but based on his inclusion in this team and not Vicente del Bosque's group, he lost the war.
Defenders
Rafinha, Miranda, John Terry, Filipe Luis
The Atletico Madrid duo may have more qualms about not being selected for their national team (Brazil), than any other players out there, as they have been immense in bringing their club to the brink of the La Liga title while simultaneously reaching the Champions League final.
Brazil, a goldmine of defensive talent?
Terry's exclusion has been known for some time now, but that doesn't make it any less ridiculous considering the renaissance season he just completed with Chelsea. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are both on the England squad, while the veteran center-back has been left home.
It's not quite Matthew Upson-bad, but it's close.
Midfielders
Defensive: Sven Bender, Asier Illarramendi
The Borussia Dortmund stalwart would easily be selected for most teams. Germany, particularly in midfield, is not most teams. As for Illaramendi, simply replace 'Germany' with 'Spain.' Rinse, wash and repeat.
Attacking: Lucas Moura, Isco, Samir Nasri
How would you like to try and concoct a scheme to stop this trio from running rampant and creating chances at will? Yeah, didn't think so. Pace, creativity and a versatility that would allow them to move around the pitch interchangeably. Scary good.
Just make sure Nasri is heavily involved in everything, otherwise he'll become a headache for his teammates. Right, Didier Deschamps?
Forward
Carlos Tevez
Don't cry for him, Argentina. While Messi, Aguero, Higuain and Lavezzi are dazzling the world in Brazil next month, the Juventus striker will be watching the tournament from Disney World. Mickey > Messi.
Substitutes: Maarten Stekelenburg, Marc Bartra, Ashley Cole, Ander Herrera, Javier Pastore, Kaka, Mario Gomez