The best starting XI of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

The best of the best showed up in Brazil. Never before have we seen so much talent on the pitch. The 2014 World Cup welcomed new stars to the spotlight while also featuring legends of the past giving it one more go on the world stage. 

Though a number of players enjoyed breakout tournaments, we think you'll be nodding your head in agreement with our best eleven players from this World Cup. 

GK: Tim Howard - United States 

In what was the performance of the tournament, American goalkeeper Tim Howard made 15 saves against Belgium in the round of 16. He wasn't one of the finalists for the Golden Glove award (Manuel Neuer, Sergio Romero and Keylor Navas are the final three) but Howard's stunning match against the Red Devils in Salvador makes him our pick. 

A number of keepers were wonderful in Brazil, but Howard takes the crown not just for his play on the field, but his ability to avoid bro hugs with disconcerting ease. 

RB: Philipp Lahm - Germany 

It took an injury to Shkodran Mustafi for Joachim Low to come to his senses. Yes, Philipp Lahm is more than capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, but he's the best right back in the world. Play your best players at their best position and enjoy the repercussions.

Lahm, described as Germany's quiet leader, was sensational for the Germans in Brazil. Pep Guardiola describes the 30-year-old as the “most intelligent player" he ever managed. 

Since taking over as captain from Michael Ballack in 2010, Lahm hasn't faltered. He joins Franz Beckenbauer and Lothar Matthäus in the pantheon of German greats. 

CB: Ron Vlaar - Netherlands

Ron Vlaar was the fifth fastest player at the World Cup, clocking in at a top speed of 33 km/h. Yes, you read that correctly. Vlaar was exceptional throughout the tournament, battling through knee injuries at the same time. 

Vlaar's numbers against Argentina in the semi-final were out of this world good. The centre-back didn't lose an aerial duel and won 100 percent of his tackles. He coupled those gaudy numbers with 11 clearances and six interceptions and had a pass accuracy of 92 percent .

Unfortunately, Vlaar will be remembered most for his penalty miss in the shootout, but that's unfair to the Aston Villa veteran. One miss does not mar an excellent performance. 

CB: Mats Hummels - Germany 

The Borussia Dortmund star started with a bang, scoring against Portugal in Germany's first group stage game. A knee injury then hampered Hummels, but he soldiered on.   

Hummels missed Germany's round of 16 clash with Algeria, but returned against France in the quarterfinals. There, the 25-year-old was exceptional, scoring the game winning goal and providing Die Mannschaft with solid defending, no matter who he was partnered with in central defense. 

LB: Ricardo Rodriguez - Switzerland 

Every major international tournament turns a unheralded young player into a burgeoning star. 21-year-old Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez was brilliant for a team that gave Argentina everything they could handle in the round of 16.

Rodriguez registered two assists in the first game against Ecuador, setting up Haris Seferovic's last-gasp winner.

Rodriguez's penchant for knowing when to attack while adhering to his defensive responsibilities will make him a highly coveted man on the transfer market. Manchester United are reportedly making calls regarding the Wolfsburg star.

MF: Toni Kroos - Germany 

The second most accurate passer in the tournament behind Javier Mascherano is the straw that stirs the drink in the German midfield. 

Kroos is reportedly on his way to Real Madrid when the World Cup is over. A team that already boasts the likes of Ronaldo, Bale and Modric shouldn't be allowed to pick up players like the 24-year-old, but here we are.

Blessed with incredible technical ability, Kroos' first goal against Brazil is a dark horse contender for strike of the tournament. 

MF: Javier Mascherano - Argentina 

Described as "the leader of a pack of wolves" by German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mascherano is the safety blanket, destroyer and heart of the Argentine team. 

His tackle on Arjen Robben in the dying moments of regular time saved La Albiceleste from heartbreak in the semi-final. "I remember his tackle on Arjen Robben against Holland," Scweinsteiger said. "That shows the kind of attitude they have as a team and that he has for his country."

Considering the man played on after tearing his anus, it's safe to say the Barcelona midfielder will do anything for his country. 

MF: James Rodriguez - Colombia

The name's Bond, James Rodriguez. That hilariously awful headline aside, no player improved their standing amongst his peers and the football community than James Rodriguez. 

Colombia's 23-year-old dynamo registered six goals and two assists in five games, scoring highlight reel goals along the way.

Real Madrid is interested in bringing James to Spain. Can you blame them? The kid can play. 

FW: Arjen Robben - Netherlands 

His antics can drive us mad, but there is no doubting how talented Arjen Robben is. Fitness-wise, there may not be a better conditioned footballer in the world. While the 21 other players on the field during Costa Rica vs. Netherlands quarterfinal clash began to fatigue, Robben kept sprinting up and down the wing.

He was the key man in the Dutch's shocking 5-1 win over Spain and drew the penalty that sent the Oranje past Mexico in the round of 16.

Everyone knows his signature move. Dribble, dribble, and cut to the left. Just try and stop him. 

FW: Lionel Messi - Argentina 

There's not much else to say about Lionel Messi. 

Messi nearly singlehandedly helped Argentina ease into the tournament, breaking Iranian hearts in the process. There was his sublime free kick against NIgeria and his excellent pass to set up the winner against Switzerland in extra time. 

Messi entered this tournament with one goal: Help Argentina win the World Cup. He fulfilled his part of the agreement. 

FW: Thomas Muller - Germany 

His strange dance moves captivated millions, but that's not why Thomas Muller makes this list. 

An attacking midfielder at heart, Muller showed his knack for finding open spaces in the opponents' box for the second consecutive World Cup.

This time around he recorded five goals, upping his career World Cup total to 10. Miroslav Klose is now the record holder with 16, but Muller is on pace to beat his countryman's mark. The 24-year-old is that good.