But do you know, this year’s World Cup shone some real stars? Well here are some lesser known players who announced their arrival at the global stage over the last month in Brazil.
The World Cup has finally come to an end as the Germans won the Final in a breathtaking fashion when Mario Gotze scored a brilliant goal in the 113th minute of Extra Time to deny Lionel Messi’s Argentina a chance to regain glory. But do you know, this year’s World Cup shone some real stars? Well here are some lesser known players who announced their arrival at the global stage over the last month in Brazil.
Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
The goalkeeper is a free agent after leaving French club Ajaccio, but should have no shortage of suitors following his brilliant displays in Brazil. His performance in the goalless draw with the Brazil was one of the individual performances of the tournament, with one save to keep out a Neymar header drawing comparisons with Gordon Banks’ famous save from Pele in 1970.
Divock Origi (Belgium)
The 19-year-old Lille striker was only included in the squad because of injury to Christian Benteke. But he has made an impact, scoring his first international goal, the last-gasp winner over Russia, off the bench before winning a starting spot from Romelu Lukaku as the tournament went on.
Fabian Johnson (USA)
The full-back was one of the brightest talents in Jurgen Klinsmann’s Team USA side. One of his hallmark characteristics were the rampaging runs down the right causing all sorts of problems for opposing defenders. A former Germany Under-21 international, the 26-year-old has played for the US since 2011.
Yacine Brahimi (Algeria)
The 24-year-old midfielder was central to his side’s run to the knock-out stages. Born in Paris and also represented France in the Under-21; Brahimi decided to stick with his home roots in Algeria and made his debut last year. A quick, tricky dribbler, Brahimi caught the eye in his side’s 4-2 win over South Korea in the group stage and in the narrow extra-time loss to Germany in the Last 16.
Keylor Navas (Costa Rica)
Costa Rica were one of the surprise packages of the World Cup this year and one of key members of the squad, Keylor Navas was arguably the best player of all with a string of fine saves throughout the tournament to keep them in games. His best performance came notably in the quarter-final with the Netherlands before the Dutch triumphed on penalties.
Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
The 25-year-old forward who plays for Mexican club Pachuca caught the eye by scoring all his side’s three goals in the competition. With his decent performance in the World Cup, expect a host of European clubs chasing for his signature.
Joel Campbell (Costa Rica)
The Arsenal striker is yet to play for the Gunners since joining them in 2011 but spent last season on loan at Greek side, Olympiacos. He scored his side’s first goal of the World Cup, the equaliser against Uruguay, and his energy, pace on the ball and goal threat has been at the heart of the minnows’ progress.
Move over Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, well, that’s because these above names are ready to win the world over after producing some brilliant performances in Brazil.
