The 2014 World Cup may have run out of steam down the home straight but there was plenty to be thankful for over the course of the month of action: goals, upsets, Cinderella runs and an elite quartet of teams contesting the semi-finals, as well as a German side who were worthy winners.

Despite four established powerhouses reaching the last four, the parity was another prominent storyline during the tournament. Brazil, Germany and Argentina were all made to sweat en route to the quarter-finals, plucky Costa Rica were a penalty shootout away from the semi-finals while Spain, Italy, Portugal and England were all group stage casualties.

As a result, a new wave of talents have caught the eye. Inside Futbol takes a look at a handful of players who unquestionably embraced the bright lights in Brazil and used the World Cup as their breakout tournament.

James Rodriguez – Colombia

The Colombians surged through Group C and it was Rodriguez’s clinical finishing and silky touch that really caught the eye, even sparking debates about the pronunciation of his first name. His strike against Uruguay in the second round was sublime and he was on target again in his team’s quarter-final defeat to Brazil. With six goals and two assists at the tournament, Rodriguez’s name shot to the top of many clubs’ transfer wish-list, with Real Madrid winning the race for an eye-watering €80m.


Keylor Navas – Costa Rica

So many Costa Ricans had glorious tournaments but Navas certainly emerged as one of the central figures, relishing his role as the last line of defence behind a rock solid back four. His decisive penalty save against Greece was a highlight and he made a string of crucial saves against the Dutch in their quarter-final clash as Costa Rica came close to another upset. Navas plays his club football for Levante in Spain, but is likely to join Real Madrid.
 

 

 

Matt Besler – United States

Besler was a rock at the heart of the United States defence, dominating aerially and reading the game expertly. The United States game plan was built on stubborn defensive resistance and that started with the Sporting Kansas City centre-back who did as much as anyone to help Jurgen Klinsmann’s men qualify from the perilous Group G ahead of Portugal and Ghana. The 27-year-old’s efforts in Brazil provided a timely reminder of the growing quality of the MLS.

Lucas Biglia – Argentina

Coming into the tournament, the knock on Argentina was their defensive fragility. But Biglia, alongside the outstanding Javier Mascherano, provided an industrious shield in front of the back four as the Argentines kept clean sheets throughout the knockout rounds to reach the final, where he put in another admirable shift. Biglia plies his trade for Lazio in Serie A but the Italians finished in mid-table last season. Clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal could do far worse than pursue this tireless midfield ball-winner who proved this summer that he belongs on the biggest stage.
 

 

 

Jose Gimenez – Uruguay

Thrust into the World Cup spotlight after an injury to Uruguay captain Diego Lugano, the 19-year-old never looked out of his depth and formed a solid partnership with Diego Godin. The Luis Suarez saga brought waves of negative publicity, but the emergence of Gimenez was certainly one silver lining for Uruguayan supporters as the youngster’s no nonsense style received deserved plaudits. Look for Gimenez to translate his World Cup displays into his fledgling club career at Atletico Madrid under manager Diego Simeone’s watchful eye.

Daley Blind – Holland

The Dutch were a pleasant surprise in Brazil, excelling in a tough group and coming agonisingly close to a place in the final. Blind was one of many young stars to emerge, catching the eye with some enterprising performances on the left flank in Louis van Gaal’s 3-5-2 formation, including the inch-perfect floated cross for Robin van Persie’s memorable diving header against Spain. Blind, son of former Ajax captain Danny, has a growing trail of suitors, including some of the Premier League’s big guns. Given his versatility and his ability to play in midfield, do not be surprised if Van Gaal looks to bring Blind to Old Trafford.

While the World Cup final pitted Lionel Messi against Thomas Müller, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Manuel Neuer, the tournament was not just about the big names. That in itself made Brazil 2014 a World Cup to remember.