BEST IX of the First Round of the World Cup.

After the first round of matches, half of the contingent to tournament will advance to the next round, while the rest will be on their way home. Surprisingly, amongst those going home are Spain- the defending World Champions and four time winners, Italy. Costa Rica and Greece, less fancied teams are amongst those that are in the round of 16. From the second round onwards, is a series of elimination matches, with all to play for. No more tie games. It's win or you go home. As simple as that. Every stage in a tournament such as this, has its fair share of Heroes and Villains. This article will be highlighting the heroes. It is a more positive story to write.

1. Vincent Enyeama(Nigeria) - Goal Keeper.

Kept two clean sheets in Nigeria first games against Iran and Bosnia. His nervous smiles during their game against Argentina belied the fear of facing the mercurial Messi. This allowed 3 goals to go past an otherwise immaculate goalkeeper. Winning and losing lies in the finer details and Vincent has made the most saves by any goalkeeper in this competition. This stats might be helped by the fact that he is the last resort behind a not-so-strong Nigerian defense. And what a pillar he has been for them.

2. Silva Thiago (Brazil)

Buoyed by their vociferous home fans, the PSG man is replicating the form that made him the most expensive defender in the world.

3.Sakho Mamadou (France) - Defender

Liverpool's Sakho has quietly gone about his business in this world cup. The French captain is solid in defense and has provided the much need strong foundation for France to build their world cup ambitions on. He is amongst the Top 10 players in this world cup with a Castrol index of 9.47.

4. Van BuyTen (Belgium) - Defender

The Belgians have been very solid so far. Nothing to fancy except for the occasional forays of Eden Hazard. One man responsible in holding the fort at the back is Van BuyTen. With a Castrol index of 9.58, he has done so effectively.

5.Javier Mascherano (Argentina) - Midfielder

Barcelona play with a false nine system in attack. Some might also believe that they also use a false five in defense. At Barcelona, Mascherano is a centre-back despite his small statue. But with his national team, he plays his favored destroyer role in midfield protecting his back-line. The all-action midfielder is probably the only decent defender in a vulnerable Argentine defense.

6. Bradley (U.S.A) - Midfielder

Is the Top runner in the tournament, covering the distance of 38019 meters. The American is a 

battler in midfield. and his tenacious,  never-say-die attitude will certainly help the Americans move forward.

7. Robben Arjen (Netherlands) - Midfielder.

We will place Robben in an advanced attacking role. His speed and guile has been defenders' nightmare. The Spanish found out the hard way. With his deadly left foot, Robben tortured Spain in that group's opening match that sent shock waves around the world.

8. Andrea Pirlo (Italy) - Midfielder

Italy's midfield mastero is a different sort of defensive midfielder. He is crafter, dictating the pace of the game. Had Uruguay not knocked, Italy out of the world cup, Pirlo 's precision passing and deft touches would still be on show.

9. Thomas Muller (Germany) - Forward.

Muller is a poacher extraordinaire. With four goals in the tournament so far and a hat-trick against Portugal as well as the winner against U.S.A.

10. Messi (Argentina ) - Forward

Four goals in the tournament so far. Could he single-handedly win this tournament for his home country like Maradona did in '86? His team have not played well and depend on him to make the difference. He does so in flying colors.

11. Neymar (Brazil) -Forward 

The poster boy of the tournament has certainly lived up to expectations as well. With four goals in the bag so far and the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders, Neymar is making light work of the pressure. So far he has shone with lower ranked teams. Lets see if he can replicate his magic against stronger teams as Brazil advances in the competition.