2014 World Cup - Adeus Group G & H!

It's time to bid Adeus to the group stages!

Here's a look at the teams that didn't quite make it out of Groups G & H!

Portugal - To say it has been a disappointing tournament for the Iberian peninsula is probably an understatement. Like their Spanish neighbours, Portugal were an absolute rabble - perhaps more so than their neighbours. Ronaldo was well shut out by the Germans and Americans, and once that happened, Portugal were toothless in attack, and their defensive deficiencies were exposed as they were by the Germans in that 4-0 drubbing that effectively destroyed their World Cup. It remains to be seen if Paulo Bento will keep his job after this.

Ghana - The Ghanaians once again showed their flair but this time, there will be no heroics in the knockouts, falling short for the first time in 3 attempts. The tournament will be poorer without them - their courage was evident against Germany after starting their campaign on a disastrous note with a last minute defeat to the USA. They fell short against Portugal, and ended any chance of a third consecutive appearance in the 2nd round. Ghanaian football appears to have a bright new generation led by the Ayew brothers though.

Korea Republic - A disappointing campaign by recent standards, the Koreans had an absolute shocker against Algeria - their worst defensive performance in the World Cup since they were hammered 5-0 by the Netherlands in 1998 - which effectively killed off their campaign. There is a lot of talent up front but the defence needs to be worked on if the Koreans are to make the 2nd round again.

Russia - Offered absolutely nothing and deservedly got nothing. The Russians once again must bid an early farewell to the Finals even with Fabio Capello at the helm. In the end, the personnel was just too average and neutrals were probably glad that Algeria got that equalizing goal. Much improvement is needed with the Russians hosting the Cup at home.

So that's the group stages done! Some sides deserve to be out but some of their players don't. Here's the best XI from teams no longer in the World Cup.

Gianluigi Buffon, Italy
Maynor Figueroa, Honduras 

Giorgio Chiellini, Italy 

Andrea Barzagli, Italy

Ivan Rakitic, Croatia

Andrea Pirlo, Italy

Tim Cahill, Australia

Raheem Sterling, England

Gervinho, Côte d'Ivoire
Asamoah Gyan, Ghana

Mario Mandzukic, Croatia