2014 World Cup - Disappointment XI

The World Cup is normally a time when the world's best footballers turn in career-defining performances. However, as is often the case, many of them often have high-profile flops on football's greatest stage.

Here is IMO the World Cup's most disappointing XI -

Goalkeeper - 

Spain's fallen rocks at the back - Iker and Sergio

Iker Casillas, Spain - Spain's Crown Prince was not helped by lack of match practice and form in the lead up to this World Cup and looked rusty at the back, and was definitely culpable for 2 of the Dutch's goals in their 5-1 thrashing of Spain in Salvador. Casillas is clearly on the wane - a sad way to bring down the illustrious career of one of the best ever keepers in history - and probably has played in his last ever World Cup.

Defenders -

David Luiz - never has one seen a player fall so much from grace

Leighton Baines, England - Failed to deliver on Roy Hodgson's faith in him after a great season in the Premier League. He was found out against Italy and Uruguay defensively and was lacklustre in attack - clearly not quite up to international standard. With Luke Shaw on the rise, Leighton Baines' promotion to starting left back in place of Ashley Cole might very well be brief.

Sergio Ramos, Spain - The Real Madrid centre back's defensive frailties were exposed by the Dutch and Chileans although he was not helped by Iker Casillas' erratic form in goal. He couldn't quite repeat his EURO 2012 form as opposition sides finally worked him out and must be responsible for Spain's suddenly porous defence.

David Luiz, Brazil - Ok, he scored two goals in the knockout rounds including a stunner but completely blotted his copybook deputising as captain for the suspended David Luiz in that 7-1 thumping by the Germans with one of the worst ever performances by a defender in history. His failure to mark Thomas Mueller for the first goal marked the start of Brazil's collapse into football hell.

Cesar Azpiliceuta, Spain - Another Spanish defender found out by the Dutch and Chileans. Great going forward but ponderous going back, one wonders if Chelsea's talented right back will ever don a Spanish top.
Midfielders - 

Where (was) Hazard?

Fernandinho, Brazil - Disappointing tournament performance for the Manchester City central midfielder - he failed to control midfield as well as he should have and was at fault for Germany's 30 minute 5 goal salvo in the first half.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal - The biggest disappointment of the World Cup albeit hampered by a very average crew to back him up - Ronaldo could have redeemed himself against Ghana but missed far more chances to score than he normally would. A tournament to forget for the current World Footballer of the Year.

Andres Iniesta, Spain - A shadow of the talented, attacking Barcelona midfielder that wowed the last two major football tournaments, Iniesta cast a frustrated, forlorn figure against the Dutch and Chileans and Spain missed his creativity.

Eden Hazard, Belgium - Another very quiet performance from another Premier League star. Eden Hazard failed to find the back of the net at this World Cup and was often overshadowed by former Chelsea teammate Kevin de Bruyne and substitute, Dries Mertens. Hazard can be one of the best players in the world but probably needs a good break now.

Forwards - 

Robin van Persie, Netherlands - Ok, he scored the second best goal of this World Cup with that wonderful diving header from an impossible position but after the Australia game, van Persie was conspicuous with his absence particularly in the games that mattered, and was often substituted early, looking exhausted.

Sergio Aguero, Argentina - Another Premier League star missing in action. Had it not been for Messi and di Maria, Argentina would be in big big trouble. Aguero does have one more chance to shine and score on the big stage - but it won't redeem what has been a dreadful performance by Maradona's son-in-law.