Goalkeepers shine on biggest stage of all
Brazil will be remembered for outstanding performances from the last line of defence
Despite being a tournament labelled as the return of attack-minded football after the caution shown in South Africa four years ago, Brazil 2014 has been a platform for the world's best goalkeepers to shine.
The final featured the widely regarded best stopper in the world in Germany's Manuel Neuer, whose sweeper-keeper ability to rush from his goal could lead to a revolution in how the position is played.
However, even those less widely recognised at club level have shone in the bright lights of Brazil over the past five weeks.
Argentina's Sergio Romero made just one league start for Monaco last season, but became a national hero when he saved penalties from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder to send his side into their first World Cup final in 24 years.
With more teams committed to attack, the wide-open nature of the tournament certainly gave those in the last line of defence more chance to shine.
However, they have also been aided by a reliable ball in the Brazuca, which has not dipped and swerved to leave keepers bewildered like the Jabulani did four years ago in South Africa.
