FIFA World Cup Best 11 (group stage)

It has been 10 days since the World Cup started and its time for the Knock outs now. But before that here's my pick for the World Cup best 11 so far.

Forward
David Villa(Spain): Nicknamed El Guaje, has been the best player on view of Spain so far. After the shocking first round loss to Switzerland, Villa was instrumental in lifting Spain, in the process he netted 3 goals in 3 games, including a brace against Hondorous. It won't be a surprise if Villa ends up winning the Golden Boot. But for that to happen Spain need to go the distance. With a clash against Portugal all eyes will be on Villa to send Spain through to the Quarter Finals.

Lionel Messi(Argentina): Messi, considered one of the best football players of his generation, didn't disappoint anyone at all. But he was easily one of the most unluckiest players so far, had the most shots on target, missed a few by wisker, but the goal always eluded him. Despite that was the best Argentine player on show. With Argentina up against Mexico next, expect Messi to end the goal drought.

Asamoah Gyan(Ghana): Was the inspiration behind the dream enjoyed by Ghana. Scoring in both their victories, he showed his class. With Ghana being the only African nation in the next round, entire Africa would be praying for some Gyan magic for atleast a few more matches.

Mid Fielder
Landon Donovan(USA): What Gyan did for Ghana, Donovan did for USA, he was a class apart from his teammates, scored 2 goals in group stages, with Ghana next he would be looking to add to that tally.

Wesley Sneijder(Netherlands): In the absence of Robben, all eyes were on Sneijder, and how well he responded was something remarkable. He scored the lone goal against Japan which booked the ticket for the next round. With Robben returing , both will make quite a handy combo.

Steven Gerrard(England): What has been quite a disappointing start for England, their captain stood head and shoulders above the others. He scored the first goal for England at WC inside 4 minutes, but thanks to a goal keeping blunder USA drew level.

Bastian SCHWEINSTEIGER(Germany): Germany were handed a body blow just before the World Cup when Ballack was ruled out, but that has inspired players like Schweinsteiger to raise the bar. He has been wonderful in the midfield setting up goal opportunities for Klose and Podolski.

Defenders
Maicon(Brazil): If Fabiano and Robinho were the stars for Brazil upfront, Maicon was the heart of their defence. And who could forget his goal against North Korea from such an acute angle.

Gary MEDEL(Chile): At 22 years of age, Gary Medel is already one of the most high-profile players in South American football, displaying the maturity of a veteran. Nicknamed ‘El Pitbull’, he has been inspirational and instrumental in getting Chile home for the next round. However he faces a stern test against the inform Brazil next.

Sergio Ramos(Spain):Sergio Ramos's performances exude determination and commitment. Versatile enough to have played as a centre-back as well as a holding midfielder, Ramos appears to have finally settled in the right full-back role with Spain and his performance in the world cup has been truly wonderful.

Goal Keeper
Edurado(Portugal): He was the only Goal Keeper in this world cup to have a clean sheet in all three matches, Protugal will look up to him to do the same against Spain and if that happens it would mean a certain Quarter Final birth for Portugal.

Substitutes:
Robert VITTEK(Slovakia)
Cristian RIVEROS(Paraguay)
Philipp LAHM (Germany)
Eiji KAWASHIMA(Japan)