World Cup 2014: Top 11 for the Top 10

It's normal for the world's best to play in the World Cup: that's kinda the point. This year has no more talent than usual, but it is distributed differently as many nations are in the middle of the generational transition. This should result in fewer powerhouses and a less predictable tournament.

Below is what I take to be the top 11 (players) for the top 10 (teams). Of course, who actually starts or sits in six months is ultimately decided by the coach depending on fitness, health, opponents, and what happens in practice day in and day out, so consider these to be "best case scenario" selections.

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BRAZIL

Starting 11: Julio Cesar;  Luiz, Dante, Dani Alves;  Ramires, Oscar, Paulinho, Hernanes;  Robinho, Neymar, Hulk.

Also: Thiago Silva, Maicon, Leiva, Jo, Kaka, Pato.

SPAIN

Starting 11: Casillas;  Ramos, Arbeloa, Albiol;  Iniesta, Xavi, Alonso, Fabregas; Torres, Villa, Pedro.

Also: Pique, Alba, Navas, Mata, Llorente.

GERMANY

Starting 11: Neuer;  Hummels, Mertesacker, Boateng, Lahm;  Ozil, Khedira, Schweinsteiger;  Muller, Kroos, Gotze.

Also: Westermann, Bender, Schurrle, Reus, Podolski, Gundogan, Klose, Gomez.

ARGENTINA

Starting 11: Romero;  Zabaleta, Coloccini, Campagnaro;  Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez, Lamela;  Aguero, Messi, Higuain, Lavezzi.

Also: Garay, Otamendi, di Maria, Alvarez, Palacio.

ENGLAND

Starting 11: Hart;  Cole, Baines, Lescott, Cahill;  Gerrard, Lampard, Milner; Rooney, Defoe, Sturridge.

Also: Young, Carrick, Welbeck, Walcott, Carroll.

ITALY

Starting 11: Buffon;  Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci, Maggio;  De Rossi, Pirlo, Montolivo, Marchisio;  Balotelli, Rossi.

Also: Balzaretti, Ranocchia, Aquilani, Florenzi, Gilardino, Giovinco, Toni?, Totti?

FRANCE

Starting 11: Lloris;  Debuchy, Evra, Sakho, Koscielny;  Ribery, Valbuena, Nasri, Sissoko;  Benzema, Giroud.

Also: Sagna, Rami, Abidal, Gourcouff, Menez.

BELGIUM

Starting 11: Mignolet;  Van Buyten, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Kompany;  Dembele, Fellaini, Hazard;  Mirallas, Lukaku, Benteke.

Also: Lombaerts, Simons, Witsel, De Bruyne, Mertens.

NETHERLANDS

Starting 11: Stekelenburg;  van der Wiel, Heitinga, Janmaat;  Strootman, de Jong, van der Vaart, de Guzman;  van Persie, Robben, Lens.

Also: not many quality alternatives...

URUGUAY

Starting 11: Muslera;  Lugano, Godin, M. Pereira;  Gargano, A. Pereira, Rodriguez, C. Rodriguez;  Forlan, Cavani, Suarez.

Also: not many quality alternatives...

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Finally, here is the top 11 of those who will be watching the World Cup on TV because their national teams failed to qualify...

Cech (Czech Republic);  Vidic (Serbia), Subotic (Serbia), Alaba (Austria), Piszczek (Poland);  Hamsik (Slovakia), Ramsey (Wales), Bale (Wales), Jovetic (Montenegro);  Lewandowski (Poland), Ibrahimovic (Sweden).

This is a very competitive team!