2014 World Cup

[rockmanj]

Yes they stood out, but mostly in the early games before the semis, and none were quite impressive. You couldn't point them out to a casual fan and say, "there's a star player."

I discount Messi because he muffed that penalty kick in the final, but true every time he touched the ball it was exciting to see what he could do.

I felt like Robben was playing very well despite his flopping ways...he always commanded 2 or more defenders and made a lot of great chances for his team. And Rodriguez did get the golden boot.

[Carnage]

Are you kidding? That must have been an insane amount of pressure, literally his entire career in one kick.

Also, even in the quarter-finals games it was clear Messi had been covered by minimum 2 opponents whenever he had the ball, often times 3. Yes, including the Netherlands and Germany games.

[Animeniax]

I felt like Robben was playing very well despite his flopping ways...he always commanded 2 or more defenders and made a lot of great chances for his team. And Rodriguez did get the golden boot.

He was impressive and probably MVP for his team, but with the lack of goals and flopping, I'm glad he didn't get any official tournament accolades.

Are you kidding? That must have been an insane amount of pressure, literally his entire career in one kick.

Also, even in the quarter-finals games it was clear Messi had been covered by minimum 2 opponents whenever he had the ball, often times 3. Yes, including the Netherlands and Germany games.

I don't doubt he was under ridiculous pressure that would have most men wetting their pants, but that's why he's the star and regarded as one of the best players in the game. He's supposed to perform under those conditions where lesser players fail. I wouldn't say it's career defining, but another failed chance to prove doubters wrong.