Football's best XI that didn't make the 2014 World Cup

While most of the big names in world football made the cut for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, there were a few stars that missed out on qualification, and will be missing from the sport’s biggest event in Brazil next year.

Here is a team of players who will not be on a plane to Brazil, but together could have won the World Cup.

Petr Cech, Czech Republic (GK)

The Chelsea custodian conceded only 9 goals for Czech Republic in their 10 qualifying matches, but a lack of goals for the side upfront saw them crash out of the competition after coming third in Group B of European qualifying.

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Neven Subotic, Serbia (CB)

The Bosnia-born Serbian-American footballer was a key figure for his side during World Cup qualifying, but a lack of wins away from home meant that the defender and his team finished third in their group.

Daniel Agger, Denmark (CB)

Denmark captain Daniel Agger helped his side finish runners-up in Group B, but the Danes missed out on a playoff berth for having the lowest points of the nine second-placed teams in European qualifying. However, the defender had a profitable campaign, scoring four goals from the back for his country.

David Alaba, Austria (LB)

Austria ran Sweden close in the race for second spot in Group C, but eventually fell three points behind, meaning that the Bayern Munich defender missed out on joining his club teammates in Brazil despite scoring an incredible six goals through qualifying from left-back.

Branislav Ivanovic, Serbia (RB)

Like Subotic, Ivanovic was a central figure for Serbia through their campaign, but couldn’t help his side claim their third successive World Cup finals berth.