Winners

Football in the USA: Everyone loves an underdog story and right from when the draw was made for the World Cup the United States certainly fitted into that bracket. Placed in a group with European powerhouses Germany and Portugal, as well as Ghana, the Yanks were not expected to make it beyond the first round.

Instead, not only did they hold their own and reach the last-16, they played out arguably the most enjoyable games of the competition.

The excitement and intensity of the games involving the States sucked in the fans and across the country bars and fans parks resounded with the chant of “I believe that we can win!”. If ever there was a chance for soccer to become mainstream in the US then it has to be now.

James Rodriquez: A player who cost €45million should not have come into a World Cup as an unknown talent but it appears few had heard of James Rodriquez before he lit up Brazil. The Colombia midfielder scored the goal of the tournament against Uruguay, picked up the Golden Boot and is now generally loved by most neutral fans.

If you believe the transfer gossip, Rodriquez’s performances look to have earned him a move to Real Madrid where he could challenge Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale for superstar status.

Attacking football: Having endured a dull World Cup in 2010, this year’s edition in Brazil was a feast of attacking football. We saw the joint-highest number of goals at a World Cup ever and were treated to more entertainment than a weekend in Las Vegas. Long may it continue!

Losers

Defending: For every winner there has to be a loser and with all the goals flying it was no surprise to see defences heavily criticised. Brazil’s backline against Germany was a particular highlight as David Luiz and co chased the Germans around like headless chickens.

It was also nice to see defensive sides fail to make it too far in the tournament, with Switzerland and Greece getting their just reward for negative tactics in the last-16.

Spain: From world champions to the first side eliminated from the competition. It was some fall from grace for Vincente Del Bosque’s side and they must go away and reassess their style of play.

Spain have been found out and needed to reinvent themselves, much like the Germans have.

Cristiano Ronaldo: He came into the tournament unfit and was let down badly by his compatriots. It will not be a World Cup that will live long in the memory of the Real Madrid star.