Three Barça players make World Cup group stages best XI
No Spanish players or French players made the team
With the group stages over at the World Cup in Russia, Radio Montecarlo Sports have revealed an XI based on the best performers so far.
Three Barcelona players make the cut. Colombian defender Yerry Mina, Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic and Brazil's Philippe Coutinho all feature.
Yerry Mina
Yerry Mina has been a revelation in defence for the Colombian side. Coach Jose Pekerman didn't select him against Japan (a 2-1 loss) but has counted on him since.
The centre-back opened the scoring in the 3-0 win against Poland and produced a brilliant display at the back to keep Robert Lewandowski quiet.
Then, in Colombia's decisive final game against Senegal, he scored the only goal in 1-0 win as they reached the last 16 as group winners.
Next up for Colombia is England on Tuesday, July 3 at 20.00h CET.
Ivan Rakitic
The Barcelona midfielder is one of the most important players for his national team. Niko Kovac's side reach the last 16 with three wins, against Nigeria (2-0), Argentina (0-3) and Iceland (1-2).
Rakitic was one of the players on target in the win against Argentina which almost saw Lionel Messi make an early exit from the competition.
Croatia will play Denmark on Sunday, July 1 at 20.00h CET for a place in the last eight -- where they could meet Spain if La Roja bet Russia.
Philippe Coutinho
The Barça playmaker is Brazil's top scorer, scoring their only goal in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland and the late opener in a 2-0 win against Costa Rica.
Against Serbia in the final group game, he again impressed, setting up Paulinho's goal with a brilliant through ball.
Brazil will meet Mexico in the net round on Monday, July 2 at 16.00h CET.
NO SPAIN
The rest of the team revealed by RMC Sport is: Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) in goal; Diego Godin (Uruguay) and Thiago Silva (Brazil) in defence; Luka Modric (Croatia) and Denis Cheryshev (Russia) in the middle; and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Harry Kane (England) and Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) in attack.
What stands out is the lack of Spain and France players. Even though La Roja forward Diego Costa has three goals, Kane (5), Lukaku (4) and Cristiano Ronaldo (4) have all outscored him.
