The best XI of players whose countries failed to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
GK: Petr Cech (Czech Republic)
Chelsea’s stalwart will not be adding to his 105 caps for Czech Republic this summer but, at 31, Cech should not give up hope of featuring in Russia 2018. The giant goalkeeper remains a vital player for club and country.
RB: Lukasz Piszczek (Poland)
Borussia Dortmund’s flying right-back scored twice in qualifying but couldn’t help Poland out of England’s group H.
Left backs, particularly those from the Bundesliga, will be relieved the powerful Pole will not be present in Brazil.
LB: David Alaba (Austria)
Bayern Munich’s brilliant full-back, who often operates in midfielder for the national team, has scored five of Austria’s last 11 goals but couldn’t help them qualify from group C.
But the 21-year-old, who already boasts 30 international caps, has plenty of time to help his country to a first World Cup since 1998.
CB: Daniel Agger (Denmark)
Liverpool’s composed centre half could not help Denmark progress from a congested group B but his elegance and physicality may have shone in Brazil.
CB: Branislav Ivanovic (Serbia)
Chelsea’s versatile defender was part of a Serbia team that conceded just six goals in eight games but it wasn’t enough to pip rivals Croatia to a spot in the play-offs. At 29, Ivanovic may not get another chance to qualify for the World Cup but the talented Serbs will have a good chance of qualifying for Euro 2016.
COMMENTS