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Best XI at the Women's World Cup

Reuters

In honour of the stingy defenses that have been all the rage at this tournament, we've opted for a 5-3-2 formation.

Goalkeeper: Nadine Angerer (Germany)

Hope Solo and the United States may be the ones in the final, but that's no fault of the iconic German shot-stopper. Angerer, 36, was solely responsible for her team being level with the Americans after the opening half of its semifinal contest, making two brilliant saves on Julie Johnston and Alex Morgan. Unlike Solo, who's been shielded by the tournament's best defense, the German captain played a central role in her team's advancement in the competition.

Honourable Mention: Hope Solo

Left wing-back: Aya Sameshima (Japan)

The Japanese system, so reliant on quick passing and movement off the ball, would crumble without attacking fullbacks who provide good outlets when things get too congested in central midfield. Sameshima has been the main provider of that outlet, offering a constant attacking threat down the left flank and combining well with star Aya Miyama to help give the reigning champions an opportunity to defend their world title.

Honourable Mention: Meghan Klingenberg

Centre-back: Julie Johnston (United States)

The undisputed breakout star of the tournament, the 23-year-old defender has been colossal for the Americans, with her (admittedly massive) error against Germany the only blemish on an otherwise perfect competition. Reading the game, dominating everyone and anyone in the air, and offering a threat going forward as well, Johnston - who wasn't even in consideration for a starting role just months ago - has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence, and should be a fixture of the U.S. defense for many years to come.

Honourable Mention: Wendie Renard

Centre-back: Kadeisha Buchanan (Canada)

Canada conceded just three goals before bowing out of the competition at the quarterfinal stage, and it has a teenager to thank for that. Buchanan was a one-woman wrecking machine, blowing up opposition attacks with a steady barrage of inch-perfect slide tackles and last-ditch interceptions that many veterans of the sport can only achieve in their dreams. Her performances - recognized with a nomination for the tournament's Young Player Award - were all the more impressive considering her defensive partner, Lauren Sesselmann, struggled mightily throughout the competition.

Honourable Mention: Steph Houghton

Centre-back: Becky Sauerbrunn (United States)

While Johnston's received all the attention (though not without merit), her ever-present partner at the heart of the American backline has been the best defender in the tournament. Period. Sauerbrunn's understated brilliance has been the key to the United States' defensive solidity. She's been so exceptional at this tournament that she's gone unnoticed by many - a great trait for a central defender and one that, unfortunately, is the main reason she was left off the shortlist for the Golden Ball award. It seems odd to say, but she's been too great for her own good. If the U.S. defeats Japan to take home the hardware, she definitely won't care about being snubbed for the individual honour.

Honourable Mention: Laura Bassett

Right wing-back: Lucy Bronze (England)

The English fullback narrowly beats out Ali Krieger for this spot, as her attacking exploits give her a slight edge on the indefatigable American. Bronze's name became a punster's best friend as the Three Lionesses claimed a historic third-place finish in the tournament. She scored the winning goals in the Round of 16 match against Norway and the quarterfinal victory over Canada, highlighting a wonderful World Cup for the 23-year-old.

Honourable Mention: Ali Krieger

Midfield: Amandine Henry (France)

Oh, France. What could have been. The quarterfinalists - ousted on penalties by Germany - played some of their best soccer over the last month, and Amandine Henry was responsible for much of that. The defensive midfielder, who plies her trade with Lyon, anchored a French midfield that moved the ball around with a slickness not even Japan can match, as she was responsible for both breaking up opposing play and initiating forays forward for Les Bleues. Her performance against Germany - in a losing effort - was outstanding, highlighting her capability to completely shut down one of the competition's best attacking forces.

Honourable Mention: Formiga

Midfield: Megan Rapinoe (United States)

Pinoe, as she's affectionately dubbed by American fans, is the most beloved female player in the country for a simple reason: she's incredible. The 29-year-old midfielder - whose brace powered the U.S. to a win in its opening match of the tournament against Australia - is easily among the best in the world at her position, crafting chances out of nowhere, beating defenders in one-on-one situations, and providing the kind of service strikers everywhere drool over. Oh, and against Germany, she proved equally adept as a defensive force. Is there anything she can't do? No. The answer is no.

Honourable Mention: Lady Andrade

Midfield: Carli Lloyd (United States)

No words required. Her Golden Ball can do the talking.

Honourable Mention: Aya Miyama (Japan)

Forward: Ramona Bachmann (Switzerland)

That Ramona Bachmann's tournament ended in the Round of 16 was a crime against humanity and everything that is enjoyable. The 24-year-old dribbling wizard provided one of the most exciting sequences of the entire tournament with her mazy run through a handful of Japanese defenders in Switzerland's group-stage contest. She led her team with three goals, and could have had at least a few more. The Swiss was must-see viewing at this competition for one reason: Bachmann was ruining the souls of defenders every time she touched the ball.

Honourable Mention: Lisa De Vanna

Forward: Celia Sasic (Germany)

It's a shame that Sasic will largely be remembered for her awful penalty that played a starring role in Germany's semifinal loss to the United States, because the 27-year-old had been marvelous until that (crucial) point. The leading scorer in the tournament with six goals, Sasic was the focal point of the devastating German attack, and her link-up play with Anja Mittag was always a joy to watch. Some may bemoan the fact that she feasted on weak opposition in the group stage, but you can only play the team put in front of you, and Sasic did so with aplomb.

Honourable Mention: Gaelle Enganamouit

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