World Cup 2014: The best XI of the group stage

We select a team of stand-out players from the first stage of the tournament

Arjen Robben celebrates the 5-1 victory over Spain
Arjen Robben celebrates the 5-1 victory over Spain (Getty Images)

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The group stage is over and 48 games have been completed - it's been quite a tournament so far.

Brilliant goals and lots of them, dodgy defending, moments of controversy and some fantastic matches have conspired to make this a great tournament thus far.

With half the 32 teams that entered the competition either already back home or on their way there, we've taken the opportunity to pick our team of the group stage.

Some choices have been particularly difficult - how do you narrow down the strikers when it's been a World Cup full of attacking intent?

You can see the players that make it into our side in the gallery below.

Who would you have selected in the team instead? Let us know in the comments below.

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