The Missing XI
32 teams have made it to the promised land but of the 180-odd teams that failed to make the cut, there are a number of notable exclusions.
Italy, Netherlands and Chile are the highest-profile casualties of the qualifying rounds but there are a number of stars from the other teams that have failed to make the cut as well.
In a Loser's XI, to put it harshly, Italian stalwart Gianluigi Buffon was the undisputed choice between the sticks.
He will have no trouble marshalling the backline, which feature two of his countrymen in Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, who fill in as centrebacks.
Powerful Austrian David Alaba will fill in at left-back, fending off a tough challenge from Ivory Coast's Serge Aurier. On the other side is Ecuador captain Antonio Valencia.
Considering the number of options up front, a three-man midfield is the way to go.
Chile's Arturo Vidal will fill in as the destroyer, acting as an engine in midfield with his tenacity and box-to-box playstyle.
Joining him will be the incredible Marek Hamsik. The Slovakian has not had many to chances to shine for his country on the biggest stage, but his exploits at Napoli over the years ensure he picks up a spot over Bosnia's Miralem Pjanic.
The fourth and final Italian in the playing XI completes the midfield three as Marco Verrati slots in to provide those delicious passes and perfectly-timed tackles.
The front three was where the troubles began, but in the end it is solely a blend of explosive pace.
Highlighting the range of talent in the team and the lack thereof in the Netherlands side is that not a single Dutchman -- not even Arjen Robben -- finds a place in the playing XI.
Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is tasked with leading the line. He is flanked by often-injured Welshman Gareth Bale and Chile's Alexis Sanchez, both of whom need no justification.
And in a hilariously cruel twist, Lorenzo Insigne still finds himself on the bench. Thankfully for him though, there is no chance that Gian Piero Ventura will be managing this side.
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