Most important players for each country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Footballing advertisements, Shakira's song, the Caxirola; it's official, the World Cup fever is here! Let us take a peek at the most important player each of the 32 Nations will field in Brazil.Let us know your choices in the comments below.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed here are those of the author and do not reflect those of the site.

#1 Oscar - Brazil

When the entire world is focusing on Neymar's debut World Cup in his homeland, Oscar has become a permanent fixture for the Selecao. He's a graceful operator in the middle of the park, stringing together the experience of the midfielders such as Hernanes and Ramires and the pace of Moura and Neymar.

Oscar is such a consistent performer and he will be expected to bring the best out of Brazil and their Number 10, Neymar.

#2 Luka Modric - Croatia

Modric has really established himself in the midfield of a star studded Real Madrid squad. His vision and trickery makes him such a dangerous attacking midfielder. But under Carlo Ancelloti he has showed an industrial side to his game, always willing to press and win the ball back.

Modric worked in tandem with Xabi Alonso to completely nullify the penetrative power of the tiki-taka football played by Barcelona and Bayern. Modric along with Ivan Rakitic will prove to be a perpetual source of assists for the target man Mario Mandzukic. Madrid might not regret selling Mesut Ozil after all.

#3 Oribe Peralta - Mexico

Oribe Peralta shot to fame when he scored a brace in the Olympic final for Mexico. He's an experienced head in an otherwise young Mexican squad. "El Cepillo" has a mean shot and is strong in the air. Given that Vela has opted not to play and that Chicarito is barely getting playing time at United, expect Peralta to shoulder the striking responsibilties for Mexico.

#4 Samuel Eto\'o - Cameroon

Samuel Eto'o has proven to be an astute transfer by Mourinho. Despite his age, Eto'o is a deadly goal poacher, carving out goal scoring opportunities out of nothing. Despite rumors of an internal pact between his team mates to completely ignore him on the field, Eto'o is Cameroon's most experienced and deadliest striker. Even if the rumoured pact is true, Eto'o will sneak and pounce upon the opponent's mistakes to score. Expect Eto'o to find the net in Brazil.

#5 Andres Iniesta - Spain

Andres Iniesta needs to be handed a baton as he orchestrates everything on the pitch. His composure along with his vision will make the entire Spanish team more fluid in possession. Diego Costa will definitely relish the chance to play alongside this midfield maestro. Iniesta proved to be the match winner in South Africa when Spain beat Netherlands in the 2010 final. Expect him to put in more such performances in Brazil.

#6 Arjen Robben - Netherlands

Robben is having yet another trophy-laden season with Bayern Munich, as they continue their dominance in world football. Robben is a pacey customer and has a mean left foot, and a knack for scoring from range. After missing a few gilt edged chances in the final of the previous World Cup, expect Robben to be gunning for revenge in Brazil.

#7 Alexis Sanchez - Chile

Chile has a solid squad with star names such as Gary Medel and Arturo Vidal. But the real spark of the team is Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez. Alexis is such a lively player, gifted with pace and is capable of taking on opponents.

He showed his goal scoring abilities when he scored a brace against England at Wembley. He has been a reliable player for Barcelona too. Expect him to show up on the highlights reel sooner rather than later in Brazil.

#8 Mile Jedinak - Australia

Mile Jedinak is likely to captain the Socceroos in Brazil. He has been an admirable skipper for Crystal Palace as they eye a strong finish to their season. Jedinak is an imposing presence in the midfield and is strong in the air. He is also an expert reader of the game and is capable of intercepting passes and disrupting the play of the opposition. Expect Jedinak to lead by example in Brazil.

#9 James Rodriguez - Colombia

Colombia has to look for inspiration elsewhere as their star forward Radamel Falcao is a major doubt for the competition. Step forward, James Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is Falcao's teammate at AS Monaco and is such a bright young talent. He possesses blistering pace and trickery which can split open opposition defences. He has a good cross and his ability to cut in and shoot will definitely put his name up on the scoresheet.

If by some miracle Falcao is back and fit to star, delighting the football fans world over, expect Rodriguez to create beautiful chances for El Tigre.

#10 Kostas Mitroglou - Greece

Mitroglou was in blistering goalscoring form when Fulham snapped him up in the winter transfer window. But he seems to have some fitness struggles as he has made only one start for the Cottagers this season.

Mitroglou has pace and is very strong and flexible. He can play both as a support striker or as a lone target man. Regardless of Premier League form, if he's fit to start in Brazil, expect him to strike for Greece.

#11 Shinji Kagawa - Japan

Shinji Kagawa is having a very forgettable season at Manchester United. Even in a period of turmoil and transition, he is behind both Adnan Januzaj and new recruit Juan Mata during team selection.

The entire footballing community has empathized with Kagawa as he has been largely played out of position. But he plays as an attacking midfielder in the centre of a very pragmatic Japanese squad. He's a very creative and dangerous playmaker who could put in some match winning performances which could justify a move from United.

#12 Salomon Kalou - Cote D\'Ivoire

Salomon Kalou is having a very productive season at Lille and has been a tranfer target for Premier League sides such as Arsenal and Liverpool. His goal ensured qualification for the Elephants as they booked their spot at a third consecutive World Cup.

This World Cup in Brazil will be Last Chance Saloon for Kalou and this golden generation of Africans, such as Didier Drogba and the Toures. Kalou's pace and confident dribbling will make him a constant source of crosses, served on a platter for Drogba to pounce upon.

Expect them to give it their all to go down in footballing history.

#13 Luis Suarez - Uruguay

Just when the fans of the Uruguayan national team were coming to grips with the fact that Diego Forlan might be done, they get Luis Suarez. Suarez is in blistering form as he leads Liverpool to their first title in 24 years. He is one goal away from beating the highest goal tally for a single season, a record held jointly by Alan Shearer and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Suarez is sometimes unplayable and when he's in the mood, he creates magic. Whether you love him or hate him, expect him to set the world alight with his trail blazing performances.

#14 Keylor Navas - Costa Rica

Keylor would definitely would be a surprise pick for Costa Rica as one could have easily gone with midfield wizard Bryan Ruiz, but his performances deserves his inclusion. Keylor Navas has been crucial for Levante as they boast a very solid defensive record in La Liga.

His saves constantly light up the highlights reel and he also marshalls his centre backs very well. This world cup could be a stepping stone as good performances might lead to a big transfer move. Given that Costa Rica is drawn alongside some tough sides and given that they could be facing strikers such as Rooney, Suarez, Cavani and Balotelli, expect Keylor Navas to step up to the task.

#15 Wayne Rooney - England

Ever since he scored that goal and ended Arsenal's unbeaten run, Rooney still seems to be England's biggest hope to get a major international silverware. He is having a very forgettable season and has come under a lot of criticism, especially after penning a new deal earning him £300,000 per week.

Rooney has promised so much and offered so less, but he still has an eye for a goal and an accurate passing range. Whether he will play up front as a lone striker or provide support is up to Roy Hodgson, but expect Rooney to put in solid performances for the Three Lions in Brazil.

#16 Andrea Pirlo - Italy

Pirlo is like a fine wine, he only seems to get better with age. He has a footballing brain and has played in every possible position across the midfield. He has invaluable experience and makes up for his lack of pace with an amazing passing range and accuracy. Add to it his dead ball skills and you've got a complete midfield maestro.

Pirlo, with a ball at his feet and that beard will be a formidable sight and will make opponents tremble, for men may come and men may go, but this Italian legend goes on forever.

#17 Xherdan Shaqiri - Switzerland

Shaqiri has been spending a lot of time warming the bench of a star studded Bayern Munich side and maybe on the move this summer. What better stage to advertise your talents than the World Cup? He has raw ability and amazing pace. Add to that mix good ball control and a lot of energy and you get a complete winger.

Expect Shaqiri to light up the pitch with his pace and maybe even score the odd goal.

#18 Antonio Valencia - Ecuador

Valencia has been criminally underused by Manchester United this season. He is energetic and fast. He possesses the required tenacity to win possession back and is a real leader on the pitch.

Expect Valencia to show Manchester United why he deserves regular starts.

#19 Franck Ribery - France

Ribery is the third best player in the world, only behind the godly talents of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. In other words, he is the best human player in the world. He is having another successful season with Bayern and is France's best dribbler and more.

Les Bleus have disappointed in previous campaigns and look set to prove their critics wrong. Both of France's strikers Benzema and Giroud have had good solid seasons with their respective clubs and will be looking to thrive off of Ribery's deliveries.

Expect Ribery's hand in many goals or chances created for France in Brazil.

#20 Wilson Palacios - Honduras

The most famous of the Palacios brothers, Wilson is currently plying his trade for Stoke City, although he hasn't had a start in over a year. He is expected to move this summer and a good showing in the World Cup could help that move.

He is a strong and physical midfielder never shying away from a tackle. His experience in the big leagues will be definitely called upon as they are set to face sides such as France and Switzerland. Expect him to shoulder the hopes of Honduras and expect him to rise to that challenge.

#21 Lionel Messi - Argentina

What can we say? Should we mention his four consecutive Ballon d'Or or any of his numerous personal accolades? Or should we mention the titles he has won with Barcelona?

Arguably the world's greatest player, he can cement himself as the greatest player ever if he wins the World Cup with Argentina. Besides, what more can an Argentine wish or dream for; than winning the elusive trophy in Brazil?

#22 Edin Dzeko - Bosnia and Herzegovina

When Negredo seemed a bit off the pace, Dzeko stepped up and did exceedingly well for Manchester City. Always termed a "super sub", he's a deserved starter for Bosnia and Herzegovina as he scored 10 goals during their qualification campaign.

Miralem Pjanic will provide a constant supply of through balls and crosses for Dzeko to tuck away. Expect the tall Bosnian to shine in Brazil.

#23 Ashkan Dejagah - Iran

Dejagah is probably the only high profile player in a relatively unknown Iranian side. His time with Hertha and now in the Premier League with Fulham will serve him in good stead in Brazil.

He will be expected to maintain composure and spark attacks and help young and relatively inexperienced talents such as Reza Ghoochannejhad. Expect Dejagah to show the world what he's capable of in Brazil.

#24 John Obi Mikel - Nigeria

John Obi Mikel has been slowly ousted from the Chelsea midfield due to the arrival of Nemanja Matic.

The strong Nigerian has good composure on the ball and quick feet and will be a very sturdy defensive wall in the middle of the park. Expect him to put in some solid performances for Nigeria in Brazil.

#25 Marco Reus - Germany

If choosing one player for Spain was difficult, then choosing one for Germany was a Herculean task.

But Marco Reus shades the rest by just a few inches. Reus is having another dazzling season with Dortmund. Not only is he gifted with wonderful vision and pace, he can make a quick turn and carve a chance to shoot out of nowhere.

Germany is blessed with a lot of talent, but expect Reus to shoulder the goal scoring responsibilities along with Lukas Podolski to make up for the absence of consistent goal threat Miroslav Klose.

#26 Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal

Ronaldo. He single handedly secured Portugal's qualification over two legs against Sweden. He is Bento's most important player and will be looking to write his name down in history books by becoming the first Portuguese captain to lift a major international trophy.

It would also help him settle the debate of who the best player of his generation is. He will not be intimidated by his opposition and when Ronaldo enters the pitch, expect him to score. Can he lead Portugal to glory?

#27 Michael Bradley - USA

Bradley was having a scintillating season with Roma before his move to MLS. Given that Donovan might only be playing a bit part role in USMNT's campaign, all hopes will be resting on Bradley's shoulders.

USMNT is a confident lot under the guidance of Jurgen Klinsmann and will be expected to do well. If Michael decides to play well, expect USMNT to play well.

#28 Eden Hazard - Belgium

Eden Hazard is having a massive season with Chelsea and has been such a revelation under Mourinho. When the side's strikers have faltered, Hazard has stepped up and notched in some very crucial goals. Hazard is a born and bred match winner and will be Belgium's best bet in a very talented and inexperienced squad.

Hazard is the complete package - passing, pace and scoring ability. Expect him to help Belgium complete a very solid World Cup campaign in Brazil.

#29 Yacine Brahimi - Algeria

Brahimi is having a very good season with Granada. The French born Algerian national is termed the king of dribbling as he uses pace and trickery to slide past opponents with ease.

Everytime Brahimi receives the ball, he does something to get the fans on their feet. Along with young talents such as Nabil Bentaleb, expect Brahimi and Algeria to pack a punch in Brazil.

#30 Son Heung-min - South Korea

The young Korean has been a real revalation in Bundesliga this year. Usually deployed down the middle, he has been pushed out wide this season and has adapted very well.

His pace and directness makes him a lethal forward and much is expected from the 21-year old in Brazil.

#31 Kevin Prince Boateng - Ghana

After coming out of retirement, Boateng has played a very vital role in Ghana's qualification. The energetic box-to-box midfielder is having a very solid season with Schalke.

Boateng along with Essien will be expected to shine if Ghana are to progress from their group.

#32 Alan Dzagoev - Russia

Andrei Arshavin has had a massive fall from grace. His creative role in the Russian squad has been taken over by the very talented Dzagoev. Gifted with vision and creativity, Dzagoev could play a crucial role for the Russians.

Dzagoev was joint top scorer in Euro 2012, and if he continues putting in performances like that, he will soon find himself plying his trade in one of Europe's top leagues.