Going over the “best team of the tournament” is always difficult since some really good players play for some inferior teams, and thus don’t get to strut their stuff late into the tournament, when most have already forgotten about them. So we’ve solved the problem: one XI with those who’ve received maximum exposure – semifinal teams only – and one best XI of those dumped out in the quarterfinals or earlier. Simple in theory, but agonizing in reality, as ever. We’ve used the 4-2-3-1 since it was the predominant formation in this World Cup and has been much fancied in the domestic game for some time now, so we’re happy enough to follow the crowd. And others are doing it too