The Real Madrid and Tottenham strikers have been in excellent form, while the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Luka Modric have also caught the eye

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  Robin Olsen | GK | Sweden

  Having worked so hard to keep Germany at bay in the second match of group play, Olsen did even better in shackling dangerous Mexico to ensure Sweden took top spot in Group F against all odds. 

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  Diego Godin | CB | Uruguay

  It is no accident that Uruguay stormed through Group A with the best defensive record of any team at the World Cup. Godin and Atletico Madrid team-mate Jose Maria Gimenez formed a formidable obstacle throughout the first round, and will have given Cristiano Ronaldo in particular food for thought as Uruguay prepare to take on Portugal in the last 16.

• Yerry Mina | CB | Colombia

  Sparsely used by Barcelona since moving from Palmeiras in January, Mina hardly looks to be affected by the lack of activity. Not only has the centre-back been a rock in defence, but goals against Poland and Senegal proved crucial in helping the Cafeteros through Group H in first place.

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  Domagoj Vida | CB | Croatia

  Who would have guessed that in a defence that includes one Champions League finalist it would be Besiktas' versatile star that came to the fore. Vida was pivotal in keeping Nigeria and Argentina away from goal in two consecutive clean sheets for Croatia in Group D and he proved an able partner to Dejan Lovren in one of the World Cup's toughest back lines so far.

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