MOSCOW: It is turning out to be a wretched World Cup for some of the big names in Russia, reports the Daily Mail.
So far, six stars have failed to shine at the World Cup.
They are:
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
It’s been a thoroughly miserable campaign so far for the brilliant Argentine in a splintered squad that looks on the verge of implosion. However, if anyone can provide a ridiculous storyline it is Messi. Argentina are not out of it yet and he still has time to write the unlikeliest tale of them all.
Mesut Ozil (Germany)
One of the fall guys from Germany’s disastrous opening defeat at the hands of Mexico. Their subsequent, last-gasp 2-1 win over Sweden will not have done the Arsenal playmaker many favours as he seeks to find a way back in. There is hope, however, with coach Joachim Low insisting they will still need the little man’s creative genius at some point in the tournament.
Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
The Manchester City man has been devoid of service and would appear to have been unjustifiably made the fall guy for his country’s miserable start with relegation to the bench for the crucial match with Nigeria apparently a formality. At least Messi will get the chance to turn things around. If he can, Aguero may well get his opportunity for redemption further down the line. He deserves it.
Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Lewandowski’s Poland have crashed out and it is tweet revenge for James Rodriguez. Last year, the big Pole tweeted his Colombian Bayern Munich team-mate to tell him that he hoped he would remember his goals from the forthcoming World Cup in Russia as he had remembered his from four years previous. Poland 0-3 Colombia. Lewandowski goals: 0. That went well.
Neymar (Brazil)
The world’s most expensive player took his time arriving at the party but his vital contribution in stuttering Brazil's last-gasp 2-0 victory over Costa Rica has breathed life into his nation's campaign. Not that it would appear they are grateful back home, with the player slammed for his tears after an emotional evening’s work. He will need to improve should the Selecao get anywhere near what their demanding public craves.
Thomas Muller (Germany)
The loud-mouthed, hard-working talisman of Germany's 2014 triumph is no longer a key man at Bayern Munich and his powers appear to be waning at international level too. His displays from the right wing have been been anonymous, and he has barely had a look at goal despite his team spending most of their games camped in front of it. He was the only outfield player - including every defender - not to have a shot in the defeat by Mexico.
