With all of the top leagues nearing the fag end of the campaign, we are just a month and half away from the showcase World Cup in Brazil. While Spain won the last edition in South Africa four years ago, the 2014 edition is expected to be the most open in recent history. While there will be players who will lit up the scenes at Sambaland with their dazzling football on the pitch, today we here at Sportzwiki combine five of the most extablished players who will play their last World Cup come in June.
Steven Gerrard: The Liverpool captain has been simply sensational for the Reds this season playing in his new quarter back role and will lead England in the World Cup. In 32 appearances for the Anfield side this season, Gerrard has mustered 13 goals and grabbed 10 assists as the Reds look perilously close to win the Premier League this season. If Roy Hodgson decided to play him in a more anchor man role, England can be well assured to start their campaign but Gerrard needs to have a good outing if the Three Lions are to go a long way in the Tournament.
Miroslav Klose: What a shame that all good things have to come to an end, does it! As the 35 year old looks set to wear the boots for the last time in Brazil, the current Lazio striker might feel he will be on Joachim Loew’s rooster in the showcase World Cup. Klose has already struck the back of the net 8 times and grabbed 2 assists for his club this season and is Germany’s joint highest record goal scorer alongside the legendary Gerd Muller. He is just a couple of goals short of Brazilian Ronaldo, who leads the chart for the record highest scorer in the World Cup. Klose has perhaps never been a player who has justified his immense potential in club football but might sign off with grandeur is he helps the German to lift the Cup in Sambaland come this June.
Frank Lampard: Yet another Englishman on the list and probably one of the best midfielders in the current generation, Frank Lampard is due to play his last World Cup in the coming summer. In 36 appearances for Chelsea this season the midfielder has scored 7 goals and grabbed 5 assists for Jose Mourinho’s side. England have been pitted in a tough group alongside Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica and if they are to go a long way in the tournament, the Three Lions would need Chelsea’s highest goalscorer to fire all cylinders. Speaking of records the 35 year old has scored 29 times in 103 appearances for his country.
Andrea Pirlo: The Mozart of this generation, Juventus’ Andrea Pirlo is also due to hang his boots after the World Cup in June. Coach Cesare Prandelli is expected to build a team around Pirlo who have the ammunition to go all the way to the final. The 34 year has been majestic for the Old Lady this season scoring six goals and grabbing seven assists for Antonio Conte’s immaculate side in the Serie A. Pirlo was one of Marcelo Lippi’s most important players when the Azzurris lifted the World Cup in Germany in 2006.
Gianlugi Buffon: Arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the current era, if not the best. Italy’s Gianlugi Buffon has been a terrific asset for Antonio Conte’s side, the Old Lady who are on their way to win the Serie A three consecutive times. The shot stopper has featured in 138 appearances for his country and with Italy having one of the most impressive squads in the World Cup, make no mistake if Buffon goes out with a bang. The Turin man also lifted the World Cup in Germany in 2006 when they prevailed in penalties against France 8 years ago.