The World Cup only comes round every four years and seems to come and go in the blink of an eye.
Think of all the weeks and months you waited for this one. And now think: there are only eight games left, one of which no one cares about. Sigh.
Thoughts will soon be turning to domestic football once more, with the new season approaching.
This, of course, is high season for transfers. Every club will be eyeing new acquisitions, especially having been able to peer through the world’s biggest shop window in Brazil.
Some players (cough cough James Rodriguez) are going to cost a pretty penny now, but there will still be bargains. Here’s a team of players who have impressed at the World Cup, who YOUR club could pick up without breaking the bank.
GK: Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
OK, so he’s not the most physically imposing, but what the Mexican lacks in height he makes up for in heart. A super shot stopper, he has also shown himself to be brave when forced to come off his line. Out of contract, he would be a great acquisition for many Premier League sides.
RB: Aissa Mandi (Algeria)
The Rennes man was one of the most quietly impressive performers as Algeria reached the knockout stages for the first time. Mandi is diligent in his positioning, quick into the tackle and keeps things simple on the ball. Plus, he’s only 22. He wouldn’t cost the world, either.
CB: Efe Ambrose (Nigeria)
He played at right-back for the Super Eagles this summer, marauding down the flank with some aplomb. But Ambrose also has the aerial ability and muscle to cut it in the heart of the defence. The 25-year-old also has Champions League experience and could leave Celtic this summer.
CB: Giancarlo Gonzalez (Costa Rica)
Gonzelez has been superb for surprise packages Costa Rica so far. A no-nonsense defender in the best sense of the phrase, the 26-year-old may find himself with a number of offers after the tournament, meaning his days at Columbus Crew may be numbered.
Read more: Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news in our live blog.
LB: Miguel Layun (Mexico)
Although he’s right-footed and prefers to play a little further forward (he was used as a wing-back by Miguel Herrera this summer), Layun could do a job at full-back. Speedy, confident and incisive, he could be due a move to Europe – and has Spanish citizenship.
RM: Christian Gamboa (Costa Rica)
Nominally a right wing-back, it is going forward that the Costa Rican has looked the part. He may look a touch stocky, but Gamboa is a fine athlete, capable of running the flank for 90 minutes, hustling, taking on his man and whipping balls into the box. Definitely one to watch.
CM: Muhamed Besic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Miralem Pjanic may have been Bosnia and Herzegovina’s standout midfielder, but his partner also gave a great account of himself this summer. 21-year-old Besic is a fine passer, capable of setting the tempo for his side from deep. He’s also not averse to the dirty work. A move away from Ferencvaros beckons.
CM: Carlos Sanchez (Colombia)
James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado have rightly hogged the headlines for Colombia, but they owe plenty to the midfield holders behind them. Abel Aguilar is a fine all-rounder, but it is Sanchez who provides the snap, hustling and harrying for Los Cafeteros. He’s no spring chicken at 28, but could still be a solid investment.
Click here for our World Cup flops XI
LM: Ivan Perisic (Croatia)
The 25-year-old was one of the bright spots as Croatia bowed out in disappointing fashion in the group stage. Blessed with pace and quality on the ball, Perisic is also versatile, capable of playing on either flank or more centrally. He cost Wolfsburg just €8million back in January, and while his value has probably risen, he could still be a bargain.
S: Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
Ecuador didn’t pull up trees this summer, but they would have been even worse without their star striker. Enner Valencia scored three in three for his country, proving himself to be a dynamic, dangerous leader of the line. He is also a real force in the air, which would make him a good fit for many a side.
S: Islam Slimani (Algeria)
Perhaps a touch ungainly at times, Slimani was nonetheless a real threat up front for Algeria. He didn’t start their opener, but made amends with a goal and an assist against South Korea. He then nodded home against Russia to take his side through to the last 16. A man for the big occasion, it seems.
Yesterday's pictures of the day:
