As World Cup qualifying reaches its conclusion, we pick an XI of players to miss the big event.
World Cup Absentees
Petr Cech (Czech Republic)
The Chelsea goalkeeper has already played in a World Cup and is closing in on Karel Poborsky's record as the Czech Republic's most capped player of all-time. But the 31-year-old will not get the chance to add to his tally in Brazil. His side conceded just nine goals in qualifying, the same total as group winners Italy, but three goalless draws hinted at the problems endured in attack and improvement will be needed if Cech is to play World Cup football again.
Honourable mention: Samir Handanovic (Slovenia)
Lukas Piszczek (Poland)
The first of three Polish players to make this XI - all of them currently at Borussia Dortmund - Piszczek has established himself as one of the best right-backs in Europe. The 28-year-old won the Bundesliga in his first two seasons with BVB but has found success harder to find with the national team. Despite netting in the home qualifier against Ukraine, the three goals conceded at the other end saw Poland hopes dashed.
Honourable mention: Branislav Ivanovic (Serbia)
Martin Skrtel (Slovakia)
The Slovakia captain played a key part in his country's journey to the knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup but there will be no repeat for Skrtel in Brazil. The Liverpool defender might have fancied his chances in Group G but his side finished a distant third behind Bosnia and Herzegovina. A dismal draw with UEFA new boys Gibraltar in November, albeit in Skrtel's absence, suggests that there may be a long wait to see Slovakia back at the showpiece event.
Honourable mention: Jonny Evans (Northern Ireland)
Matija Nastasic (Serbia)
With Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic having retired from international football and Borussia Dortmund centre-back Neven Subotic electing not to make himself available for the latter stages of the campaign once hopes of qualification disappeared, much responsibility fell upon Nastasic. The 20-year-old has responded with characteristic composure and will be confident of tasting the drama of a World Cup before his career is out.
Honourable mention: Daniel Agger (Denmark)
David Alaba (Austria)
As the Bayern Munich left-back who played such a significant role in the team's treble last season, Alaba has a strong case to make any World XI let alone one assembled of players to miss the big event. The 21-year-old enjoyed a fine personal campaign for Austria, netting a remarkable six goals with only Germany's Mesut Ozil outscoring him in Group C. However, it was not enough to secure second spot as a late Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal in Sweden scuppered Austrian hopes.
Honourable mention: Aleksandar Kolarov (Serbia)
Jakub Blaszczykowski (Poland)
Nobody did more than the Poland captain to haul his team to Brazil but his effort proved in vain as they had to settle for a disappointing fourth place in Group H behind England, Ukraine and Montenegro. Blaszczykowski scored four goals in qualifying - only bettered by Wayne Rooney in the group - but now faces the prospect of a career without a World Cup appearance... Particularly heartbreaking given that the winger missed the 2006 tournament
