Complete Report Card for Argentina in 2014

Although they fell agonisingly short of the big prize, 2014 was still a year to remember for Argentina. La Albiceleste may not have found their best football during the World Cup, but they were an extremely tricky side to keep down and fought all the way to a final against Germany. 

Having smashed seven past pitiful hosts Brazil, Germany found Alejandro Sabella's charges a whole different prospect altogether. Lionel Messi and Rodrigo Palacio could have put Argentina ahead during a clash that went into extra time, but thousands of fans who made the trip up from Buenos Aires and beyond were eventually left disappointed as Mario Gotze sealed Die Mannschaft's fourth World Cup. 

That tournament, followed by a handful of friendlies directed by new coach Gerardo Martino, left an interesting conundrum. While the supposedly fragile defence came up huge in Brazil, an all-star forward line was strangely off colour for much of the year. There were exceptions, of course. 

Here, every Argentina player that earned five or more caps over the course of 2014 has received a grade for their performances. La Albiceleste's annual report card makes it very clear who was at the top of the class for the nation and who must try harder in the coming year. 

Goalkeeper

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Sergio Romero: B+

While Mariano Andujar and Nahuel Guzman also featured between the posts for a game each, Sergio Romero remained the undisputed owner of the No. 1 jersey over the last 12 months. Expectations were admittedly low after spending an entire season on the bench with Monaco, but Chiquito was on top form during the World Cup. 

Just four goals escaped past the ex-Racing Club prospect during the entire tournament, helping Argentina boast one of the toughest defensive units. If that was not enough, Romero also came up big during a crunch penalty shootout in the semi-final. 

Two Netherlands penalties were stopped by the athletic goalkeeper, and La Albiceleste were on the way to the final. Romero could not quite keep the dynamic Germans out in a two-hour marathon decider, but his reputation was massively enhanced thanks to an excellent year in international football. 

Defenders

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Ezequiel Garay: A 

By some margin Argentina's best defender over 2014, Ezequiel Garay blossomed into a top-class centre-back and never looked flustered during the World Cup; La Albiceleste turned a leaky back line into one of the competition's meanest units. In his absence post-tournament, that stability was not so evident against the likes of Portugal and Brazil. 

Marcos Rojo: B 

One of the surprises of the year for Argentina fans. Nobody expected great things of Marcos Rojo in Brazil out on the left flank, but the former Estudiantes and Sporting defender came up big when his nation needed him. He was rarely caught out, and he did a terrific job marking Arjen Robben, keeping the winger as quiet as he has been at any point in 2014. 

Pablo Zabaleta: B-

Usually solid on the right of defence, Pablo Zabaleta was one of the pillars of the team alongside the likes of Garay, Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi. But at times, his unwillingness to get forward unbalanced the side in attack, leading to a less effective unit. He let Gotze slip away for that crucial final goal, but it was still an impressive year from the Manchester City man. 

Federico Fernandez: C

Federico Fernandez was a regular starter under Sabella until the opening games of the World Cup, despite never transmitting great security at the back. The Swansea City man was eventually cast aside following the last-16 clash against Switzerland, paying the price for some erratic defending. 

Martin Demichelis: C 

A veteran of the 2010 World Cup, Martin Demichelis was a surprise inclusion by Sabella to travel to Brazil. Sporting an unusually short hairline, the Manchester City defender received his chance in the quarter-finals against Belgium and defended with great heart until tired legs showed in Germany's winner. 

Jose Basanta: B 

The Monterrey defender was one of Sabella's more curious picks, and he was first plucked out of the Mexican league and into action because the coach believed he would be more adept in the high altitude of La Paz. But Jose Basanta fashioned himself a place in Sabella's plans, and he deputised efficiently for Rojo during the World Cup when necessary. 

Midfielders

Natacha Pisarenko/Associated Press

Angel Di Maria: A-

Unfortunately, the World Cup did not see Angel Di Maria's best side. The ex-Real Madrid winger had seemingly given his all for Los Blancos on their way to La Decima, and by the time he found his true form, an injury against Belgium cut his tournament short. 

But Fideo nevertheless came into his own on the international scene during 2014, turning into an attacking force of rare talent. A virtuoso display against Germany in Dusseldorf helped Argentina take post-World Cup revenge, with the star contributing a goal and three assists. 

Javier Mascherano: A 

Without a doubt, El Jefecito was Argentina's best, most consistent player over the course of the year. The Barcelona midfielder was huge all the way through Brazil 2014, becoming a folk hero in the semi-final with a crucial block to deny Robben. 

Fernando Gago: C 

It was another tough year for the Boca Juniors playmaker, punctuated by struggles with injury and fitness. When Fernando Gago was in decent shape, his range of passing and vision proved a real asset for La Albiceleste. The problem, however, was that those moments were all too fleeting across 2014. 

Lucas Biglia: B-

Lucas Biglia was used primarily off the bench, replacing Mascherano or Gago on plenty of occasions, but the Lazio battler never looked overawed by international football, rarely putting a foot wrong and doing his job even in the cauldron of a World Cup campaign. 

Enzo Perez: B

The Valencia man had a thankless task in Brazil, attempting to fill the shoes of Di Maria in the final games of the World Cup. But Enzo Perez's determination and ability shined through in thankless circumstances, and while he could not give Argentina the same attacking thrust, he performed admirably in the opportunities given to him. 

Forwards

Victor R. Caivano/Associated Press

Lionel Messi: A- 

Messi's best form in international colours coincided with his time as Albiceleste captain. Handing him the armband in 2011 was one of Sabella's first acts, and La Pulga has kept the distinction under Martino. 

Four World Cup goals and plenty more in friendly competition meant an excellent year for Messi internationally, although a dip in form during the Brazil knockout phases prevents him from taking the maximum grade. 

Sergio Aguero: C

Sergio Aguero looked unstoppable during the first part of the year, scoring at will in Argentina's World Cup preparations. Injuries took their toll, however, and he was a pale shadow of his best in Brazil. 

An excellent performance in Argentina's subsequent victory over Germany raised hopes, but he must turn it on during the Copa America to truly convince fans. 

Gonzalo Higuain: C- 

Gonzalo Higuain was perhaps the most disappointing player of all for Argentina during Brazil 2014. He looked out of shape and off-key, scoring just a single goal during the run to the final, and he did little elsewhere for La Albiceleste. 

Rodrigo Palacio: D 

Palacio was a bit-part player upfront and off the bench, but he will be forever remembered for that shocking miss in the World Cup final. 

Ezequiel Lavezzi: C+

The Paris Saint-Germain forward is a great asset to Argentina's team spirit. His jokes and willingness to make the hard yards outfield mean that he played a valuable role for La Albiceleste in 2014. A lack of goals, however—failing to score in nine appearances—pulls Ezequiel Lavezzi's grade down.