Interactive: 10 World Cup greats likely to retire after Brazil

Iker Casillas

Age: 33

National team: Spain

First World Cup appearance: Japan/Korea 2002 (TOTAL 4)

International appearances: 156 (0 goals)

Ah, Iker. The babyfaced goalkeeper, instantly recognizable by his short-sleeves-and-gloves combo, was untouchable as Spain's number 1 for the bulk of his career. But he's suffered a torrid couple of seasons of late, dropped by consecutive club managers at Real Madrid. His national team coach, Vincent del Bosque kept faith for the first two of the team's Group B matches but wasn't rewarded when his goalie let in seven, heralding a humiliating exit for the World Cup holders. Almost certain to retire following the team's exit, it is a sad end to one of the most storied international careers of all time.

Clint Dempsey

Age: 31

National team: USA

First World Cup appearance: Germany 2006 (TOTAL 3)

International appearances: 106 (38 goals)

This indomitable playmaker has been the rock upon which Team USA has been founded ever since he pulled on the national team jersey almost a decade ago. Rookie of the Year back in his early days in the MLS, he then forged a career in the English Premier League before returning to the U.S. and the Seattle Sounders for what will doubtlessly be his swansong season. Before bowing out of international football, this never-say-die competitor will be hoping to advance through the knock-out phase of the competition, dragging his teammates there by the scruff of their necks if need be.

Miroslav Klose

Age: 36

National team: Germany

First World Cup appearance: Japan/Korea 2002 (TOTAL 4)

International appearances: 133 (70 goals)

Some names are etched in World Cup history -- Ronaldo, Pele, Gerd Muller. But Miroslav Klose, joint top scorer in World Cup finals, is rarely mentioned in the same breath. It is a testament to the player's tacit dedication -- and sublime poacher's instincts -- that he is part of this rarefied company. His strike against Ghana took him level with Brazil's Ronaldo on most World Cup goals (15). Germany has progressed to the next round, and with this a chance for the quiet man of football to make the top spot his before bowing out of international football.

Samuel Eto'o

Age: 33

National team: Cameroon

First World Cup appearance: France 1998 (TOTAL 4)

International appearances: 118 (54 goals)

Reversing his 2013 international retirement to lead Cameroon into the 2014 World Cup Finals, Samuel Eto'o, the most decorated African player of all time, has played at the highest levels of domesitc and international football. Prior to Brazil, and an unfortunate group stage exit, he took part in Chelsea's campaign to reclaim the English league title, and his club resume includes European giants Barcelona and Inter Milan. Should he retire following the World Cup, his side's failure to progress to the knockout rounds will no doubt be a personal blow, but his glittering club career seems set to continue, with recent reports linking him with AC Milan.

Didier Drogba

Age: 36

National team: Ivory Coast

First World Cup appearance: Germany 2006 (TOTAL 3)

International appearances: 104 (63 goals)

Part of the catalyst that drove Chelsea to a long-overdue English Premier League title in the early 2000s, the Ivorian is a powerful, hugely effective striker and was named African Footballer Year twice. He has been a mainstay of the Ivory Coast national team since being handed his first cap in 2002 and scored his country's first-ever World Cup goal, against the Netherlands in Stuttgart four years later. With only one win in this year's competition, the first group game against Japan, he and his Elephants will have no further involvement in the tournament.

Steven Gerrard

Age: 34

National team: England

First World Cup appearance: Germany 2006 (TOTAL 3)

International appearances: 114 (21 goals)

While he continues to tease about his international future, the England captain Steven Gerrard looked a broken man in the press conference following his team's loss to Uruguay. He played only a replacement role in his team's final group game, against Costa Rica, meaning that despite his coyness over his continued involvement in the England squad, it is likely that "Stevie G" has played his final game in an England shirt. Bursting with passion and an indefatigable spirit, the Liverpool midfielder and talisman has been an ever-present part of the England makeup since his first game, against Ukraine in 2000. If and when he announces his retirement from the international stage, the game will be poorer for it.

Tim Cahill

Age: 34

National team: Australia

First World Cup appearance: Germany 2006 (TOTAL 3)

International appearances: 71 (34 goals)

In one of the youngest World Cup squads to make it to Brazil, the evergreen Tim Cahill set the tournament alight in the Socceroos' Group B match against the Netherland with one of the goals of the competition. His giddy reaction after volleying a 40-plus-yards pass into the net showed that he might have been as shocked as anyone else. Regardless his contribution to World Cups past and present is undeniable. He's one of the only four players to score at the last three editions of the World Cup, alongside Dutch wonder-duo Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, and the American Clint Dempsey. At 34 however, this Australian great is likely to hang up his boots soon.

Xavi

Age:34

National team: Spain

First World Cup appearance: Japan/Korea 2002 (TOTAL 4)

International appearances: 133 (12 goals)

The metronome that inspired an unprecedented run of international success, Xavi has been the cornerstone of the Spanish national team and is the chief architect of 'tiki-taka,' their inimitable style of play. It is a philosophy that this footballing genius has also employed at his lifelong club team, Barcelona. While he may not have the blistering pace or goalscoring nous of some of his rivals, his vision, passing and assists are second to none. He reportedly made the decision to retire before getting on the plane to Brazil, but his team's ignominious exit in the first round will no doubt grate, especially after such a decorated career.

Andrea Pirlo

Age: 35

National team: Italy

First World Cup appearance: Germany 2006 (TOTAL: 3)

International appearances: 97 (13 goals)

One of his generation's most effective and elegant midfielders, Andrea Pirlo endured a rocky start to his career to eventually become indispensable to his Serie A clubs, AC Milan and Juventus, and the Italian national side. He was one of the main reasons Italy triumphed at Germany 2006 and with his unparalleled reading of the game and ability to change the run of play with a single pass, his is a stabilizing presence that will sorely be missed by the Azzuri. It is a shame that his final curtain call on the international stage, played against Uruguay, was overshadowed by the actions of Luis Suarez.

Gianluigi Buffon

Age: 36

National team: Italy

First World Cup appearance: Japan/Korea 2002 (TOTAL 4)

International appearances: 142 (0 goals)

Another Serie A veteran and mainstay of the Italian national side, "Gigi" Buffon's final World Cup was truncated by injury and an early exit. He only made two appearances in Brazil, appearing for the last time in Italy's final group game against Uruguay. A then-record signing for Juventus in 2001, Buffon made debut for the Italian national side in 1997 but didn't make the number 1 jersey his own until the 2000 European Championship. Since then he has been an almost-constant feature for Italy in qualifying and finals, and providing an inspiration for his presumed successor, Salvatore Sirigu.