There isn’t long to go until the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia gets underway and here at Derby County, we wanted to put a black and white twist on the tournament.
So, we delved into the archives to find all 11 players that have represented their countries at the footballing extravaganza whilst on the books with the Rams.
Who enjoyed success on the biggest stage in football? Who had a tournament to forget? Take a look through our rankings to find out…
11. Darryl Powell
Nation: Jamaica
Year: 1998
Progress: Group Stage
Powell broke onto the international scene later than most and the tournament opener against Croatia was his first appearance for his country at the age of 26.
Ultimately, the group proved too tough for Jamaica. Powell couldn’t turn the tide as a late substitute in the 3-1 defeat against the side led by Davor Šuker, before he was sent off on the stroke of half-time in a 5-0 loss against Argentina that effectively ended the campaign for the Reggae Boyz.
10. Don Masson
Nation: Scotland
Year: 1978
Progress: Group Stage
The story of Masson’s international career comes down to two penalties.
His strike from the spot against Wales at Anfield secured Scotland’s qualification for Argentina 1978, but against Peru in the opening game of the tournament, Masson couldn’t convert.
Peru inflicted a deflating 3-1 defeat on the Scots and despite an Archie Gemmill-inspired victory against Netherlands in the final group game, Masson’s side were sent home on goal difference.
9. Christian Dailly
Nation: Scotland
Year: 1998
Progress: Group Stage
The eyes of the globe were on Scotland when they stepped out at France ‘98 for the tournament opener against the holders, Brazil.
Dailly and his team battled well, only to be beaten by a cruel own-goal at the Stade de France.
A point against Norway gave Craig Brown’s side a chance, but a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against Morocco saw their tournament come to an end.
8. Deon Burton
Nation: Jamaica
Year: 1998
Progress: Group Stage
Huge responsibility fell onto the shoulders of the 21-year-old Burton in France as he was tasked with leading the line for Jamaica at the World Cup finals.
He appeared in every game, including the 2-1 victory against Japan in the final group clash, but a tough draw meant that Jamaica departed after just three games, with Burton failing to find the net.
7. Jacob Laursen
Nation: Denmark
Year: 1998
Progress: Quarter-finals
Laursen went into his second international tournament looking to improve after Denmark failed to make it out of the group at Euro 96, and they did just that.
His only appearance at the tournament came against the hosts, France - who would go on to lift the trophy - but he was replaced at half-time.
Despite a minimal role, Laursen deserves immense credit for being a part of the Denmark squad that reached the last-eight of the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.
6. Bruce Rioch
Nation: Scotland
Year: 1978
Progress: Group Stage
The only player on the list to captain his country into the World Cup finals - Rioch went into the tournament with his international career coming to an end, and it was unfortunate that Scotland couldn’t live up to expectations.
Peru dented their chances in the opening game, but Scotland recovered to put on a show against the Netherlands.
It turned out to be the last time that Rioch pulled on the Scotland shirt and former Derby man Gemmill made it one to remember with one of the great World Cup goals in a stunning 3-2 victory.
5. Branko Strupar
Nation: Belgium
Year: 2002
Progress: Round of 16
The most recent Ram to star at a World Cup - Strupar’s game-time was limited but he still managed to make a crucial impact against Tunisia in the second group game.
His assist for Marc Wilmots’ opening goal was enough to keep Belgium in with a shout of qualifying from Group H and they eventually progressed to the round of 16, where they faced Brazil.
The Seleção came away with a comfortable 2-0 victory on their way to lifting the trophy, but the scale of the achievement shouldn’t be dismissed - Belgium didn’t reach another major tournament for 12 years.
4. John Harkes
Nation: United States
Year: 1994
Progress: Round of 16
Harkes has the unique honour of being the only Derby man to feature for a host nation at the World Cup, and he played a crucial role in the shock victory that eventually led to the US securing their place in the round of 16.
Against Colombia, it was Harkes that provided the cross for Andrés Escobar’s infamous own goal.
The midfielder didn’t feature against eventual winners Brazil in the knock-out round, but he had made his contribution to the United States’ best World Cup campaign since the 1930s.
3. Peter Shilton
Nation: England
Year: 1990
Progress: Fourth-place
Italia ’90 was Shilton’s final international action and he earned his 125th cap in the third-place match against the hosts - a record total that still stands today.
The legendary ‘keeper kept three clean sheets throughout the tournament, but he was cruelly beaten by Andreas Brehme’s deflected free-kick in the semi-finals.
West Germany were right at home in the penalty shoot-out and they beat Shilton with all four of their kicks to take their place in the final, which they would win against Argentina.
2. Mark Wright
Nation: England
Year: 1990
Progress: Fourth-place
Wright had to bide his time at Italia ’90 - he didn’t feature in the opening game against the Republic of Ireland - but once he secured his place, he didn’t give it up.
He even bagged the winner in the group decider against Egypt, and he played every minute during the knock-out stages, including the full two hours of the semi-final against Germany.
Ultimately, England’s journey ended in heartbreak, but Wright came away with a huge amount of credit.
1. Igor Stimac
Nation: Croatia
Year: 1998
Progress: Third-place
The Derby legend was a key member of the ground-breaking side that led Croatia into their first World Cup as an independent nation.
He recorded two assists during the tournament - in the opener against Jamaica and the 3-0 quarter-final win against Germany - to display his attacking quality from defence.
Only Lilian Thuram’s double prevented Croatia from reaching the final at the expense of the hosts, France, but Stimac came home with a medal after beating the Netherlands 2-1 in the third-place play-off.
It remains Croatia’s best performance at a major tournament and an achievement that the likes of Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić will be looking to beat this summer.