The Women's World Cup will be the stage for the stars of the game to strut their stuff but it is also a chance for those players who, apart from "die hard" supporters, are rarely acclaimed.

Maybe it's because their role is a hidden but vital cog in their team's machine or maybe it's because they are the quiet workers in a star studded side.

Here are our 10 "unsung heroes" to watch:

Sauerbrunn (Photo Credit: Cynthia Hobgood) Sauerbrunn (Photo Credit: Cynthia Hobgood)

Becky Sauerbrunn (United States)

We know many of the USA's big names. Heck, you can argue the whole team full of big names, but one key player is Becky Sauerbrunn. Over the past couple of years, Sauerbrunn has gained a quiet appreciation from dedicated USA fans as a premier defender.

Positionally excellent, great in 1v1 situations and strong in the tackle, the Kansas City centre-back has emerged as the USA's no. 1 defender, surpassing even captain Christie Rampone.

Rosana (Brazil)

While teammates Marta, Cristiane and Formiga are usually the first to receive the attention, 32 year old Rosana dos Santos Augusto has been a key part of the Brazilian midfield for 15 years.

Every now and then the quiet midfielder gains the plaudits she deserves but as a consistent and unflappable part of the Brazilian engine room, if As Canarinhas are to go deep in the World Cup, she needs a good tournament.

Allysha Chapman (Canada)

Chapman is an example of "persistence pays." When Canada was crying out for a consistent left full back, the 26-year-old took the opportunity given to her by John Herdman with both hands. Although not the quickest of players, Chapman combines solid defence with attacking runs to support the forward line.

Henry (Photo Credit: Sophie Durieux / pitchsidereport.com) Henry (Photo Credit: Sophie Durieux / pitchsidereport.com)

Amandine Henry (France)

Long one of France's best kept secrets, the defensive midfielder earned much deserved praise for her stellar performance in France's win against the United States earlier this year.

Henry is the tuck in player that allows the likes of Camille Abily and Lousia Necib the freedom to get forward without fear of holes in the midfield. While not a flashy player her midfield hustle often disrupts or breaks down opposition attacks while her short passes get France on their way. Oh and she is also good for a bomb of a goal every now and then.

Anja Mittag (Germany)

I can hear you asking, how can a player who has played 120 times for Germany and scored 33 goals, including the Euro 2013 winning goal be underrated? Well with so many excellent German players in the team, from Keßler (injured), Sasic, Laudehr, Popp, Maroszan and Goeßling, Mittag often gets lost in the shuffle. Physically strong, smart with her runs and with a good finishing skills, Mittag is yet another German attacker that can cause considerable damage.