World Cup team of the tournament (so far)
If the World Cup were to stop today, who would be in your team of the tournament? Here is our selection of the players that have impressed us most so far, lined up to play 4-1-4-1:
Goalkeeper: Buffon (Italy) - A one man wall against the Czech Republic. Also played well against Australia.
Defender: Boka (Ivory Coast) - impressed with his pace and directness. Caused problems every time he went forward. Unlucky to be going home early due to the draw.
Defender: Ayala (Argentina) - Still has it even at 33. A steadying influence at the centre of the albiceleste’s defence. Sorin may be the captain but Ayala is the defensive leader.
Defender: Juan (Brazil) - Numerous last ditch tackles have saved his team mates from embarrassment
Defender: Lahm (Germany) - Like Boka a fullback who like to get forward. Plays on the left but is right-footed. Has the ability to beat the man on the outside or to cut inside and unleash powerful shots such as the one from which he scored against Costa Rica. Wanted by Chelsea.
Midfield: Ballack (Germany) - The driving force and chief creative influence against Poland, Ecuador and Sweden. Germany have improved dramatically since his return from injury. Sheer class.
Midfield: Kaka (Brazil) - Consistently the canarinha’s best player. The only member of o quarteto to be playing anywhere close to his potential. Stunning goal against Croatia.
Midfield: Mascherano (Argentina) - The best holding midfielder in the tournament. A strong tackler who is also blessed with superb technique and passing ability allowing to exert a creative influence from in front of the back four. An upgrade on Makelele. European clubs are sure to be testing Corinthians’ resolve following the end of the tournament.
Midfield: Maxi Rodriguez (Argentina) - Three goals so far, including the individual goal of the tournament to win the game against Mexico. Defends and attacks equally well. The unheralded star of the albiceleste.
Midfield: Riquelme (Argentina) - Showed his class when orchestrating Argentina’s demolition of Serbia and their defeat of the Ivory Coast. A classic number 10 who makes up for what he lacks in pace through skill and vision. Had an off day against Mexico but has undoubtedly confirmed his reputation as an elite player.
Attack: Klose(Germany) - At Korea/Kapan 2002 made an impression through his heading ability but showed little else. Since then he seems to have developed into a great allround performer, with good pace, dribling ability, shooting and passing. Had a great season for Werder and has carried that into the tournament.
With the quarters, semis and final left there are still opportunities for the likes of Ronaldinho, Henry, Maniche, Rooney and Shevchenko to catch the eye.
July 1st, 2006 at 9:54
You guys are too inclined towards argentina.
Riquelme, and Ballack could be placed in the top 10 biggest dissapointments… with the likes of Ronaldinho and etc…
(and I’m a big fan of riquelme…)
July 2nd, 2006 at 10:48
Dani up to the quarter final stages we think they put in th ebest performances. I disagree regarding Ballack - he has inspired Germany. Riquelme started very well but faded - after last night, I would replace him with Zidane. Ronaldinho was a major flop. Too tired after his successful season with Barcelona?
July 4th, 2006 at 10:20
Seems that way, before the world cup I knew he would either do great things or flop miserably, but nothing in between. And seems my intuition was right, he can only excel in certain game systems. Lets see what happens next season, with Real Madrid’s possible ressucitation (and Atletico’s and many others…)