2010 FIFA World Cup Special Report: 10 Unsung Heroes from the World Cup Group Stages
The end of Group Stages means that many players will be entering in to the next stage of the tournament, while others would have to leave. Despite having performed well, football players will learn again that football is a team sport. Individual performances are taken into consideration but players should never give it precedence over the team as a whole.
There are unsung heroes in every squad, who upon deep analysis reveal their importance to the team. This list is devoted to them.
10-Siphiwe Tshabalala, South Africa
Tshabalala wasn’t just the one of the best performers from the South African team, he was in fact one of the best players to have come from Group A. His acute perfection to place the ball at the desired spot was magnificent and his understanding of making a drive from midfield while making plays on the wings was no less spectacular.
Not only did Tshabalala open the World Cup’s opening goal but his wonderful performance against the French was the one of the reasons behind their win.
9-Fabio Coentrao, Portugal
All players from the Portuguese team were impressive but the one that failed to get the deserved notice was Coentrao. He definitely deserved better than he got but there is good news for the youthful fullback, Portugal has advanced to the next stage giving him a better chance to inspire.
On one hand, he represented solid defence for his team while on the other, his drives from the midfield and assists on wings were very similar to the game play of Brazilian Roberto Carlos.
8-Vincent Enyeama, Nigeria
However, Nigeria got eliminated from the Group Stages but their goal keeper has left his impression in the World Cup. The fast reflexive glove man encountered 21 shots but let in through just 5 goals in the 3 matches.
In their match against Argentina, Enyeama was one of the reasons his team didn’t face humiliation against the strong Albiceleste defence. In the match, Lionel Messi who is never frustrated made 12 unsuccessful attempts at the goal post; always to be stopped by the fast reflexive goalkeeper.
7-Benny Feilhaber, USA
Bob Bradley, the coach of USA found a new trick in his sleeve this tournament. The substitution of Feilhaber in the 2nd half of the game seemed to uplift the progress of USA, while being in a deficit of goals; he has played a major part in eliminating that factor.
He teamed up with Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore to cross along the flanks and bring an onslaught of attack on the defence. He was the person in the team from where the strategy originated and then went on and spread in the team.
6-Robert Vittek, Slovakia
Vittek is among the leading goal scorers in the tournament with three goals. He scored his third memorable goal against Italy helping his team to proceed to the next stages of the tournament.
The Slovakian brings his solo performance right from the midfield and finishes it between the posts. Just what he needs for his one man shows is a pass and leave the rest to him.
5-Mesut Ozil, Germany
Ozil is the new German sensation. He along with Sami Khedirra are predicted to be the new replacements for Michael Ballack. Ozil, though has just a goal but it came in just four attempts.
On the team, he plays on the all important left wing and outruns anyone who challenges him. His passing ability is also impeccable and at such a young age and he is designated one to take the free kicks and penalty corners for his team. It seems that if his current form continues he is sure to carry his team deeper into the World Cup.
4-Lionel Messi, Argentina
Messi of course had to prove in this World Cup why the world considers him the best. Under the wings of legendary Maradona, he is performing a good job for the cause. Though he has made many attempts at the goal, he has been fruitless. Messi just can’t seem to break his goal drought, but it is no reason to despair because there are still two more thrilling weeks of the world cup left to be witnessed.
Nevertheless, he has heavily assisted his team and most of the goals scored have been achieved because of his assists. After defeating Mexico, Argentina will now face Germany in the quarter finals. So far the goalless Messi has been able to save his team with his saves but with the relentless German team who defeated England 4-1, the country might just require Messi to be in best ever form.
3-Keisuke Honda, Japan
Honda has overtime proven that his talent is worth the riches of the European Leagues. It would be fairly disappointing if his talents are overlooked again before the start of next season. His ability to score on a free kick is remarkable, while his perfect swings are unstoppable. It was his free kicks that lead Japan in to the last 16 stage of the tournament.
Now the Blue Samurais will be up against Paraguay and it would be wise if Paraguayans mark up this man especially when he has a ball at his feat.
2-Alexis Sanchez, Chile
Being just 21 years old, he has proven the world his importance to the Chilean squad. He has continuously been giving great performance with the team, adding the perfect spice to the offence.
Although Chile mourns World Cup exit after a crushing defeat against Brazil but sees bright future, after their best performance at the tournament in decades.
1-Jozy Altidore, USA
Though the absence of USA’s key striker Charlie Davies was felt immensely but Altidore did his best cover up that with his performance in the midfield. The exceptional ability of Altidore , is that he isn’t just stuck up to the midfield. He attacks and helps on the wings too.
Altidore’s remarkable capability to position himself between defenders and lead a pass to the strikers is also one the reasons why USA has been so successful in the midfield and flourished in the World Cup.
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