2010 Fifa World Cup Best XI
It has been a World Cup where the big stars have failed to shine.
Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres have all failed to live up to their billings, and so some new names have emerged. Who, then, would make it into a team of the tournament?
Goalkeeper: Fernando Muslera (Uruguay)
No goals conceded in the group stage set the Uruguayans up for their improbable run to the semi finals, and 24-year-old Lazio goalkeeper Muslera was the hero of his side’s quarter final penalty shootout victory over Ghana, making two saves. Powerless to stop any of the Netherlands’ three goals in the semis, the ‘keeper’s first international tournament has gone well, and he looks set to be his country’s number one for the foreseeable future.
Right back: Philipp Lahm (Germany)
Installed as Germany’s captain on the eve of the finals after Michael Ballack’s injury, Lahm got down to business with his usual unfussy attitude. An assist in Germany’s opening victory over Australia was followed by the kind of performances that have made the 5ft. 7ins. full back such a big name in world football, and no winger was able to get the better of him throughout the tournament. He’s expressed an interest in taking over the captaincy full time when Ballack returns, and Germany would be wise to listen.
Centre back: Ryan Nelsen (New Zealand)
If Spain beat the Netherlands in Sunday’s final, then only one of the 32 teams who entered the World Cup will have left it without losing a match, and it’s New Zealand. Granted, they didn’t win a game either, but their resilience and determination in grinding out three draws simply had to be admired, particularly against the Italians, when Blackburn Rovers centre back Nelsen was immense, repelling everything and everyone who came near him. There were more naturally gifted players at the finals, but no-one who cared for their country as much.
Centre back: Carles Puyol (Spain)
For 73 minutes the Spanish were forlorn and frustrated against Germany in the semi final. Their endless, “tiki-taka” passing wasn’t getting them anywhere, and so they reverted to the basics. Xavi swung in a corner, and big centre back Puyol thumped it into the net with the most powerful of headers, putting Spain into their first World Cup final. That’s not the only reason that he’s made the team though, the Barcelona captain has been a rock at the heart of the Spanish defence ever since that shock opening game loss to Switzerland, but the goal cements his place.
Left back: Fábio Coentrão (Portugal)
There wasn’t much to admire about Portugal – they scored seven goals against neutrals favourites North Korea and didn’t score against anyone else – but the form of 22-year-old Benfica left back Coentrão was one thing to admire. Excellent going forward and a strong tackler at the back, the pacy blond-haired full back was easily Portugal’s player of the tournament, and it was such a shame that the example he set wasn’t followed by his team-mates.
Right midfield: Thomas Müller (Germany)
Quite a year for Müller, who was both part of the Bayern Munich side who made it to the Champions League final and a vital cog in Joachim Löw’s German machine, and all at the age of just 20. A strike against Australia was followed by a brace in the 4-1 trouncing of England and then the opener as Argentina were swatted aside 4-0. As well as the four goals there were three assists, and how the Germans missed him against Spain in the semi final. A star of the present and of the future.
Centre midfield: Xabi Alonso (Spain)
While Xavi and Andrés Iniesta often grab all the glory in the Spanish midfield, Alonso has been the more complete player in this tournament. Never afraid to put his foot in, his raking crossfield passes have been a welcome alternative to the endless short, one touch game that the Spanish have employed. Just edges Bastian Schweinsteiger – who turned in the best individual performance of the tournament in Germany’s win over Argentina – for a place in this team for his consistency, and the fact that he could still be wearing a World Cup winners’ medal around his neck on Sunday night.
Centre midfield: Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)
Okay, maybe the decision to award him two goals against Brazil was kind in the extreme. But few can deny that Sneijder has been the midfield star of this tournament. Possessing a killer eye for a pass and capable of terrific long range shots, the Inter Milan midfielder – who won every competition he entered last season – has lit up the competition. A strong contender for the Player of the Tournament Award, regardless of what happens in the final, it has been a pleasure to watch the Dutch dynamo in South Africa. Now he just needs to produce one more time...
Left midfield: Mesut Özil (Germany)
Few outside of his own country had heard of the 21-year-old attacking midfielder before the tournament, but the Werder Bremen youngster has been one of the stars of the show. German-born, but of Turkish origin, the 6ft. Özil is a powerful runner with excellent close control, and can shoot from range as he showed against Ghana in the group stages. The image of him outpacing Gareth Barry probably summed up England’s tournament. Germany were too quick for them, and Özil was a big part of that.
Forward: David Villa (Spain)
Criminally underrated for years, Barcelona’s new signing enters the World Cup final just one goal away from equalling Raul as Spain’s all-time leading goalscorer. While there have been question marks over much of Spain’s play at this tournament, none of those have centred on Villa, and the forward’s five goals have powered the Spaniards to the final. Winners against Portugal and Paraguay came at a time when Spain were struggling to break their opponents down, and the importance of Villa to his country simply cannot be overstated.
Forward: Diego Forlán (Uruguay)
Has everyone got it into their heads that he is a much better player than the one who was at Manchester United yet? Good, it took long enough. The gifted Atlético Madrid forward has demonstrated his quality with four goals at this World Cup, and has a movement and guile that are up there with any forward on the planet. So nearly fired Uruguay into an improbable final, and now has a maturity that means he’d be an asset for any team worldwide. He’s said he’s happy in Spain, and so no chance to “prove his critics wrong in England” looks forthcoming. Quite frankly, why would he care?
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