2010 Fifa World Cup Worst XI
Forget about the World Cup’s best players, this is where it really gets interesting: a list of those players who’ve downright disappointed each and every one of us in South Africa this summer.
There will be no heroes’ welcome for these 11 lads:
Goalkeeper: Rob Green (England)
It was all going well for England against the USA in the two sides’ opening group match. A bit too well, as it happened. Steven Gerrard had put Fabio Capello’s side 1-0 up in the opening stages and the England fans were already making plans for July 11th’s final in Johannesburg. But England goalkeeper Rob Green had other ideas. In the 40th minute came the moment the West Ham stopper will forever be associated with: that clanger. Clint Dempsey’s speculative shot somehow squirmed under Green, who comically tried in vain to stop the ball from crossing the line. England were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw, and Green never played for the Three Lions again... (probably).
Left back: Patrice Evra (France)
One suspects that Patrice Evra took his captain’s role a bit too seriously in South Africa. The Manchester United left-back led a player strike which effectively ended France’s hopes of salvaging anything from their catastrophic World Cup campaign. Not only that, Evra was also surprisingly poor for Les Blues. It’s rare to see the 29-year-old beaten for pace, but that’s exactly what happened against Mexico in the build-up to their first goal. France legend Lilian Thuram, has called for Evra to be banned from ever playing for the national side again after they embarrassingly crashed out in the group stages. Poor Pat, he’ll have been glad to get back to Manchester.
Centre back: Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)
From Fifa World Player of the Year and star of the 2006 World Cup to a liability in the space of four years. Where did it all go so wrong, Fabio? World champions Italy were dumped out in the group stages this summer, and were not helped by some calamitous defending from the former great. Even against lowly New Zealand, Cannavaro looked out of his depth at times, and was at fault for the All Whites’ famous goal against the Azzurri. The 36-year-old has decided enough’s enough now and will play next season under David O’Leary for UAE outfit Al-Ahli Dubai after moving from Juventus. How the mighty have fallen.
Centre back: John Terry (England)
Disgraced former England captain John Terry, failed to grasp the fact that the captains’ armband had been taken away from him months ago. By speaking out of turn in a press conference, Terry only narrowly avoided the wrath of Fabio Capello. Maybe the England head coach would have listened to Mr Chelsea had his performances been better in South Africa. Against Germany, his positioning was atrocious, particularly for Miroslav Klose’s opener, when Manuel Neuer’s goalkick was somehow allowed to bounce right through to the Germany striker. There will be England fans out there hoping his abject display will effectively bring an end to Terry’s England career.
Right back: Oh Beom-Seok (South Korea)
A horrendous showing against Argentina secures the aptly-named Oh’s place at right-back. He was thrown in the deep-end against the Albicelestes and was at fault for nearly every one of his opponent’s four goals. Lionel Messi and co targeted the vulnerable left-hand side which Oh should have been occupying and ran riot. The 25-year-old gave away two free-kicks in the first half which directly led to goals and failed to get anywhere near the talented Argentinean frontline. Oh dear, indeed.
Left midfield: Franck Ribéry (France)
All unfair jokes about Franck Ribéry aside, the Bayern Munich winger was tipped by some to be the star name at this summer’s World Cup finals. The 27-year-old only showed glimpses of his ability at the 2006 World Cup, and the same happened at Euro 2008. Unfortunately for Ribéry, he once again failed to shine on the biggest stage and looked far from the world-class star we’d all been promised. Admittedly, the entire France team were a letdown in South Africa, and it might be slightly unfair to single out Ribéry; but with so much expectation and promise, he delivered very little when it mattered most.
Centre midfield: Felipe Melo (Brazil)
Brazil’s defensive midfielder Felipe Melo, of Juventus, had a point to prove after suffering the humiliation of picking up the Bidone d'Or – the uncoveted “award” handed to the worst player in Serie A – last season. Dunga, fiercely loyal to those players in his 23-man World Cup squad, still put his faith in Melo in South Africa. It didn’t pay off. Against the Netherlands, things started surprisingly well for the 27-year-old as he assisted Robinho’s opener. But then, naturally, things began to turn sour for the hapless Melo. First, he helped Wesley Sneijder’s shot-c*m-cross into the back of his own net with his head, and then he was sent-off for stupidly stamping on Arjen Robben, as Brazil were sent packing in the quarter-finals.
Centre midfield: Gareth Barry (England)
Hailed as the saviour of England’s World Cup campaign after he missed the opening match against the USA, Barry proved more of a hindrance than shining light. The Manchester City defensive midfielder looked a shadow of his normal self, misplacing passes and failing to make his presence felt. Against Germany, he was cruelly exposed for pace and technical ability – particularly for the final goal where Mesut Özil outpaced Barry despite his opponent having a two-mile head start. A nightmare World Cup for Barry, whose performances done little to help Fabio Capello’s struggling side.
Right midfield: Sidney Govou (France)
It would be unfair to leave France’s other disappointing winger Sidney Govou from this celebrated list of flops. Govou was shamefully bad in Les Blues’ group matches, averaging less than a five rating in each of the three matches. No imagination, no cutting edge and a lack of work rate makes Govou a perfect candidate for the vacant right-wing spot. The once highly-rated winger will ply his trade with Panathinaikos next season after leaving Lyon for financial gain and an easier life.
Forward: Wayne Rooney (England)
Remember the bearded Wayne Rooney in Nike’s seemingly cursed “Write The Future” advert? Well that’s probably how the England striker is living right now. Before the World Cup started, England supporters were hoping this would be Rooney’s tournament, and were also confident that he would cement his place alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the very best players in world football. However, the 24-year-old Manchester United star was nowhere near his best in South Africa. Poor touches, astray passes and inaccurate shooting ensured this was to be another disappointing World Cup for a player of genuine class. Inevitably, it resulted in Rooney becoming frustrated and taking his anger out - this time towards the England fans at the end of the 0-0 draw against Algeria, where he thanked the supporters for booing in his own unique way.
Forward: Fernando Torres (Spain)
OK, so the World Cup Final hasn’t been played just yet and a Torres goal in that match would make room in this list for France’s Nicolas Anelka. But if the Spain striker fails to score, this summer’s World Cup would have been a terribly poor one for a player of Torres’ ability. Left on the bench for the semi-final against Germany in favour of 22-year-old Pedro was a damning indictment of his performances in the tournament up to that point. And when Pedro found himself through on goal with Torres in acres of space, he decided to take the defender on rather than pass to his out-of-form teammate. One or two have claimed that he’s gone rapidly downhill since chopping off his flowing blonde locks. Liverpool fans will be hoping they grow back just in time for the new season.
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