FIFA Football World Cup 2010- 10 Defenders who impressed in the opening round
Number 10- Joseph Yobo- Nigeria
In Nigeria’s opening match, it had to face a very attacking and celebrated Argentina side, coached by Diego Maradona. Maradona’s men were able to overcome Nigeria by a narrow 1-0 victory, but were frustrated by a strong Nigerian defence on a number of occasions. Yobo was perhaps the only reason, apart from the brilliant shot stopper, who stood in the way of the slippery Lionel Messi; denying him a goal on a number of chances.
Number 9- Antolin Alcaraz- Paraguay
Perhaps the primary reason behind Italy's draw to Paraguay was the resilient defence displayed by the South Americans. The 27-yaer-old defender not only stood like a wall against the inventive World Champions, but also scored the only goal for his side. It may have been the winner, before Italy finally equalized.
Number 8 – Philipp Lahm- Germany
The German were mostly not threatened by the Aussies, but whenever the Aussies did attack, Lahm was completely in control. The calm and collective Bayern Munich defender didn't let much pass by him.
Number 7- Lee Jung-Soo- South Korea
Rock-steady in defence against Greece, Lee Jung-soo didn’t let the Greek forwards pass his line. Apart from that, he opened the scoring for his team; putting them firmly ahead with a 1-0 lead, only to be doubled later by Manchester United man Park Ji Sung.
Number 6- Steve Cherundolo- USA
USA had to face a tough challenge as they face the very attacking English side. Although the pre-tournament favourites; England were still held to a 1-1 draw against the USA. Reason: well Cherundolo didn’t allow the likes of Wayne Rooney, Gerrard or Lampard have even a shot at the goal keeper. His enthusiastic display against the English earned him the number 6 spot in this list.
Number 5- Kolo Toure- Ivory Coast
Containing the agility of Cristiano Ronaldo and the defence splitting through the fire balls of Deco is no easy job. Kolo Toure managed to contain not only these two stars but anyone who tried to pass his defensive territory. Portugal was frustrated throughout by the Ivory Coast defence and by Toure in particular.
Number 4- Winston Reid- New Zealand
A beautiful header scored by Reid for his team against Slovenia would have roared throughout New Zealand. An instant hero for the Kiwis was also formidable in defence as well against Slovenia. He couldn’t control his emotions and removed his shirt to receive a yellow card. This may come back to haunt him later but Reid couldn’t care less.
Number 3- Bostjan Cesar- Slovenia
The –feet-3-inch Cesar, towered above the Algerians in Slovenia’s opening game. Slovenia’s impressive run in Group C, crowded by the English as well the Americans, was only possible by the effectiveness and efficiency of its defence. The waves of attack which the Algerians brought were foiled by the Slovenian defence time and time again, with Cesar the most notable.
Number 2- Rafael Marquez- Mexico
The Catalans defender might have ruined South Africa’s party on day one almost single-handedly. He scored the opening goal of the tournament, took three other shots on goal and was also strong defensively. Marquez was steadfast in his defensive role as well, creating many opportunities for his team to capitalize upon.
Number 1- Stephan Lichsteiner – Switzerland
With Spain ending at zero and Switzerland one, the score line can speak a thousand words. Being able to contain perhaps the most talented side of Europe and then going on to win the bout couldn’t have been possible without the effort of the Swiss defenders. Having not conceded a goal in 5 World Cup matches is not an easy record to maintain. David Villa, Iniesta, Silva and even Torres were frustrated by the Swiss defence, who denied a goal again and again even after Spain maintained most of the possession. Owing to the frustration caused by the Swiss, Spain also conceded one goal in what proved out to be one of the biggest upsets in football history. Stephan was that rock solid boulder that didn’t let any ball pass his defensive line. The often magical and baffling through balls of Xavi and Xabi Alonso were also denied by the Swiss on almost all occasions, with Stephan being the main stay in defence of his resilient Swiss side.
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