FIFA World Cup 2010: FIFA ALL STAR TEAM
FIFA have officially announced the all star team for the nineteenth edition of the tournament. It is no surprise that Spanish players are the most abundant on the list.
Iker Cassilas is the goal keeper of choice by FIFA. He may have started the tournament off on a low, but he responded by a series of six strong performances. He was a brick wall in front of the goal and almost impossible to beat. He ended his run by taking home a gold medal, the World Cup trophy and the Golden Glove.
Phillip Lahm was called in to replace the injured Michael Ballack. He took on the job of captain with his whole heart and led the team by setting an example. He executed brilliant tackles throughout and was a major driving force in the German attacks from the wings. He stood out over most players not just because of good physical performances but due to the mental strength and character that he showed throughout.
Puyol may have been one of the oldest centre backs at the tournament, but he was also the best. His defensive abilities make him one of the best players to have on any team. He played a crucial part in helping Spain keep as many clean sheets as he did. He even contributed with a match winning goal against Germany.
Sergio Ramos is easily the best attacking defender in the World. He didn’t let his reputation down at the World Cup. He took every opportunity he could, to run down the flanks and assist his attackers, but he ran back just as quick to help with defensive duties as well. He showed great spirit and wasn’t afraid to take a knock or two.
Maicon fought for his spot in the Brazilian spot with Dani Alves and won. That in itself proves how much quality the player possesses. He played with great consistency and never seemed to get tired, even though he was a defender he still scored the opening goal for Brazil at the tournament.
Wesley Sneijder was the ring leader to the Dutch squad. He was the master mind behind ever single Dutch attack at the tournament. He would have been disappointed to not lift the trophy but he should be more than satisfied with the performances he put in. He also managed to score five goals during the tournament.
Bastian Schweinsteiger was asked to play much more defensively then he is used to. Most people thought he wouldn’t do much good in the German side because of this. However he was one of the most successful midfielders at the World Cup. He dictated the game for the Germans and was one of the best players on the prolific team.
Andrea Iniesta has stood up every time his club or country has asked him to. He performed consistently with brilliance. Some people might disagree with him being one of the best players at the tournament, but the fact that he scored the winning goal in the finals might make them think otherwise.
Xavi was back to his creative roots. His passing and movement was superb and there is no other central midfielder who can be even half as good as he is. His commitment and determination helped him stand head and shoulders above the other players. Xavi also had the most completed passes at the tournament.
David Villa was made to play on the wing instead of his favored striking position, instead of complaining about it he increased his performances and delivered. He scored five goals which make up for more than fifty percent of the goals scored by the Spanish team.
Diego Forlan was Uruguay. He carried an average team and helped them finish in the fourth spot. While most were complaining about the poor Jubalani, Forlan was scoring goal after goal with it. He was also named player of the tournament for his performances.
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