FIFA World Cup 2010: World Cup’s Best 11
The 2010 World Cup in South Africa has resulted in numerous flops in the shape of big stars such as Rooney and Ronaldo but some new bright talents have emerged as well. Let’s take a look at the best eleven players that we can derive from this World Cup. They are mentioned with respect to their positions.
The 2010 World Cup was a tough one as far as the goalkeepers are concerned. There were more disappointments than brilliant performances from the men guarding the two posts. The mysterious nature of the Jabulani ball only added to some woeful goalkeeping displays. Probably the best goalkeeper throughout the tournament was Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera. Muslera was a Uruguayan hero as they defeated Ghana on penalties in the quarter finals. His performances were consistent over the course of the World Cup.
In central defense, Carles Puyol from Spain deserves a mention. His goal for the Spanish against the Germans in the semi-final, proved to be a match winning one. His partnership with Pique in Spain’s central defense was water tight as Spain didn’t concede even a single goal in their knockout matches including the final.
At right back, the most impressive player was Philip Lahm. The German captain led his team superbly and put in unyielding performances to knockout the likes of England and Argentina. His on-the-field behavior was an example to follow for the rest of his young squad members while his off-the-field challenge to Michael Ballack was bold as well.
Puyol’s partner in defense has to be Holland’s Joris Mathijsen. His performance against the Spanish in the final match of the World Cup was not only brave but marvelous as well. His absence against Brazil was felt by the Dutch, as they conceded a weak goal through the center of their defense. Mathijsen has earned himself fame through this World Cup and the Dutch defender will be in demand now by big clubs across Europe.
As far as left backs at the 2010 World Cup are concerned, the most standout one was Portugal’s Fabio Coentrao. Coentrao, who plays for Benifica F.C in Portugal, gave performances which were beyond any expectations associated with him. Against Spain in the round of sixteen match, the Portuguese full back was rampaging down the left side of Portuguese attack and giving Sergio Ramos problems in the Spanish defense. Whenever he was called upon to carry out his defensive duties, he did remarkably well.
In central midfield, Spain’s Xavi was outstanding throughout the World Cup. His composure and calmness on the ball were second to none. His vision in the Spanish midfield was a sight to behold. He was truly like an artist painting an image on a canvas. Xavi has written his name in the history books through his flawless displays in this World Cup.
For the defensive midfield position, Germany’s Sami Khedira was the best player in the tournament. Khedira, who is only 23 managed to subdue the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the Germany versus England round of sixteen match. He also did extremely well to keep Lionel Messi quiet when Germany came up against Argentina in the quarter finals.
In the attacking midfield position, undoubtedly the best player was Holland’s Wesley Sneijder. Sneijder scored a total of five goals in the FIFA 2010 World Cup. In the final match, Sneijder created two brilliant opportunities for his compatriot Robben to score from. He is now in demand in England, particularly by Manchester United. Sneijder has made his previous employers Real Madrid, regret their decision to sell him to Inter Milan.
In the attacking position, the first of the three strikers has to be Diego Forlan. Forlan, who led Uruguay to a fourth placed finish, was superb in the FIFA 2010 World Cup. The Uruguayan striker won the golden ball as a result of his brilliant displays against Germany in the third place-playoff match, as well as against Holland in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Forlan’s partner in attack is Thomas Mueller from Germany. The 20 year old Bayern Munich striker scored 5 goals in the competition and won the golden boot award as a result. Mueller, who was once called a ball boy by Maradona in a pre-tournament friendly, has stepped up to the international stage in spectacular fashion.
The last member of this lineup and perhaps the most talented one has to be Holland’s Robben. Despite his poor finishing in the last match of the tournament against Spain, Robben remained a threat throughout the match. The Spanish defense felt scared of his pace and was exposed a total number of two times by his incredible burst of speed. The only thing that Robben failed to do was finish the two clear chances that fell his way.
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