Thursday, July 15, 2010

Team of the 2010 Fifa world cup

So having got 13 out of my 23 predictions correct during the world cup I'll now look back and say who I feel were the team of the tournament. Playing a 4-5-1 formation here goes:

Goalkeeper - Iker Casillas
The Real Madrid goalkeeper and Spain captain showed in the final, when it mattered most, why he is the best goalkeeper on the planet. From his penalty save against Chile, his clean sheet against the dangerous Germany and to his string of match-winning saves in the final he is an easy choice for the goalkeeping position.

Right Back - Sergio Ramos
The Real Madrid defender had a great world cup and was a constant threat going forward while he also proved dangerous in the air. Spain only conceded two goals in the tournament and he certainly contributed to that.

Centre Backs - Carlos Puyol and Diego Lugano
These two stalwards helped their team to achieve great things in the world cup. Puyol scored a fine goal against Germany to put them through while Lugano's presence at the back was one of the reason's Uruguay made it to the semi finals.

Left Back - Phillip Lahm
Although Phillip Lahm didn't really play at left back, he gets the nod for some outstanding displays and for great leadership. Many questioned the decision to make him captain before the first game but few will be questioning it now.

Right Midfield - Thomas Mueller
What can you say about this 20 year old that's not been said already. He scored 5 goals and had 3 assists which helped him claim the golden boot and best young player award at the world cup. He also works very hard for the team and it was no coincidence that Germany looked a lot less potent on attack when he missed the semi final against Spain.

Centre Midfield - Bastian Schweinsteiger and Wesley Sneijder
Xavi always dictated the tempo for Spain, but I think the two players I picked had phenomenal tournaments and deserve credit for that. Schweini was always considered a wide man, but he ran things from the centre and totally dismantled Argentina's midfield. He was good on the ball, solid defensively and energetic as always and for that he had to be selected. Sneijder on the other hand scored crucial goals for Holland and one could not imagine the Dutch being in the final had it not been for him.

Left Midfield - Andres Iniesta
The man who scored the winning goal in the final deserves to be in the team simply because of that finish. But he did so much more than that and ultimately he enhanced his reputation even further with some fine displays.

Attacking Midfield - Mesut Ozil
The young German superstar announced himself to the world at this tournament with some outstanding displays. He was able to make great runs, pick a pass and score a winner in the crucial match against Ghana. Many have said what a joy he is to watch and I certainly can't disagree with that. A player with good technique who is sure to join a top club in the near future.

Striker - Diego Forlan
The worthy winner of the golden ball. Forlan scored 5 fantastic goals and showed why he is such a top marksmen. He proved to the world that there wasn't anything wrong with the Jabulani ball when he scored four of his five goals from outside the box.

Casillas
Ramos Lugano Puyol Lahm
Mueller Schweinsteiger Sneijder Iniesta
Ozil
Forlan

No comments:

Post a Comment