FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: TOP 5 REVELATIONS OF THE WORLD CUP

Hand of devil

The World Cup can sometimes build your career as well as destroy it. It is a wonderful platform to showcase your skills in front of the entire watching world. This huge occasion has many a times brought talented players out of their hibernation and made them into overnight footballing heroes. Here I present before you my top 5 revelations of this World Cup:

1) THOMAS MUELLER: Thomas Mueller has had a wonderful season. He fought stiff competition to be in the starting lineup of Bayern Munich and then played a huge part in their quest for a treble winning season which ultimately ended with a defeat in the champions league final .He carried his form at the World Cup and was simply unstoppable through the right flanks providing 3 assists and scoring 5 goals to end up winning the golden boot, an honour which he totally deserves. His split passing and marauding runs have made him one of the top transfer targets this summer although he is unlikely to move away from Bayern Munich.

Hand of devil

2) LUIS SUAREZ: A top class striker for Ajax Amsterdam, he was not very well known before the World Cup but was tipped to make an impact. And he did in both by scoring crucial winners for Uruguay and providing assists to the infamous “hand of devil” save against Ghana which led to his sending off. Although he is being criticised for his unsporting behaviour of handling the ball just when it was about to cross the line, there is no doubt about his intensity and his passion to win. His inflammatory comments after the ugly incident, however, further puts a question on his sportsmanship.

3) MESUT OZIL: One of the star performers of this World Cup, he was hardly a popular figure in the footballing world. But his sparkling play and awesome dribbling has already drawn comparisons with the iconic Lionel Messi. Although he was slightly subdued in the latter stages, he is no doubt one of the players of the tournament.

4) MICHAEL BRADLEY: This defensive midfielder has developed by leaps and bounds during this World Cup. Right from his defensive work to his attacking ability, he carried the American team along with Landon Donavan. The USA team looked a much better team in the second half against Ghana when he came forward to play as an attacking midfielder. Not to mention his superb goal against Slovenia which earned him many plaudits.

5) KEISUKE HONDA: Probably one of the biggest revelations of the tournament. Arsene Wenger has already described him as an interesting prospect. Right from his sublime free kicks to his dribbling skills to his ability to win fouls, he has been the foundation of this Japanese team in this World Cup. He singlehandedly gave them victory against Denmark in the must win tie. With 1 assist and 2 goals, he has surely been the find of the tournament.