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The World Cup has finally ended…I won’t like to talk about the final but about the good things …i.e. World Cup in Africa, showing the courage and confidence of the African people, shunning their detractors and successfully staging a mega event. Shakira’s WAKA WAKA, man I’ll miss her and hope she’ll be back in four years to cheer her continent that time…and The Brave heart Germans …the team of the tournament for me.
I decided to pen down my World Cup 11, but with just one restriction…i.e. I included not more than 3 players of the same country so as to amalgamate the best players from all over and not have a team with only Spanish, German and Dutch players.
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GOALKEEPER- Diego Benaglio – the Swiss stopper was though unable to send his team to round of 16 but did provide us with great saves .In the game against the Spanish he stole the show with his back line. He just gave away one goal in the three games his team played .But his first performance against the eventual champions secured his position in my 11.
RIGHT BACK – Philip Lahm – The captain marvel of the young German side…I couldn’t see anybody else in that position …not even Maicon or Ramos…He is the perfect blend of attack and defense…He did a great job after taking the responsibility from ballack and in my opinion should be retained as the German captain.
CENTRE BACK –Carlos Puyol – The only Spanish defender that really looked sound at the back and who can forget his goal in the semi finals? Spain are not known for defense but this Catalan defender was watertight.
CENTRE BACK – Joris Mathijsen – the unsung hero of the Dutch team ,was ever so slick and clean at the back…did his work and was hardly reckless…even in the last game where the yellow cards were flooding in for the Dutch ,he got his yellow for dissent after the goal.
LEFT BACK – Fabio Coentrao – this Portuguese player was one of those who was converted to be a left back rather than being a natural defender, he is more of an attacking winger but he slotted in with ease and was lethal sprinting forward from back and joining attack…he was critical in the 7-0 destruction of D.P.R.Korea .Looked lively throughout the tournament and surprisingly was great at the back…perhaps revelation of the tournament.
CENTRE MIDFIELD – Sami Khedira- Another of the rising stars. Filling the shoes of ballack he did eclipse all the expectations. Formed a great partnership with Schweinsteiger and were instrumental in most of the matches .Solid defensively with an eye to attack .His darting runs were a source to many of the German attacks.
CENTRE MIDFIELD – Mark Van Bommel – He can be called a central destructive midfielder because all he did was breaking down opponent’s attack and he was far more than just successful in doing so. He gave Total football a whole new dimension and stamped his authority in midfield. His physicality was very useful against the Brazilians .He did all the dirty work and perhaps was lucky that he never got sent off or suspended for his deeds .But someone has to do that role in a team and he was efficient in his work
RIGHT ATTACKING MIDFIELDER – Thomas Mueller – the best young player of the tournament .At the age of 20 and having so great a footballing mind…that’s a rare combination .His game against the English typified what a mature player he is…
CENTRE ATTACKING MIDFIEDER – Robinho – the best of the samba boys…he had that motivation ,that spirit to succeed …perhaps the most influential in attack for brazil ,a team that was perhaps a bit defensive throughout the tournament .
LEFT ATTACKING MIDFIELDER –Dirk Kuyt – the most hard working player of the tournament … Working up and down on the left hand touchline throughout the game, was so much involved in the good things that the Dutch team did…without his help perhaps the Dutch might have been more prone, keeping in mind that behind him was van Bronckhorst, the 35 year old left back. Kuyt shielded him well.
LONE STRIKER-David villa –the best forward of the tournament…he singlehandedly won Spain matches and that to more than once ,proving his prowess .He needs no justification for his inclusion..
NOTABLE MENTION/ SUBSTITUTES
LANDON DONOVAN – MR.AMERICA, THE TALISMAN…
VINCENT ENEYEMA – GREAT WORLD CUP FOR HIM PERSONALLY THOUGH NIGERIA WERE NO THAT GREAT.
STEVEN GERRARD – THE LEADER
DIEGO FORLAN – WORTHY WINNER OF GOLDEN BALL, HARD WORKING
JOAN CAPDEVILA –UNSPOKEN ABOUT BUT EFFECTIVE …
