its been almost a week since the World Cup finals have passed, and im
suffering from World Cup withdrawal sympthoms. Anyways my take on the
final match was that the sending off was the turning point. Im not
gonna be giving a bias post of fully blasting one-side but rather give
my take on both sides performances. I reckon the game was matched
evenly, the turning point coming when living legend Zizou being sent
off. Moment of madness? Perhaps? How the french would all wish he had
that little common sense left remaining in him during those crucial few
seconds. Nevertheless, Italy never really capitalised on the 1 man
advantage and rather played it out to the penalties. With France's
three main penalty takes out, Viera, Henry & Zidane, I had a
feeling Italy had the edge with Buffon between the posts. However both
keepers proved inept and a blunder by Argentine-born Trezeguet proved
to be the deciding factor. Well done Italy, Honestly I'd rather France
win it with a fairytale ending for Zidane but it wasn't to be.
Next I shall present Khairul's choice XI WC Dream Team.
These players truly showed their quality and were memorable in Germany 2006
Goalkeeper
Alexandre Ricardo (Portugal)
He made crucial saves which enabled Portugal to advance all the way to
the Semis and only conceding 1 goal. However then in the 3rd placing
play-off conceded 3. Topped the WC charts for most saves in the whole
tournament. He's kept the same ammount of clean sheets as Buffon but
with a lesser defense. Excellent saves, most notably the 3 against
england in the penalty shoot-out and nearly kept Zidane's one out as
well. Bravo Ricardo, he gets my pick as the best keeper of the
tournament.
Right Back
Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy)
One of the best full-backs in the world and in this tournament he
didn't fall short in proving why. His lung-bursting runs down the
flanks taunted opposing teams defense and still managed to secure his
flanks from marauding left-wingers. Great with both feet which enables
him to play on both flanks and scored an excellent goal against
Ukraine, it happened to be his 2nd ever goals scored in his entire
professional footballing career.
Left Back
Philip Lahm (Germany)
There was only going to be one truly outstanding contender for this
position and Philip Lahm fit the bill perfectly. Sensationally opened
the world cup scoring charts with his wonderful right foot screamer
past the Costa Rican keeper Jose Porras and continued to make daring
attacking runs from the right flank. One of the few German players
managing to come out on top despite the semi-finals lost to Italy. A
massive work-horse for the German team and at 22, theres more yet to
come from this young startlet, expect him to shine again come Euro 2008
& WC 2010.
Centre-Back
Lucas Neil (Australia)
If it weren't for this bloke, Australia wouldn't have made as far as it
did, ironicly however he was the sole reason why Australia crashed out
of the WC losing out to the eventually champions. Nevertheless this
Socceroo, showed what he's all about. Stamping his authority in the
heart of Australia defense. He has made quite an impact on the
international stage and it is no wonder why is it reported that top
european clubs have begun the claim for his signature.
Centre Back
Rio Ferdinand (England)
One of the few stars that shone in the dimmed galaxy of England's
national team. His defensive qualities proved instrumental in England's
participation in the latter stages of the World Cup, most notably
during the Quater-Final match against Portugal. Despite being one man
down, Ferdinand proved to be the key in England's back-four and
nullified the Portugese offensive.
Defensive Midfielder
Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
This man right here is in the league of his own when comes to defensive
midfielders. He has proven to be Italy's trump card and was the engine
that brought Italy cruising to the Cup, with his sublime passes, great
vision, quality strikes at goal and a master of set-pieces. At 27, he
is at his peak and this playmaker no doubt will stilll be around come
Euro 2008 and surely bound to make an impact!
Right Winger
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
The Golden Boy of Portugal, twinkle-toed Cristiano Ronaldo. He has
progressd far and is starting to develop into world-class player. Great
with both feet and eventhough he plays on both flanks during matches he
usually is employed on the right flank. Made a huge impact in this
World Cup and played a pivotal role in Portugal's excellent run to the
Semi-Finals. Amazing skills and great build-up in attacking play and
has finally improved in his finishing despite scoring once only through
a penalty. Enjoy this video showing exactly why he is in my first XI's
Left Winger
Arjen Robben (Holland)
Team Oranje had a disappointing run this World Cup, despite showing so
much promise in the WC Qualifiers and in the group stages. However a
messy round-16 meet up with Portugal proved to be their undoing. From
these few matches they played, Arjen Robben tormented the full-backs
with his bursting runs and lightning speed, he was awesome on the left
side. His impeccable finish against the Serbs would be his only goal of
the tournament.
Attacking midfielder
Zinedine Zidane (France)
A genius, an artist, a living breathing legend, the master of football.
I believe the greatest player in my generation that I have witnessed.
The fact that he was an algerian immigrant brought up in the poor
suburbs and worked his way up to top and literally conquering the world
and quite nearly twice, he is definantly in my good books forever. His
case this World Cup was a tragic fairy-tale for the most expensive
footballer in the world. He plays with grace and a unique stlye unlike
any other, he leaves audiences breathless and opponents in his wake
with his immaculate skills. A stuttering display for France in the
group stages but started firing all-cyclinders in the latter stages
with Zidane bagging 3 goals against Spain, Portugal and finally Italy.
Despite ending his career in the most unfortunate way let us not
remember Zidane for one moment of madness but reflect on the
entertainment that he brought to the footballing world. The Journey is
more important than the Destinantion.
Watch and be awed
Forward
Miroslav Klose (Germany)
Made his first WC appearance back in 2002 and ended up scoring 5 goals
and coming behind Ronaldo as the tournament's top scorer. This
tournament he bagged another 5 goals which was vital to Germany's run
to claim 3rd best in the world. Quick pace, excellent aerial ability
and a killer instinct for goals. With 5 goals left, I fancy this polish
born striker matching or bettering Ronaldo's record of 15 world cup
goals, come South Africa 2010.
Forward
Lukas Podolski (Germany)
Heavily criticised for his poor finishing and lack of goals in the
group stages, however he finally got of the mark against Ecuador and
went on a scoring run. Winner of Gillette's Young Player award, this is
Germany's answer to Wayne Rooney. He performs best behind strikers with
his powerful left foot, physical approach to the game and burst of
acceleration make him a nightmare for defenders to deal with. Despite
having poor touches and finishing in the decisive game against Italy,
this 21 year-old polish born attacking prodigy will have plenty more
international tournaments to shine at.
Thats my personal choice of first XI's in the world
cup. Feel free to comment whether u agree or disagree with my selection
or better post ur own first XI's and we'll compare.
