DC Soccer Opinions: Teams of the Tournament
- By Joseph Schoenbauer
GK - Jens Lehmann, Germany – Many will point to Gigi Buffon for saves such as the one he performed in the final to thwart Zidane’s header, but Jens Lehmann can lay claim to the title for several reasons. After finally overcoming Oliver Kahn to win the starting goalkeeping position, Lehmann went on to inspire his team to the semifinals and finally to a 3rd place finish. With such an attacking team, Lehmann was the key to organizing and giving confidence to Germany’s youthful defense, while proving the hero in the dramatic penalty kick victory over Argentina in the quarterfinals.
Left Back – Fabian Grosso, Italy – Pipped Philip Lahm just barely, but for good reason. No matter how controversial, Grosso drew the penalty to earn victory in the second round against Australia, scored the game winner in extra time in the semifinals over Lahm’s Germany with a spectacular finish, and scored the decisive 5th penalty kick in the World Cup final. Not bad for a left back that plays for Italy.
Center Back – Fabian Cannavaro, Italy – Strong, athletic, composed. Typically Italian, Cannavaro captained his Italian side to World Cup glory without his partner Nesta and with his outside backs Grosso and Zambrotta often foraging in the attacking third.
Center Back – Lilian Thuram, France – In inspiring form for the French side, the partnership of Thuram and Gallas was never likely to concede many goals. Thuram was a vocal leader as well, which went a long way in making up for Barthez’s limitations in goal.
Right Back – Miguel, Portugal – One of the top right backs in the world, Miguel’s athleticism and tireless running was there for all to see, especially in the knock-out rounds, when he literally ran himself into the ground against England. Looked to be the best player on the pitch against France before he succumbed to injury after a fantastic individual run.
Defensive center midfield – Javier Mascherano, Argentina – With great tackling and skill on the ball, Mascherano’s undoubted ability was clear in the second-round matchup with Mexico, when an Argentinian team with the likes of Riquelme, Tevez, Messi, Aimar and Maxi all on the field at the same time, never looked like conceding the center of the pitch to Mexico.
Defensive center midfield – Andrea Pirlo, Italy- Pirlo has an outstanding ability to control the tempo of the game as a deep-lying playmaker. His vision and control of the ball means he rarely ever gets caught in possession, while his calmness is exactly why Italy’s Grosso was able to score his spectacular goal against Germany.
Left Wing – Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal – No matter how controversial the press want to make him out to be, the fact is that he remained, at just 21 years of age, the most dangerous winger in the World Cup. With Portugal basically playing with a ghost for a forward in Pauleta, the offense relied on the freedom that the midfield of Costinha, Maniche and Deco gave to the wingers. Cristiano Ronaldo was able to take full advantage of this, constantly beating defenders on the dribble with limitless trickery, and unleashing powerful shots, all the while giving goose bumps to the fans watching. Was also subject to an incredible amount of fouls, including the worst foul of the entire tournament, when Boulharouz attempted to take his leg clear off his body.
Attacking Center Midfield - Zinedine Zidane, France – The beauty and the beast labored through the first two games as if he was ready to end his career. However, following his suspension for the 3rd group game, Zidane caught on fire, scoring against Spain, providing the game-winning assist against Brazil, and scoring the game-winning goal, via penalty, against Portugal to send France into the Final. He then went on to score against Italy in the Final, via penalty, before going down in infamy with his kung-fu head butt to Marco Materazzi’s chest which subsequently got him red carded. His performance against Brazil was by far the greatest individual performance in the World Cup, and will give a lasting reminder as to what Zizou meant and brought to futbol during his career.
Right Wing – Frank Ribery, France – Made a spectacular rise to fame this year and made his way into an aging France side ahead of the likes of veteran Sylvain Wiltord. His place in the side could never have been questioned after the results he produced. It is Ribery’s great balance that makes him so dangerous, as he is able to stay on his feet to get by sliding and fouling defenders with ease. Unlucky to be on the losing side in the finals, but should be one of France’s key players for World Cup 2010.
Center Forward – Miroslav Klose, Germany – The complete forward package and the deserved winner of the Golden Boot with 5 goals, Klose was the leader of the attacking Germany side. Not only did he score goals, he kept possession, was dangerous on the dribble, and provided important assists, such as the 2 he made for Lukas Podolski against Sweden in the second round.
2nd Team
Buffon; Lahm, Ayala, Gallas, Zambrotta; Gattuso, Frings, Maxi; Riquelme; Torres, Ronaldo
3rd Team
Ricardo; Boka, Carvalho, Sagnol; Vieira, Ze Roberto; Robben, Deco, Figo; Crespo, Henry
4th Team
Pato; Sorin, Materazzi, Meira, Marquez; Zokora, Maniche, Appiah; Ballack; David Villa, Podolski
Worst Players
De Rossi, Pauleta, Rooney, Donovan, Beasley, Bouhlarouz, the whole of Serbia and Montenegro