Best 11 of the Group Stage
As the group stage draws to a close, it may feel like the World Cup still has a long way to go, but with 48 of the tournament’s 64 games now played, it is high time to look at the top performers so far.
I’ve gone for the 4-2-3-1 system operated rather successfully by Argentina, Germany, Holland and Brazil amongst others. These are my picks; feel free to respond with your own.
Surprisingly enough, the French, Italian and English presence is in short supply.
Goalkeeper: Eduardo (Portugal) The keeper was the main reason that Portugal made it through their three games without conceding a goal. May not have had much to do against Ivory Coast or North Korea, but made good saves against Brazil and did everything required of him throughout the group stage.
Right Back: Gregory van der Wiel (Holland) One of the breakthrough players of the tournament. Those in Holland have known about van der Wiel for a while, but in this tournament he has showcased his sizeable talents on the world stage. Solid in defence and good going forward, earns his place in the team despite being rested in the final group game.
Centre Back: Tulio Tanaka (Japan) Japan have performed fantastically so far, with Tulio playing a big part in their success. Born in Brazil to Japanese parents, Tulio also has Italian heritage, which perhaps explains his total dedication to defending. He has been a rock at the back for Japan, winning most challenges on the ground and in the air and performing admirably against top level forwards Robin van Persie and Samuel Eto’o.
Centre Back: Diego Lugano (Uruguay) Uruguay were another side to record three clean sheets, and captain Lugano played a huge part in achieving this. Another defender who combines technical ability with a no-nonsense physical approach, Lugano marshals the Uruguayan defence with authority and at 29, is currently at the peak of his powers.
Left Back: Fabio Coentrao (Portugal) The young Portuguese full-back has been a revelation in his first major international tournament. He only made his international debut last year, but is already a key part of the side. Coentrao is an accomplished defender, but also seems to enjoy spending a great deal of time in the opposition half creating chances for his teammates.
Defensive Midfield: Mark van Bommel (Holland) The Dutch came into the tournament with all eyes on their attacking stars Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, but their results so far have been built less on the inspiration of their playmakers and more on the perspiration of their midfield general. Alongside defensive midfield partner Nigel de Jong, the experienced van Bommel has won all of his midfield battles and has been Holland’s top performer.
Defensive Midfield: Anthony Annan (Ghana) Another midfielder who is recognised more for his defensive work, Annan has been brilliant for Ghana. He and Kevin-Prince Boateng have provided the protection and service to enable the attacking talents in front of them to flourish. Annan is tenacious in the tackle, but also technically gifted and capable of carrying the ball forward when needed.
Attacking Midfield: Mesut Ozil (Germany) If anyone wasn’t aware of Ozil before the tournament, they should be now. The young maestro with the magical left foot is the creative hub of the German side, thriving in the opportunity of the free role offered to him. Ozil makes the Germany team tick, providing clever passing, strong running and is also a real goal threat, as his stunning effort against Ghana proved.
Right Wing: Leo Messi (Argentina) Messi needs no introduction. Before the tournament, there was a lot of debate as to whether the planet’s number one player would live up to his billing in his first World Cup as an established star. He has not disappointed so far, repeatedly displaying his ability to open up defences while looking like he’s barely trying. The brilliant winger may not have scored yet, but he has been involved in almost every one of Argentina’s goals so far and it surely only a matter of time before he finds the net.
Left Wing: Seizuke Honda (Japan) Another player who came into the tournament with relatively little fanfare, but has been superb so far. Honda has a box of tricks up his sleeve, with his pace, skill and ability to finish making him a real threat to any defence. He is the main attacking threat in this Japan team, and has been the best attacking player in a group with includes talents such as van Persie, Sneijder and Eto’o.
Centre Forward: Robert Vittek (Slovakia) There is a fair amount of competition for this position, but no other striker can claim to have had quite the same impact on his team’s qualification for the knockout stages. His three goals have been key to Slovakia’s success, with the strikes against Italy both of the highest order.
Substitutes
Sergio Ramos (Spain) Physically dominant over most of the wingers he faces, the rampaging full-back has been one of Spain’s main attacking threats in their games so far, particularly in the vital victory over Honduras. Ramos, who can also operate at centre-back, is the prototype of the modern full-back; physically and technically brilliant, dominant at both ends of the field, and capable of the odd theatrical turn.
Antonin Alcaraz (Paraguay) The impressive centre-back has made a key contribution at both ends to help Paraguay to top spot in their group. Alcaraz scored the opening goal against Italy and forms a rock solid pairing with Paulo da Silva in the centre of Paraguay’s defence.
Alexis Sanchez (Chile) Another player who has had a breakthrough tournament, Sanchez has given a torrid time to a succession of opposing full-backs. A fantastic dribbler with great crossing ability, he is already one of the top young stars in Serie A with Udinese, but may well move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs given his glowing reviews so far in this tournament.
Park Chu-Young (South Korea) There have been other strikers who have scored more goals in the group stage, but few who have played as well as Chu-Young. The young striker is a real talent, with quick feet and an eye for goal as well as being a brilliant free-kick taker.
Eduardo
Van der Wiel — Tulio — Lugano — Coentrao
Van Bommel — Annan
Messi — Ozil — Honda
Vittek
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