Riquelme would have been a lock for my side but his performance against Mexico was awful. If Argentina would have went out he would have been partly to blame. He just needs to rest up to get his legs back because he was clearly a passenger for Argentina during the latter parts of the Mexico game.
Good list. WRT Aussies I would put Grella in over Bresciano. Bresc has been below par (for him) in this tournament, whereas Grella has been oputstanding - outplayed Gatusso v Italy IMO
Eh?? Pirlo hasn't really done anything that I've been impressed by. Reminds me of Albertini - lots of hype and yet when I watch him he seems happy to pass the ball sideways all the time.
You're right, he should shoot and score more. Except that's not why he's on the field. That's why we have Totti. Pirlo has been in perfect position almost every time as an outlet for the defenders when they find themselves in trouble. From what I've seen, he's made the right decision on whether to push it forward, go back, or take it himself a high percentage of the time. When it was required, he's made a good pass to open things up in the front. Tactically very smart and having a very great tournament if you ask me. Just filling his role well, that's all.
As for defenders, I was particually impressed by the Mexican Rafael Marques. Even when I watched Barca I never really noticed how good in fact he is. IMO one of the best so far.
Although a little biased, I'd put Michael Essien in it somewhere. Others I'd highly consider: Lahm & Podolski (Germany); Ronaldinho (Brazil); Cech (Czech Republic); J.Cole (England); Riquelme (Argentina)
Good gosh, I just realized I could have Essien AND Riquelme in my midfield. Oh yeah baby. My team looks strong!
well you could add a lot of players in a lot of possitions that you would need like 23 spots on your team. about pirlo, well somebody said everything already. he's sticking to his role on the team and he's doing it perfectly i believe lippi is very happy about him and gattuso cya
i am still extremely impressed by the handballing in the penalty area trend Marquez started... once he tried playing the goalkeeper it suddenly caught on and everyone was doing it!
-----------------Buffon----------------- ---Cafu----Nesta----Cannavaro--Lahm-- Ribery--------Pirlo-----Kaka-------Essien --------Klose-------------Ronaldo-------
i understand every single choice., except Ribery!!! could someone explain to me why? i would still probably exchange Ronaldo with Robinho.
My team ------------- Zuberbuehler------------ Miguel ------ Canavarro ----- Senderos ------ Lahm Ribery ----- Rodriguez ----- Viera ---- Deco -------------- Crespo --- Klose--------- Apologies to: Maniche Torres Cafu Marquez and quite a few others.. The only two which I would consider GUARANTEED to make it are Lahm and Canavarro.. The rest are all open to critisism...IMHO
I can't settle on a best XI. I'm going to pick a best 23, if I were to pick my own best World Cup squad judging from performances I have seen watching games. Goalkeepers: Ricardo (POR), Kawaguchi (JPN), Buffon (ITA) Defenders: Juanito (ESP), Mertesacker (GER), Terry (ENG), Marquez (MEX), Cafu (BRA), Schweitzeiger (GER), Gallas (FRA) Midfielders: Ballack (GER), Zidane (FRA), Rodridguez (ARG), Maniche (POR), Xavi (ESP), Essien (GHA), Dempsey (USA) Forwards: Klose (GER), Delgado (ECU), Robben (NED), Cahill (AUS), Tevez (ARG)