Players of this World Cup

[Bogball XV]

In 2006 Fifa announced the 3 players in the running pre final, then at half time the final votes from the panel (mostly journos had to be in) that's why Zidane got it.

[mountainboii]

Zidane was the best player at the last World Cup though, headbutt or no headbutt.

[Main Street]

For me, 2006 was Cannavaro's World Cup.

[Billys Boots]

For me, 2006 was Cannavaro's World Cup.

I understood that Cannavaro got the nod for player of the tournament in 2006 too - am I wrong?

[paco]

For me, 2006 was Cannavaro's World Cup.

I understood that Cannavaro got the nod for player of the tournament in 2006 too - am I wrong?

Not sure about that, he definitely won the FIFA world player of the year that year though.

[Capt Pat]

Zidaine was the official plyer of the tournament(golden ball winner). Cannavaro was world player of the year. Zidaine only won it because the Brazilians flopped against him. A bit like the Dutch only being in the final because the Brazilians fell apart.

[orange2009]

Zidane got player of the Tournament, Cannavaro got FIFA World Player of the Year.

Personally in terms of being the most influential player, its hard to look past Bastian Schweinsteiger this year.  He makes Germany tick, and whilst not being involved in flashy play like Ozil or Meuller, hes been fantastic.  Hard to see Germany getting where they are now and playing as they are without him in the side pulling the strings

[Minus15]

Players I have been impressed with:
Salcido
Hernandez
M Pereira
Gargano
Forlan
Otamendi
Messi
Donovan
KP Boateng
Pantsil
Lahm
Ozil
Schweinsteiger
Klose
Muller
Kuyt
Maicon
Robinho
Puyol
Ramos
Alonso
Villa
Casillas

Team of the tournament:
Casillas

Lahm
Puyol
Salcido

Donovan
Schweinsteiger
Alonso
Robinho

Muller
Klose
Villa

[paco]

Players I have been impressed with:
Salcido
Hernandez
M Pereira
Gargano
Forlan
Otamendi
Messi
Donovan
KP Boateng
Pantsil
Lahm
Ozil
Schweinsteiger
Klose
Muller
Kuyt
Maicon
Robinho
Puyol
Ramos
Alonso
Villa
Casillas

Team of the tournament:
Casillas

Lahm
Puyol
Salcido

Donovan
Schweinsteiger
Alonso
Robinho

Muller
Klose
Villa

You can't be serious?

[mountainboii]

Anyone else reckon Muller has been blown up a wee bit more than is merited? I mean, he seems like a bit of a right place at the right time man, just putting the finishing touches to Ozil and Schweinsteiger's good work. Although I suppose that's what he's there for, to tap in the tap ins. Still don't reckon his absence will hinder Germany that much tonight, there are at least 4 or 5 other lads that are more important to their team.

[paco]

Anyone else reckon Muller has been blown up a wee bit more than is merited? I mean, he seems like a bit of a right place at the right time man, just putting the finishing touches to Ozil and Schweinsteiger's good work. Although I suppose that's what he's there for, to tap in the tap ins. Still don't reckon his absence will hinder Germany that much tonight, there are at least 4 or 5 other lads that are more important to their team.

Thought the same myself, tonight will tell a tale. One who I think has been doing a great job relatively un-noticed is Khedira, bound to move on from Stuttgart this season.

[Bogball XV]

Team of the tournament:
Casillas

Casillas is charmed to still be playing for spain, imo he's been pretty awful.  Best keeper?  Tough to say what with the ridiculous ball, maybe Neur of Germany?  Kingston, I just couldn't give it to a lad who is Wigan'd 3rd or 4th choice keeper.

[paco]

There have been no keepers who have really stood out. It should probably be given to the Nigerian keeper for his performance in the game against Argentina.

[A Quinn Martin Production]

Anyone else reckon Muller has been blown up a wee bit more than is merited? I mean, he seems like a bit of a right place at the right time man, just putting the finishing touches to Ozil and Schweinsteiger's good work. Although I suppose that's what he's there for, to tap in the tap ins. Still don't reckon his absence will hinder Germany that much tonight, there are at least 4 or 5 other lads that are more important to their team.

Every team would love one of these, but I agree with your overall point.  However I think he's going to be a great player in 2 or 3 years.  Still only 20 (even if he looks about 38)

[magpie seanie]

Can't believe no-one has mentioned Arevalo to Uruguayan defensive midfielder. He has been fantastic. They were saying he is 28 and still playing in Uruguay. Surely he is worth a punt for someone even at that age. His work rate is immense. Really brilliant at what he does.

For me the player of the tournament is Forlán. He has played way better than I thought he could. His first touch in tight situations has been simply superb and remember he is not playing in a star studded team - he is the leader. Scored a few screamers with both feet. Brilliant.