my best twelve

The World Cup finally came to an end. A lecturer I met in IIUM said "habis dah masa qiam.." hehe. As always, the analysis starts after the event ends. Not enough time being the reason, I'll cut it short and name my best team of the WC.

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Oli Kahn (Germany)
I think Klinsmann went a bit overboard in 'changing the face of German soccer' by relegating this man to the substitute's bench. He played for only 90+ minutes in the third playoff against Portugal and pulled some superb saves Lehmann can only dream of, letting in a goal that no goalkeeper can save, except maybe one with sixth sense. One stare from Oli Kahn and most strikers would pee in their pants.

Right back: Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy)
He played so well in this position and went for attack so many times I forgot many times that he is actually a left back. Scored one goal ( a superb one while at that), he's always a menace going up and controls the ball much like a midfielder, rarely going for hasty clearances.

Left back: Philip Lahm (Germany)
In the semifinal against Italy, he tackled the Italians like the Italians. Also a menace in attack, he complements Scweinsteiger on the left flank, forging a superb partnership. Lahm is the most consistent performer in the German team he hardly gets substituted I don't think. Scored the first goal in the World Cup. And what a goal.

Centre back: Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)
Who else? If not for him, Buffon would have a lot more to do this World Cup, and I don't mean buying souvenirs. No longer getting past him with a football considered impossible, I think it borders more on the unthinkable. I can imagine most managers' instruction; "if Cannavaro's in front of you, switch play!"

Centre back: John Terry (England)
Eriksson can look back at this World Cup and be thankful for one thing he did right. Terry was undoubtedly England's most consistent performer this summer, even performing 'saves' that Robinson were unable to do. Criticised for his lack of pace, he compensates with his superior reading of the game and never-say-die attitude.

Central midfield: Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
Superb as a holding midfielder, superb as an attacking midfielder. Created Italy's best chances in the tournament; launching attacks when need be, and blunting them when not in posession. Also a set-piece specialist. The big clubs are all queueing for when Milan gets relegated. If, that is.

Central midfield: Ze Roberto (Brazil)
Much has been said about the 'magic quartet' before the World Cup, but the one who performed up to 'Brazilian standard' is one who is not in it. Ze Roberto acted as cover for the defenders and as a 'back-up plan' for the attackers, and in both tasks he performed superbly. Undoubtedly Brazil's most consistent performer.

Central midfield: Zinedine Zidane (France)
At 35, still no one can take the ball away from his feet. Exited the World Cup rather disgracefully with that infamous headbutt (a semi-bald one, while at that). Still, he's one of the world's best midfielders, if not the best, as Brazil learned painfully for the second time. Good close control and always with an eye for that killer pass, it's sad that he left a sour note upon retirement, although still at the top.

Striker: Carlos Tevez (Argentina)
Jose Pekerman once commented (jokingly, I presume) that "if you want to see the Argentinian strikers, see Snow White and the seven dwarves.." and not because Argentina have a beauty with a soft spot for apples as one of their strikers. Small though he is, you can sense the danger every time Tevez has the ball. An eye for goal and an eye for the killer pass, Tevez is also a big fan of nutmegs. I imagined he can also drift a little deep and to the left side and Pirlo to the right, providing an option for the team to play 4-4-2 as a variation.

Striker: Paulo Wanchope (Costa Rica)
Against Germany, he got two chances and scored two goals. Wanchope is the very definition of the Tico's attack, such as that if one should ask "what's 'The Attack of the Ticos'?", people will answer in unison; "Wanchope!" OK I'm exaggerating. But only to a certain extent. Had he be given more service I think he'd be in the running for the golden boot with my other striker;

Striker: Miroslav Klose (Germany)
The ever reliable striker. Fox in the box? Yes. Unselfish? You bet. Scores goals? He's top scorer at the WC so what do you think..? Klose epitomises the German work ethic. He never gave up and don't fall down too easily. On top of that he is not easily provoked. As if proving something, unlike four years ago where he mainly scored with his head, at this WC he scored mainly with his Copa Mundial-clad feet. But waitaminute..won't that make him the complete striker? At the WC, you bet.

Manager: Guus Hiddink (Australia)
Give him 11 unknowns and he'll turn them into football stars. Shown time and again that he has the uncanny ability to mould any meagre football team into formidable ones. Hiddink has the ability to motivate, and his organization is up there with the best in the business. Heck, even Cocu looked like a superstar under this man.

So there, my best twelve. I think these people have had significant impacts in their nation's WC campaign, and so deserve a place as my best twelve (cewah, macam best sangat je best twelve aku). Until the next World Cup, I hope FIFA does something to curb the synchronised diving. And oh please, please find a replacement for Collina.