The tournament is definitely taking off now with 10 goals on Friday. I enjoyed watching Argentina at Soccer City before Greece did well to hit back to beat Nigeria. And what about that great win for Mexico against France? Here's my 2010 World Cup finals team of the day from Thursday 17 June:
Goalkeeper Greece Provided the turning point when he foiled Everton's Yakubu in a critical one-on-one situation. The Panathinaikos keeper kept his team in the match and gave Greece the perfect platform to win the game. Left-back Argentina
Another impressive display from the ex-Manchester United defender who is solid at the back and a big threat at set pieces. Centre-back Mexico
Saw off Anelka and never gave the French forward a kick. Composed when it mattered and assertive on occasions - he was the perfect foil for his partner. Centre-back Mexico
The centre-halves produced a formidable partnership. They were never phased or intimidated by the French forward line. What was most extraordinary was that it convinced Raymond Domenech that it was futile to bring on Thierry Henry or Djibril Cisse. He must have seen it in the stars. Right-back Argentina
How Gutierrez made the Argentine team from a squad full of superstars was as big a mystery as the South Koreans having no-one to expose the Newcastle midfielder. The Magpie produced a solid performance - but can it last? Midfielder Mexico
The centre-half-cum-midfield player was outstanding. Talk about cool, calm and collected. Without doubt the Mexican skipper was the driving force behind France's downfall. Midfielder Greece
An unsung hero in the heart of the Greek midfield. Never stopped running or tracking players. Not a pleasant job, but he seemed to enjoy it. It was his shot that caused the Vincent Enyeama to fumble. Midfielder Greece
Stylish midfielder who made his side tick. He goes down in history for leading his team to an historic first World Cup victory. Even against 10 men! Midfielder Argentina
Great player, great to watch and on this form a nightmare for any defence. Argentina look very dangerous. Striker Mexico
When you have players who can retain their composure on the big stage you know they are special. Hernandez did just that. Rounded the keeper, looked at the target and buried it - that's finishing. Nothing instinctive, just a cold-blooded assassin. Striker Argentina
Two games into the tournament and the Argentine hitman is clearly benefiting from the mayhem caused by Lionel Messi. The first hat-trick in the tournament and he's now odds-on favourite to win the Golden Shoe award.
|
Bookmark with:
What are these?