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BBC World Cup pundits Stan Collymore and Paul Elliott name their team's of the tournament so far - while Mark Lawrenson selects his worst. Who are your winners and losers so far?
Stan Collymore has picked the likes of Oliver Kahn, Roberto Carlos, Nicky Butt and Christian Vieri in his team, and says team-Stan will be impossible to beat. Paul Elliot has plumped for an adventurous 3-4-1-2, with the spine consisting of Seaman, Cannavaro, Salif Diao and Ronaldo. But the controversy is saved for Mark, who selects half of the Portugal side in his team of losers. Who are your team of the tournament so far?
The winners of this World Cup were those teams who took their passion, devotion, dedication, pure skill, gratitude, and effort and did all they could. Korea, Turkey and USA all played clean matches and accepted everything that happened. Diana Choe, USA The winners were Korea, for the most passionate and entertaining football played in the tournament. Japan, for being a good co-host, and Turkey and Senegal for their surprising performances. Katty, U.S. Losers are Rivaldo, Italy, and Hakan Sukur. Winners are Ronaldinho, Hasan Sas, Ronaldo, Ahn, and Diouf. The biggest loser of them all has to be Rivaldo. John S,US Winners of the World Cup: Betting agencies/referees. Losers of the World Cup: The viewers and the players, robbed of an opportunity to watch a great Cup and the world's greatest players! Andrew, Australia
Oliver Kahn, Christian Vieri, Hakan Sas, Robbie Keane and the three R's are all excellent player and internationally known. But the true heros are the guys who really stepped it up - Damien Duff of Ireland, Kim Nam Il of South Korea, and Michael Ballack of Germany. They truly shone when their teams needed them most. JJA, Korea/USA Biggest Winners: Turkey. These guys came out of nowhere and they still are not getting any respect. Honourable mention to Senegal, USA, South Korea and Guus Hiddink. Biggest Losers: Italy and Mexico. Both teams left the tournament in an ugly and dishonourable way and with no composure. Alex Ardussi, USA Winners: Senegal for all of Africa, and South Korea and Japan for all of Asia. Losers: actors, bullies, and whiners. Joe C, USA Biggest Winner- Rivaldo Biggest Loser- Rivaldo Jonathan,England Winners: England fans, not just for their behaviour, but the fact that there was so many of them, and not just at England games. I watched every game on TV, and there was always a Saint George's cross somewhere in the crowd. KC, UK
Turkey are obvious winners in this tournament, especially considering that this is only the second time they ever played a World Cup and they've achieved a result that has already equalled the best ever result of big teams like Spain or Portugal who consistently compete in World Cups.An obvious loser is Italy, their loss, though tough and suspect and frustrating, led to the puerile antics and unbelievably inane reaction of their press and football authorities, not to mention the whole Perugia affair! The biggest loser of all? Brazilian captain Emerson who injured himself and quit the tournament without even playing a match after goofing around as a goalkeeper in training. The only thing more astonishing than this is how such a nincompoop can be the captain of a team, let alone Brazil. Attila Pelit, Mexico The losers? It has to be France. You have a team that has the leading scorers from 3 leagues¿and you end up scoring zilch. The winners, well let's wait till the end of the month. Steven Webber, New Zealand There is no shame in losing. The winners are those players and teams who have taken part honourably and with dignity. Stephen, USA The whole Senegal and Korean sides, along with players such as Hassan Sas of Turkey, Ronaldo of Brazil and Damien Duff of Ireland, have been the winners in the competition.The losers were France, Argentina and Italy, in particular Totti and Veron. Iwan, Cymru
I find it amusing that the Scots have targeted so much criticism towards the English players, yet nowhere in sight are their team in this World Cup. The winners are the USA team for doing so well, and not really get a majority level of support from their nation. Ed, England Japan and Korea are the definite winners. Not only have they put on a great tournament, but their supporters should be proud of how well their teams have done. Raymond, UK Winners: Korea, USA, and Senegal for doing so brilliantly.Losers: France, Argentina, and Italy, because they achieved so little. Especially Italy, because they are such bad losers. Phil T, Cornishman in Oman Senegal and South Korea have been true winners, exciting fans all over the world. Hiro Ishiwata, Japan Best team (3-4-3): Given, Cafu, Ferdinand, Roberto Carlos, Inamoto, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Wilmots, Duff, Ronaldo, Vieri. Paul,Eire
The teams of the tournament are Korea and Turkey. They played the most passionate football and they deserve to be where they are now. Alex Telford, England The biggest winner seems to be Gus Hiddink, a man of total brilliance, and the worst loser seems to be the Italian two-year-old cry baby, Gaucci. Rhie, South Korea Best players: Oliver Kahn, Rustu, Brad Friedel; Cafu, Hwang Myung Bo, Rafael Marquez, Tony Sanneh; JayJay Okocha, Gerardo Torrado, Junichi Inamoto, Alvaro Recoba, DaMarcus Beasley; Jon-Dahl Tomasson, The three Rs, Christian Vieri and El Hadji Diouf. Losers: officials, fair play and pre-tournament hype. Gibran, Brazil Spain, Turkey and Japan played really well. Hats off to the Senegalese coach Bruno Metsu. Gitanjali, Nepal Winners: Korea, for putting Italy back in their place.Loser: Italy. Italy might outrank South Korea in the Fifa rankings, but in regards to sportsmanship and fairplay, South Korea outranks Italy by a mile. Not only for losing the match, for losing their reputation as professional athletes, as a football team, and as a country. Michael Lee,South Korea
Italy, by far, is the biggest loser. Not only did they lose the match, they embarrased themselved in front of the world for being a sore loser. Eric Kim,USA Yes, Korea had an advantage of the games being held at home. But that's true for any country that holds the games. So, why is it so unfair that we should advance because of such an advantage? The spectators were absolutely FABULOUS in cheering on for the team. Both thumbs up for them! Senegal and Japan are also winners. The losers? Italy and Gaucci. What a disgrace!! Jean, Dae Han Min Gook! Biggest winners: Ireland were very exciting to watch, I wish they could have gone further. I am also very happy for South Koreans that their team is doing so well and they are all so happy about it. Losers: I'm sorry for France, I was hoping to see them go to the end and sorry for their fans because they must be very disappointed. Katie,USA S Korea is clearly the biggest winner thus far, but wasn't team USA impressive? Their skill and coordinated play exceeded all expectations. The aggressive irreverant tenacity of team USA is no fluke. Get used to it. Charlie, USA
As far as I am concerned, Hasan Sas from Turkey, McBride from the US and Ronaldo are the best players in the cup. The biggest losers of the World Cup 2002 are the referees and FIFA, who have been protecting South Korea. Rivaldo is another loser. A legend like him does not need to cheat. What he did in the Turkey v Brazil match was a disgrace. I don't know how he'll look the Turkish players in the face in the next match. Emrah Senel,UK Rivaldo is the number one loser. He is the disgrace of the cup.Hasan Sas (Turkey) and Ronaldo have been the best players of the cup. Hakan Sukur (Turkey) is another disappointment. Emre Gormezoz,Turkey The winners are the wonderful audience who showed much support to their teams, especially those who congratulated the opposition although their own teams lost. That's the spirit! Boos to the people who can't accept that they have lost and caused violence and damage...including a specific childish and pathetic chairman. Nanako M., Japan
Winners? Turkey. At least they are going to have a second chance in the semi finals to avenge unjustified defeat to the over-rated Brazilians. Mike Roberts, Spain Surely the World Cup's biggest loser is Roy Keane? George,UK My best team: Kahn - Germany would have been out if not for him. Roberto Carlos - the complete wing back. Nesta - best defender in the world, impossible to get around him when fully fit. Cannavaro - as reliable a defender as they come. Cafu - leadership and experience in abundance. Ballack - the most complete footballer in the game today. Denilson - best left winger in the world today, shame he cannot get a start. Figo - a bit off-form but still a cut above the rest when it comes to playing on the right wing. Totti - as a creative a player as there is out there, but scores more often than most. Ronaldo - the best thing about this World Cup. Great to see him back, proves that form is temporary but class is permanent. Vieri - strong, good in the air and as natural a goal scorer as there ever has been in football history. Vijay Rahaman, Trinidad & Tobago
Winners - South Korea and Senegal. Losers - Italy...and all those arrogant "football dominating" teams who get ahead of themselves. J.L., USA Winners: Turkey (my team), Senegal (everybody's team), Brazil (a classic), USA (developing skills), Ireland (admirable fans), hosts (good hospitality). Losers: Italy (should learn how to accept losing or should learn how to win), referees (killed both of the Iberians, I am really sorry for Portugal and Spain), Rivaldo (a hero shouldn't cry like a girl), France (a victory turned to be a fake). Ozgur Ozhan, Turkey Winners: so far, Luis Felipe Scolari, Brazilian coach, for his tactical competencies. Losers: Fifa and referees from the following matches: US v Germany, Italy v South Korea and Spain v South Korea. Bruno Felix,Brazil Biggest loser. Well I don't think I need to remind/bore anyone else about Italy and their 8-1-1 tactics against Croatia and then to that crucial match against S Korea. Oh and that whining. Biggest winner is Asian football in general and other developing nations. This World Cup has given hope that underdogs can cause upsets - particularly with Koreans performing so well. Chris Williams, Australia
I think the winners are all the eight teams remaining. Though I particularly praise South Korea and USA for improving so much over the years, and Senegal and Turkey for performing so well! Chris, Korean living in USA Winners: Eire. We showed everyone that we can compete with the best! Losers: England, because they shall be taught a footballing lesson by the Samba Boys. Chris, Eire Winners: Japan, Korea, and Senegal for going much further than expected. Losers: Italy for being a sore loser, and France for not living up to expectations. Mel, Malaysia Football has made us come together. Winners are people who love football and every player in the tournament. Now I just hope to see better performances in fair play, then we will all be true winners. J.H Shin,Korea I think Italy are the biggest losers of the World Cup. The Koreans had some luck but the Italians never deserved to win the game. The worst thing is that the pathetic chairman of Perugia, the club of the golden goal scorer Ahn, has said that Ahn cannot return to Perugia after the World Cup. He said something like: "someone who eliminates Italy cannot play for Perugia anymore." Isn't that the stupidest thing you have ever heard? Ronald,Netherlands
The biggest losers must be the Italians, to take losing so badly! I'm glad they are out ... the winners, USA/Senegal and Korea, and Liverpool for purchasing the player of the tournament - Diouf! Sean Nicholas,South AfricaThe winners are the excellent stadium built for the World Cup. The loser is Fifa for the poor standard of refereeing. The winning teams are Senegal, England, Brazil, and Spain. I feel as good a tournament that Japan and South Korea have had, that they would not be so impressive if it was not for home support, especially in Korea's case. Maurizio, England Winners: just about everyone listed here. Losers: FIFA, for their appalling decision to allow Rivaldo to continue in the tournament after his unbelievable play-acting against Turkey. He should have been banned immediately, not fined what amounts to, for him, a few hours' wages. Mick Allen, Italy The true winners have been Senegal, Spain, South Korea, Raul and Ronaldo. Unfortunately other winners have included dull but effective sides such as Germany and England who are about as interesting to watch as paint drying. The losers have been Portugal who appear to have lost all control, France who unbelievably could not perform when they are still the best side in the world on their day - and the tournament for losing great teams such as France and Argentina. Sarah, Scotland Winners: Senegal all the way! Truly superb performances with a solid victory over the defending champions to start off with! Let's hope they don't get overconfident (alarm bells ringing?)
Losers: All the big teams, France, Italy and Argentina... shame on you. Muddasser, Pakistan Winners: South KoreaLosers: Italy Ananth Agastya,USA Winners - Japan/Korea for building twenty stadiums while England can't build one. Losers - France, Argentina, Brazil (well they will be on Friday.) Mark, England Winners: - USA, Senegal, the hosts, Turkey. Losers: - France, Argentina, USA (reach the last eight, something that in any other country in the tournament would have been greeted with national acclaim, excitement, and huge media interest - here (the US) it is treated with the indifference of a soap opera storyline.) The players are heroes! Tim Searle, USA (but English)
The winners for me have been the whole Senegal team and Damien Duff for Ireland. Diouf and Duff have been the best players of the tournament by far. The losers of course are Luis Figo and the whole Portugal team. Stan Phoya, Malawi Best: Keeper - Shay Given, outstanding.Defender - Rio Ferdinand, mature beyond his years.Midfielder - Hakan Sas, solid and skilful.Forward - Ronaldo, reborn and better than ever. However this World Cup has not been about individuals, it's been about teams and my team of the tournament to date is Senegal - big performances from day one. Worst: Keeper - Vitor Baia, appalling. Defender - Marcel Desailly, how the mighty have fallen. Midfielder - Joao Pinto, for that tackle alone! Forward - Hakan Suker, Is he playing Worst team - France - the best team in the world? I think not. Finny,England
Winner - Has to be Senegal because I never thought the they would beat France never mind get through to the quarter finals.Loser - Has to be Scotland because they could not even make it through to the World Cup Finals as usual! Leighton,Scotland Loser - prejudice, Winner - spirit Sez,England Figo was the worst player of the tournament. He was overrated. Rio Ferdinand is the best player of the tournament; no one has got past him - the only goal England conceded was because Danny mills messed up. Neil Ackland, England Winners: You and me. Keep the excitement coming until June 30. New star: "Invisible Man" Inamoto.Old star: "Renewed-Man" Ronaldo.Teams: Japan, Korea, USA, Senegal, England, Brazil, Ireland (fantastic fighting spirit).Coaches: Troussier, Hiddink, Metsu, Sven, Scolari, McCarthy (for the guts to send the team captain home and for the wonderful team spirit and free flowing football).
Losers: Players: Diego Simeone (and the entire Argentina team), Zidane (and the entire French team). Team: France (got three top scorers in national leagues but can't find the net), Argentina, Portugal, Italy (boring football and lucky to be alive), German (boring football), Saudi Arabia (on holiday or there to play football?) KA Lee,MalaysiaWinner - Marc Wilmots, who single-handedly brought a poor Belgium team to within a whisker of putting one over on Brazil. Mark , Scotland Winners: the fans, for seeing such an unpredictable tournament. England and Germany - both nowhere at Euro 2000, and now looking to go all the way. Ireland - for showing your biggest star isn't all that. Losers: France - for showing your key player just might be all that. Argentina - I feel very sorry for all the people there. The Fevernova - for showing it's all about the money. Wouter, Belgium
The winners are Senegal. Before the starting of the World Cup they were the lowest ranked team; now they have reached the quarter finals with merit and dignity. Hafez SY, Senegal Winners: David Seaman, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen, Brad Friedel, the Irish, El Hadji Diouf, Henri Camara and the hosts.Losers: France, Argentina, Joao Pinto, Al Daeyea, Roy Keane, Rafael Marquez. Elvis Pack, England The co-hosts Japan and South Korea are the winners, along with the fans who never failed to cheer for their home team. The losers are the referees, excluding Pierluigi Collina, particularly when Hakan Unsal got sent off because of Rivaldo's play acting. There have been many controversial card moments. Chee Hau, Malaysia Diouf (Senegal) has been excellent. Although many players have had highlights during the World Cup, Diouf has been consistently making plays and openings. He is clearly the best player at this World Cup. Y J Kim,Korea
Damien Duff played outstandingly in the World Cup. Alison, Ireland Winners - Senegal. Losers - France, with such an embarrassing exit. Jiya Alfred,Malawi France has got to be the biggest losers, followed by Portugal and Argentina. The winners are Korea, Japan, Senegal and the 'Keaneless' fighting Irish. Frank Regan,USA Winners are definitely Japan and South Korea who improved tremendously since the last World Cup. Also not to miss out, Senegal, who actually emerged from a very difficult group. The losers are France and Portugal. How on earth did they get eliminated from such easy groups? JiunSi, Malaysia
Japan and South Korea are winners. Many said the streak of hosts reaching the second round would end. Not only did they reach the second round, but they made it in style. Japan, in particular, can still go much further. Marek, Florida, USA The biggest winner of this World Cup has to be the fan. Non stop entertainment from the first match. Ben, UK I have been awe struck by some of ridiculous skills of Turkey's Hakan Sas. The way in which he mesmerised the Brazilians and beat them at their own game was a joy to watch. Bobby Seagull, England Why on earth are the pundits choosing Campbell?! That's embarrassing England bias - Ferdinand is doing a two-man job sorting out his colleague! Winners for me include Ronaldo, Inamoto and Tomasson. Hard done by: Owen, pilloried for accepting a gift of a trip like any other striker in the tournament would have done. Loser? Russia, for allowing a team as bad as Belgium to qualify! Dave, UK Winner: Ronaldo. Press all over the world said his career was over. That after two operations he couldn't be the same. Also Brazilian journalists said that it was ridiculous to call a player for the World Cup that had only returned for five matches. Maybe Brazil won't win the cup, but I'm sure that Ronaldo is a true winner, and if he keeps up the good work will became a hero. Loser: France Guilherme Beyrodt, Brazil The individual who is the most unpopular player at the tournament so far is having a great World Cup. Rivaldo has scored three goals and set up two more for Ronaldo. Say what you will about his play-acting or 'cynicism'. This boy can flat out play and 'lapses' or no, is a pure footballer and one of the most gifted players of his generation. There's a lot more Rivaldo to come, ladies & gents, so get used to it.
I also like watching the Dane's Stig Tofting. Here's a lad who's all game-face and giving it the go of his life. Sure, I watched some of the Senegalese lads run him off the ball but they couldn't make him back down when they fouled one of his mates. His chip over the wall to Dennis Rommedahl was perfection and finished France for all intents and purposes. CS, USA Winners: The unexpected Losers: The expected V,EIRE Loser: Rivaldo, for diving and getting suspended. Winner: Owen, for diving and getting a penalty. Masashi Toyooka,Japan I'm not at all surprised with the amount of players who has been impressive in this World Cup. Forget the likes of Thierry Henry, Gabriel Batistuta, etc, there are plenty more than these players in this World Cup to be interested in. Miroslav Klose, Gerrardo Torrado, El Hadji Diouf, Marat Izmailov, Dennis Rommedahl, Joaquin, and Hugo Viana would assure that even though France and Argentina have been eliminated from the World Cup, there is certainly more fascinating stuff to be proven. Benz,England Brad Friedel, USA's goalkeeper is unmatched so far in his performance. No other goalie has managed to stop a penalty. Victoria, USA
I feel that Ecuador have done an excellent job of representing what hard work and dedication over a long period of time can do. They are an example of a team that went from dead last to second best in South America. Even though they lost both matches they proved to be worthy opponents and I hope they obtain a positive result against Croatia. I will be chanting alongside the 12 million Ecuadorians: "Si Se Puede" Carlos Alberto Lagua Jr, New Jersey Winners: Japan for their exciting, energetic breed of football; Denmark's Tomasson, for showing that there is life after English Premiership failure; Spain, for finally showing some of their potential in a World Cup; our own Rio Ferdinand, for fulfilling his potential on the world stage. Losers: Argentina - for their childish, graceless attitude after defeat by England; Senegal's Diouf, for a disgraceful display of cheating (against Uruguay) that exceeded even Rivaldo's "acting"; Roy Keane (remember him?) and Slovenia's Zahovic, for thinking they are bigger than the team they play for. Andrew Wilson, England Biggest winners: Asian football and CONCACAF. The excellent team performances of South Korea and Japan have created a tsunami of passion for the sport in that region, which will endure and reverberate on a global scale. As for CONCACAF, it's about time for some richly-earned respect. Dodge,USA I have really been impressed by Gilberto Martinez from Costa Rica, and the Mexican playmaker Gerrardo Torrado. Chilavert should pack it in, his overbearing influence is a hindrance to his team and he is unfit for top class football Michael Maher, Australia The dawn of the unknown: forget Owen, Rivaldo, Veron or Zidane, this is the year of the underdog. It's like a breath of fresh air. It is by far the most interesting World Cup in the last 20 years. Who is going to win? Whoever wants it the most. george mash, usa Inamoto above all has shown real class in a team that is the epitome of hard work, endeavour and courage. They have taken on and outworked much bigger and more physical teams, persevering through some fine technical play and a traditional work ethic.
Their buzz-saw style of play has been a real breath of fresh air and Inamoto has shown England's fans what they were missing all the time he was playing for Arsenal's reserves. Dale, England Nicky Butt had the game of the tournament when he put Veron to shame. An amazing performance in his first game back from injury. Tim Coombs, Wales I'm amazed at the number of people who have chosen Roberto Carlos and Michael Owen in their best World Cup XI. Both are vastly over-rated. But the worst player on show must be Dario Silva - in 3 games did he do anything right?? Jeff, Scotland Winners: 1.Quinn's header to Keane for Ireland to tie during stoppage time. 2. Sanneh's cross and McBride's header to knock the breath out of Portugal's side 3. Mills' defensive performance against Argentina. 4.Rudy Voeller, his team have already surprised and will continue to do so. 5. Brad Friedel's dominance, reactions and distribution. 6. Teddy Sheringham. Can you English persuade Eriksson to play this obvious choice alongside Owen? You can't expect to win watching teams like Argentina shoot over Seaman's head all day! 7. S. Korean fans and stadiums. Losers: 1. Rivaldo, an actor and embarrassment for Brazil. He should be in Hollywood, not on a football pitch. 2. Henry's red card. 3. Figo, I'm sorry you're in pain, poor preparation is no excuse. 4. Korea's Ahn Jung Hwan's goal celebration, soccer is a game, not a place for political statements. 5. Roy Keane of Ireland and Zlatko Zahovic of Slovenia for not being able to shut up and play, you let yourself and your countries down. Paul Pettus, USA The winners so far: Vieri, Pauleto, Inamoto, Tomasson, Juninho, Marquez, Klose, Casillas, Scholes, Friedel.
The losers: Roy Keane, Figo, Rivaldo - cunning was not the word of that incident. Richard Grassy, USA David Trezeguet has been my biggest disappointment. He has not played as a team member and has been selfish with chances. Coach Lemerre must share blame for choosing the wrong players (Petit, Djorkaeff, Lebeouf) and not motivating his team for the first game. Dan, England The winners of the entire tournament so far have been the three teams from the CONCACAF region, Mexico, Costa Rica and the United States. After six matches, they have a combined record of 4-0-2, with a plus five goal difference. While none of their individuals rank as high as those of other more attractive nations, certainly their team spirit and organization show that CONCACAF is a far better region than most critics would suggest. Brad Johnson, USA Winners: Kahn, Cafu, Ferdinand, Roque Junior, Carlos, Juninho, Luis Enrique, Rodrigues (just for that goal), Rivaldo (apart from that incident), Ronaldo, El Diouf. Losers: Ronaldinho (isn't he meant to be quite good?), France, that bloke from Saudi Arabia who had the goal at his mercy and pulled out the worst dive ever. Biggest winners - the South Korean team and crowd. I don't care if they have been practicing, they are fantastic to watch (and hear!). Gary, Leeds
Real class so far - but now unfortunately on his way home - was Recoba of Uruguay - really exciting, fast and a cracking left foot. Biggest flop - fortunately on his way home - was Wilford, who kept cutting inside and getting in everyone's way when France were crying out for someone to get to the bye line and cross in behind of defenders. Ray Russell, France The winners so far are Denmark. Who would have thought that they would win their group? Joachim, Spain Best goalie by far has been Kahn, he has single-handedly kept Germany in the World Cup (a bit of help from Klose as well). He justifies his world number one ranking. Rene, A German in UK Jon Dahl Tomasson has been a revelation. Where was that form when he played for the Toon? Ads Marshall, England Mr Wenger what were you thinking? Junichi Inamoto is a star! Richard Maguire, Ireland Losers: Argentina for their reaction to losing to England. Danny Mills punched in the tunnel, Paul Scholes abused while trying to do a TV interview, Becks abused while trying to take the penalty, players spat at. They were graceless winners in '98, they are even worse losers now. Total lack of class and dignity. Thankfully England kept their composure and didn't react. KC, UK
Best XI:1) Seaman (England) - Solid and dependable, England need his wise head to keep them calm at the back. 2) Ferdinand Coly (Senegal) - Surely the find of the tournament so far at right back? 3)Another Ferdinand, Rio (England)- Developing into the new Beckenbauer, remarkable calmness and ability to play the ball out of defence. 4) Alessandro Nesta (Italy) - They took him off and Croatia scored two goals. The most complete centre half. 5) Roberto Carlos (Brazil)- Mesmeric in the dribble, thunderous with his left boot and works harder than any other. 6) Junichi Inamoto (Japan) - Eclipsing Nakata as the co-hosts' golden boy, outstanding performances and a match winner. 7) Juan Carlos Valeron (Spain) - Class midfielder who can destroy any defence on his day, just watch out for him. 8)Luis Enrique (Spain) - ditto. 9) Ronaldo (Brazil) Fantastic to see him playing again, but playing close to his best is even more pleasing. The cup needs him. 10) Christian Vieri (Italy) - Nobody can stop him, he's too strong and deadly from anywhere on the pitch. 11)Solomon Olembe (Cameroon) - Can change a game with his pace and trickery from the left of midfield.Worst: Rivaldo - immensely overrated, and a cheat - even though I'm a Barca fan I can still admit that. Marco Materazzi - should pray Nesta is fit again to avoid further embarrassment. Frank Leboeuf - Too old, they will run riot around him unless he goes and plays for Barnsley. Tom Spaven, UK Have people forgotten the formidable job that Korea's captain Hong Myong Bo has done? He plays like Paolo Maldini - maybe even better. Pat Lore,Italy The winners so far are Inamato, Diao and Ferdinand - all showing that although they are lesser known, they exude class and are ones to watch for the future. The losers are Jerzy Dudek (the defence is letting him down), Russian rioters (stupidity) and Roy Keane (Say no more!) Stephen McKinley,England The worst team is Saudi Arabia and the best by far is Brazil. David, Scotland Winners - Brazil. Losers - France. Without Zidane in the midfield they don't have a clue. Shaun Cave, England
My team so far has to be: Friedel, R.Carlos, Ferdinand, Cannavaro, Arce, Beasley, Butt, Inamoto, Luis Enrique, Klose and Vieri. Alastair, N.Ireland Winners so far: Ireland and Damian Duff in particular, with Seaman, Ronaldo, Inamoto, Butt, Ferdinand and Kahn. Losers: Roy Keane, Victor Baia and Sepp Blatter! Macca, England Best team - Given, Cafu, Ferdinand, Miyamoto, Cisse, Donovan, Rivaldo, Butt, Inamoto, Ronaldo and Duff Jon Hannah, England Brazil have been amazing. Are we looking at a repeat of 1970 when England last met Brazil in the World Cup? If so, let's hope for a better outcome! Wajid Shabir, England Worst team is the "daring" 4-6-0 of Belgium - they must have been the two poorest performances ever by a Belgian national team. After France '98 we thought things could only get better - we were proven wrong. Best team - Seaman, Cafu, Ferdinand, Lucio, Carlos, Tomasson, Butt, Scholes, Totti, Owen, Raul Bart, Belgium
The best goalkeepers so far would have to be either Lonnis (Costa Rica) or Perez (Mexico), not being from all-star teams where goalies rarely touch the ball. But from the big names, probably Seaman has been the most consistent. In terms of teams, Senegal, Costa Rica, Mexico, USA, SK and Japan have been great. Apart from England, the other traditional teams have not impressed at all. Francisco Wu, Costa Rica The best players are surely Pauleta, Fadiga, Ronalda, Vieri, and Klose. Andre Santos,Portugal (Best) Seaman, Cafu, Ferdinand, Nesta, Roberto Carlos, Beasley, Butt, Inamoto, Donovan, Klose, Vieri. The Wellian, England The best players on show so far have been: Casillas, Finnan, Ferdinand, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos, Holland, Butt, Totti, Ronaldinho, Raul, Morientes. Darren Herbert, England (Best) David Seaman, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Rio Ferdinand, Steve Staunton, Junichi, Inamoto, Juninho, Marc Wilmots, Damien Duff, Christian Vieri, Ronaldo. (Worst) Chilavert, Veron, Henry and Portugal. Daniel Rees,UK
The best in the world are: Buffon, Carlos, Nesta, Stam, Thuram, Figo, Zidane, Veira, Beckham, Ronaldo, Owen. Damen Holmes,Hong KongAs a Middlesbrough fan, I am thrilled to see old boy Juninho doing the business for his national side. Look at the effort he puts in. He is putting Rivaldo to shame in the creativity stakes. Industry, tackling back - He's Brazil's best player of the first two games. Krik, UK Exciting football, great team and individual play, unpredictable results, hospitable hosts - What more could we want? Best team?Seaman, Maldini, Staunton, Hierro, Roberto Carlos, Ballack, Inamoto, Juninho, Sinclair, Raul, Vieri. Misterbacton,UK This is the year where Spain will make a name for itself. While not a Real Madrid fan, I greatly admire Raul and Morientes and I have enjoyed the impact they have had so far. However there are "lesser" names like Helguera and Casillas that will become household names in the next few weeks. Not to mention Hierro, who is one of the true great Spanish players of the last 15 years. I hope they falter should they meet England, but what a squad! John Parker,Spain This World Cup the worst in History? Not a chance. Admittedly, this World Cup has not contained anything like the skill, flair and quality that we marvelled at in 1970 and 1982. However, 2002 has treated us to something vastly different, yet just as gripping - intense sporting drama. World Cup "minnows" such as South Korea, Senegal, USA and of course Japan have both entertained and charmed us with their ability to overcome their supposed superiors.
One man has shone brighter than any other this tournament - Junichi Inamoto. The man who sits in Vieira's shadow at Highbury has come into the light in Japan and shown himself to be equal to the French talisman against physically stronger opposition - magnificent. As promised by the BBC, this World Cup heroes have come, and not just from where we were expecting. Oliver Flanagan,EnglandBest: Campbell, Beckham, R.Carlos, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Vieri, Batistuta, Inamoto, Kahn, Owen - also Figo (to keep female viewers and wives tuned in, while still keeping the game) Worst: Rivaldo, Rivaldo, Rivaldo Megan,Vermont, USA It is a shame that everyone mentions just the big names, without realizing how influential some lesser known players have been. In central defence Rafael Marquez from Mexico has to be taken into account. Fortune and McCarthy from South Africa, Luis Enrique form Spain, Senegal's goalkeeper (Silva I believe,) and Rapaic from Croatia are all worth a mention. Many of the stars that everyone talks about are playing below their level. Alonso Martinez, Mexico
1)Seaman- Solid in both matches. 2)Cafu- Creates chances. 3)Roberto Carlos- Same as Cafu. 4)Hierro- Scored twice, an inspirational, experienced player. 5)Rio- Solid, yet creative. 6)Bouba Diop- New Vieira. 7)Nicky Butt- Outplayed Veron. 8)Juninho-Back on form. 9)Holland - Sensational as Keane's replacement. 10)Diouf- Exposed the French. 11)Ronaldo-Making up for lost time.Argentina, China and France are the chumps so far.Germany are going to be next. Tom Shirley,England Winners?Trevor Sinclair - Grabbed his chance and played superbly. Fernando Morientes - Cannot be left to warm the bench again. Demarcus Beasley - Must have played his way to a lucrative 'big team' contract. Losers?Leboeuf - Past his use by date.Chilavert - (Sadly,) ditto.Rivaldo - Cheat.Dario Silva - Vicious Cheat.Slovenia - The living proof the 15 European qualifiers is too many. Jury Out!Beckham - Invisible for 89 minutes against Argentina. Jeff Agoos - Own goal of the tournament - but the US still won. Nigel,Australia This World Cup is the worst in history. Football is getting worse day after day and in this World Cup I just see robots that play a game which is not football. Toofan Khalili, Iran Inamoto is the best player of the tournament so far. Mark Falconer,Scotland My team of the tournament......
Seaman, Ashley Cole, Campbell, Ferdinand, Mills, Sinclair, Scholes, Butt, Beckham, Heskey, Owen. Andrew McGill, England The winners should be England. They played brilliantly against Argentina! I would say the losers should be Italy! They had so many opportunities to score. They were quite off. Madeline,USA Winners so far: Oliver Kahn, Cafu, Campbell, Nesta, Roberto Carlos, Scholes, Beckham, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Owen and Ronaldo. The worst team is Saudi Arabia but China are very weak too. Wanderley Junior, Brazil Ireland have been great, but Japan have been a joy to watch, along with under-dogs South Korea and USA. Brazil did not deserve to beat Turkey and the Italians were robbed! Pierce, Ireland Best XI so far (4-4-2):Seaman, R. Carlos, Cafu, Ferdinand, Campbell, Valeron, Butt, Nakata, Inamoto, Vieri, Morientes Faizal Wahyudi, Indonesia Most Disappointing XI: Dudek, Thuram, Materazzi, Desailly, Rui Jorge, Figo, Petit,H Nakata, Ortega, Olisadebe, Henry. Steven Jones,England The best team so far is Ireland. The worst team is Saudi Arabia. Pure luck was behind the Saudis' qualification to the finals. Now they are paying for it and so is Asia, unfortunately. Ali Mansoori, Bahrain
Best XI: Seaman, Cafu, Campbell, Lucio, Carlos, Inamoto, Vieria, Ballack, Rivaldo, Vieri, Ronaldo Daniel Rumens,EnglandIreland would be my team of the World Cup. They have showed great team spirit to come through the whole Roy Keane saga. I hope they will make it into the last 16. Chris Dolan,Belfast, N.Ireland Watching the vast array of midfield talent, can anyone honestly say that Beckham (even at his peak) deserves to be the highest paid footballer in the whole world? Millions of players can score penalties & bend the ball and he was hardly outstanding in the Argentina match. Sean Simons,Virgin Islands Best XI so far: Kahn, R. Carlos, Cafu, Nesta, Cambell, Totti, Rivaldo, Nakata, Figo, Vieri and Larsson. Henrik, Swden Winners: Kahn, Maldini, Nesta, Ferdinand, Cafu, Beckham, Butt, Scholes, Ortega, Vieri, Ronaldo. Marlon Murray,England The best team so far: Chilavert, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Campbell, Junino, Denilson, Beckham, Rivaldo, Vieri, Ronaldo Andrew, USA
Regardless of what he does on the pitch, Rivaldo will always be remembered for what he did at the corner of it. Loser. Tony, England Inamoto has been a breath of fresh air. With the help of an outstanding Japanese team, Inamoto is the best player of the tournament so far. Max, England
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