Abel Xavier will possibly be the most distinctive player at the World Cup.

But his bleached blonde hair, which gives him the appearance of a football-playing Neptune, should not deceive anybody into thinking that it covers up for a lack of skill.

Xavier had to shake off the ignominy of having been banned from Uefa competitions for nine months after his altercation with officials during Portugal's defeat to France in the Euro 2000 semi-finals.

He was always a consistent performer for English Premiership side Everton before a shock move to local rivals Liverpool during the 2001/2002 season.

There he has established himself as a permanent fixture in a solid defence in domestic and European competitions.