World Cup 2006 - The Best

World Cup 2006 has captivated the imagination of many. It was indeed a great showcase of the world's best players. Here is a team of eleven of the finest players of the tournament...

GIANLUIGI BUFFON(ITALY)

The World's Most Expensive Goalkeeper has yet again proved he is also the World's Best Goalkeeper. Commanding in the box, amazing reflexes and technique, strong in the punch, and not to mention a pair of safe hands. Italy's last line of defence has been nothing short of magnificent throughout the World Cup. Best saves include:

1. Diving fast to his right to tip the ball against the post from a powerful header from Shevchenko in the quarter-finals against Ukraine.
2. A World Class save from Lukas Podolski's strike in extra time against Germany in the semi-finals.
3. An excellent reflex save to tip Zinedine Zidane's goalbound header over the bar in the final in extra time.

GIANLUCA ZAMBROTTA(ITALY)

A former winger.. he has settled in with ease into the fullback position. Able to play on the left and right sides of defence and midfield. It is in the right back slot in which he has really impressed. Superb defending on the flank, tough tackling and interceptions and not to mention his strong running to support the attack. Best remembered for his goal against Ukraine in which he cut inside from the right wing, played a one-two with Francesco Totti before unleashing a 25 metre piledriver in which Shovkovsky could only parry into the net.

LILIAN THURAM(FRANCE)

One-half of the Juventus central defence. He has been rock solid throughout this tournament. His reading of the game from the back has been second to none, often snuffing out the danger before it ever presents itself. He has also put in strong and important challenges throughout the tournament to shut out the tournament's best strikers such as Ronaldo, Luca Toni, Fernando Torres and Pauleta. Been nothing short of superb at the heart of the French defence.

FABIO CANNAVARO(ITALY)

Italy's inspirational captain has been extraordinary throughout the tournament. Impeccable timing in his tackles, great marking and positional sense as well as a majestic leap to win headers has made him indispensible at the heart of the Italian Defence. Lukas Podolski, Milan Baros and Andrei Shevchenko were made to look ordinary when faced with this valiant Warrior from Naples. Cannavaro is his name. Solid is his game.

PHILIP LAHM(GERMANY)

The 23 year old left back has been something of a revelation in this tournament. A right footed left back who never stops attacking down the left flank with his marauding thrusts down the left, often troubling opposition defences with his dribbles and speed. Although he is a great attacking weapon down the flank, his great stamina has also enabled him to track back with speed. Scored the brilliant opening goal against Costa Rica. Has had a fine tournament. A bright future lies ahead.

LUIS FIGO(PORTUGAL)

Luis Figo will be calling time on his international career after the World Cup for good. The most capped Portuguese player, he has been excellent in his efforts for Portugal. Made a great assist in the opening game against Angola and followed that up by setting up Deco's goal against Iran and crossing for Nuno Gomes to score in the Third-Fourth Placing match. He has lost some speed, but not his skill. Been instrumental in the midfield for Portugal, often masterminding their attacks down the middle or from the right. A legend we will all miss once he finally calls time.

ANDREA PIRLO(ITALY)

Named Man Of The Match thrice by FIFA, this deep lying playmaker has creative qualities beyond the average footballer. He dictates play in the middle of the park with utmost grace and poise. He has a tremendous range of passing and his vision enables him to pick up team mates with either short or long passes. A dead ball specialist, he has proved that with a great freekick for Gilardino's goal against USA and a brilliant corner for Materazzi's goal against France. He does his fair share of tackling and chips in with a fair share of long range shots and goals as well, like the one against Ghana. However, it was his fabulous pass for Fabio Grosso to score against Germany which was the highlight of his play in this tournament.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE(FRANCE)

Zizou, the magician, is a great playmaker of the modern era. Immaculate passing, silky skills, nifty footwork.. it is almost impossible to take the ball away from him. Has been a legend for France as well as the footballing world. What coolness from a great player, when he chipped the ball beyond Buffon to score from the penalty spot in a World Cup Final. A truly great player, he has had a good tournament, especially in the knock-out phases. Created the goals against Brazil and Spain with pin-point freekicks. Don't forget he did score against Spain by getting the better of Carlos Puyol and firing it past Iker Casillas.

MAXI RODRIGUES(ARGENTINA)

The Atletico Madrid winger has had a great tournament. His ability to play either on the left or the right has given a variety of options to Jose Pekerman. But it is on the right flank where he is most effective, with his mazy dribbles and positive running. Scored a few goals in the World Cup, including a brace against Serbia and Montenegro. However, it was his spectacularly volleyed goal against Mexico in the second round which should be applauded over and over again.

MIROSLAV KLOSE(GERMANY)

The Golden Boot winner of the World Cup, he has proved himself after yet another successful World Cup. Formerly only able to score with his head, he has chipped in with predatory shots and deadly finishing. He has also been a creator of goals, assists for his strike partner Lukas Podolski against Sweden would count amongst them. While he has improved his all-round play, his heading is still, nothing short of fantastic, especially when you look at the power and accuracy of his header which tied the match against Argentina in the quarters. Undoubtedly the great striker of German Football currently.

THIERY HENRY(FRANCE)

Henry's skill and acceleration has been a constant thorn to opposition defences throughout the World Cup. His finishing has been lethal as well. Got his World Cup underway with a well-taken goal against South Korea. Scored against Togo as well, but it was his important winner which knocked out 5 time World Champions Brazil which was the most significant. Undoubtedly one of the best players in the world for his ability to perform consistently at the highest level.

BEST COACH:

JURGEN KLINSMANN(GERMANY)

Written off before the tournament, he has proven himself in the best way possible and got the whole nation behind him. Germany has displayed a great desire to win and a passion to play attractive and attacking football. Has truly captured the imagination of his country and the world.