By Guest Writer Paul Downey.
With the first round of World Cup matches complete we look at who the star performers of each group were during the first games and give you the chance to vote for who you think produced the best performance.
Group A
Rafael Marquez (Mexico) – Very rarely wasted a pass, did well to shield his back four and popped with vital equaliser against South Africa with cool finish.
Group B
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Simply majestic in possession, and a constant threat every time he had the ball. He could have had four goals or more if not for the Nigerian keeper.
Group C
Glen Johnson (England) – Full back showed his attacking qualities on the right hand side, without being troubled by the American attack.
Group D
Mesut Ozil (Germany) – The creative spark in the German attacks in Ballack’s absence. At the heart of everything good for the Fatherland as they blitzed the hapless Aussies.
Group E
Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) – Picked up where he left off with Inter, with an all-action display against Denmark. Very rarely wastes the pass, and always seems to find space to play in.
Group F
Simone Pepe (Italy) – Despite falling behind to Paraguay, the Italians always remained a threat with Pepe a driving force behind getting them level and another day they would have won.
Group G
Robinho (Brazil) – The Samba Magician seems to be enjoying his football again, and was the driving force behind Brazil finally overpowering a resilient North Korea side. His through-the-eye-of-a-needle ball to Elano for Brazil’s second was sublime.
Group H
Sanchez (Chile) – A main cog in the works of a very offensive Chile side, which created a lot of chances against Honduras. He could thrive against better opposition if the game becomes stretched.
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