By Paul Downey.
Now the knockout stages have begun we are finally being treated to some superb goals and great attacking play, as well as dogged defending. Here’s a round-up of some of the players who stood out in the World Cup Second Round last 16 matches:
Luis Suarez (Uruguay) – After a quiet start to his campaign, the Ajax hitman has come to life in the last 2 games with 3 goals. His first against South Korea was a poacher’s strike, but the second which proved to be the winner was simply superb.
Asamoah Gyan (Ghana) – Playing as the lone front man can be a thankless task, but Gyan seemed to relish the challenge against a shaky USA backline. He showed excellent pace while others tired in extra time to fire an unstoppable winner past Howard.
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) – Bayern Munich man was the architect of so many German attacks against England. Comfortable in control, an intelligent passer of the ball and showed good pace to break away for Germany’s killer third.
Thomas Muller (Germany) – The 20 year old Bayern Munich striker is a tireless worker in the newly adopted 4-3-3 system and gave Ashley Cole and torrid time. Showed good vision to pick out Podolski for the second, and rounded off a great performance with two goals in the second half.
Carlos Tevez (Argentina) – One of Argentina’s most consistent performers during the tournament finally broke his duck with two varying goals against Mexico. The first was offside, but there was no denying the quality of the second, an absolute rocket to seal the South Americans a Quarter Final with Germany. A constant threat throughout with his direct style, which compliments Messi and Higuain very well.
Juan (Brazil) – Roma centre half scored the first against Chile with a towering header, and defended doggedly against the lively Chileans to ensure Brazil cruised into the last eight. His partnership with Lucio will be vital if they are to overcome the Dutch in the next round.
Arjen Robben (Netherlands) – The Bayern Munich winger looks to be getting back to full fitness after hamstring injury just before the start of the tournament. Scored the first against Slovakia, and was at the forefront of the majority of the Dutch attacks. He will need to be at his best if the Dutch are to get past Brazil in the next round.
David Villa (Spain) – With the indifferent form of Fernando Torres, Barcelona’s new forward was again the hero against Portugal with an instinctive finish at the second time of asking. He has now scored four goals in as many games and could be the key to Spain’s chances of winning the tournament.
Eduardo (Portugal) – Produced at least three top class saves to deny Torres, Villa and Llorente before finally being beaten by Villa at the second half. The stopper commands his penalty area well, and marshalls the back four too.
Vote for who you think produced the best performance. Is there anyone we have missed, if so please let us know who they are, and why they should be voted for.
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