Angola clinched its first berth in the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Rwanda on a header by Akwa, the team captain. Sometimes compared to legendary forward Eusebio, who played for Portugal. A very skillful and physical striker, his shooting prowess makes him a tough opponent. Currently unattached, Akwa's most prominent club was Benfica, for whom he played for five years.

Michael Ballack (Germany) Position: Midfielder Age: 29

The captain and Germany's key player. Signed a three-year deal with Chelsea last month after deciding to leave Bayern Munich. An offensive midfielder, Ballack has a fearsome shot with either foot and is very strong in the air. Rose to prominence at Bayer Leverkusen beforejoining Bayern.

DaMarcus Beasley (United States) Position: Midfielder Age: 24

Enjoyed an excellent first season in Europe with PSV Eindhoven. His lightning speed and quick feet make him a potent threat on the wings. Starred in the 2003 Confederations Cup and maintained his form through the World Cup qualifying campaigns. Began his pro career with the Los Angeles Galaxy where he was the youngest-ever MLS player at 16 years and 10 months.

David Beckham (England) Position: Midfielder Age: 31

Will mark a decade in international soccer with this World Cup. One of the world's most recognizable athletes. An icon, ambassador and celebrity, which matters little on the pitch. Still regarded as one of the world's best free-kick specialists and supplier of crosses. Injured throughout the last World Cup.

Jared Borgetti (Mexico) Position: Forward Age: 32

A goal-scoring machine, registering just shy of one goal for every two games in more than 60 appearances for his national team. Played his entire career for provincial sides in the Mexican top-flight before earning a move to Bolton in 2005. Played in the 2002 World Cup.

Gianluigi Buffon (Italy) Position: Goalkeeper Age: 28

Regarded as one of the world's outstanding goalkeepers. His impressive saves helped Juventus clinch their fourth Serie A title in five seasons this year. However, missed half of the 2005-06 season with a shoulder injury. His experience and talent make him the country's undisputed No. 1, having defended Italy's goal in the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. He played in six World Cup qualifiers, allowing seven goals.

Cafu (Brazil) Position: Defender Age: 36

Unchallenged at rightback since the 1994 World Cup final. Brazil's most capped player, Cafu won two World Cups and in 2002 became the first to play in a World Cup final three times. Joined AC Milan in summer 2003. Helped Roma clinch the Serie A title in 2001.

Iker Casillas (Spain) Position: Goalkeeper Age: 25

Arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the world. With 300 appearances for Real Madrid and over 50 Spain caps, he already has a wealth of experience and has ironed out his weakness on high balls. His speed and reflexes make him very difficult to beat. Recently signed a new contract with Madrid.

Peter Cech (Czech Republic) Position: Goalkeeper Age: 24

Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. The Czech's undisputed No. 1 almost from the moment he made his debut as a 19-year-old in February 2002. Fantastic athleticism and incredible consistency. Broke the Premiership record for the number of minutes without conceding a goal in his first season at Chelsea, where he also became the first Blues keeper to lift the English league championship for 50 years.

Park Chu-Young (South Korea) Position: Forward Age: 20

The latest darling of the South Korean media and fans. Already has made an impact on the international stage, including scoring a vital last-minute equalizer in Tashkent against Uzbekistan during qualification for Germany 2006. The FC Seoul striker has already made it clear he wants to move to Europe and an impressive showing at the World Cup will go a long way towards that.

Hernan Crespo (Argentina) Position: Striker Age: 29

Succeeded Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's No. 1 striker. Played for many of Europe's biggest clubs after making his name with River Plate. Starred at Parma and Lazio but a move to Inter Milan was ruined by a troublesome thigh injury. Moved to Chelsea but never settled in England and was quickly loaned to AC Milan. He flourished at the San Siro, scoring regularly as the Rossoneri reached the 2005 Champions League final.

Nelson Dida (Brazil) Position: Goalkeeper Age: 32

One of the best goalkeepers in the world. A substitute in the last World Cup, Dida has a reputation for saving penalties following his performance during a shootout in the 2003 Champions League final between Juventus and AC Milan.

Michael Essien (Ghana) Position: Midfielder Age: 23

Known far and wide because he plays for Chelsea, which paid a $43 million transfer fee for him - the highest price ever for an African player. Has an excellent range of passing and his reading of the game is superb. Attracted some negative publicity for a couple of crude tackles. Gained experience with the Black Stars and won a silver medal at the World Youth Championships in 2001, as well as the bronze at the World Under-17 championships in 1997.

Carlos Gamarra (Paraguay) Position: Defender Age: 35

Will serve as team captain after playing every minute in the last two World Cups for Paraguay. Helped Paraguay win a silver medal in the 2004 Olympics. In the last two World Cups, Paraguay advanced out of the first round each time. Joined Brazilian club Palmeiras in June 2005 from Internazionale. Has played for AEK Athens, Atletico Madrid, Benfica in Europe and Brazilian sides Flamengo, Corinthians and Internacional, among others. Good positional sense and strong in the air.

Steven Gerrard (England) Position: Midfielder Age: 26

The heart and soul of England's team. Not until his 22nd cap did he suffer his first international defeat, coincidentally while captaining the team for the first time. Missed the 2002 World Cup due to injury. Played a key role in Euro 2004. An inspirational player for Liverpool.

Thierry Henry (France) Position: Forward Age: 28

The Arsenal star is one of the most feared and gifted strikers in soccer. His finish is second to none, but it is his pace, skill and vision that make him truly exceptional. He finished as France's leading scorer in the 1998 World Cup and few would bet against him repeating the feat. Has blossomed at Arsenal and now captains the team.

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