An ideal candidate to spark Brazil's attacking play alongside Ronaldinho.
Enjoyed a spectacular opening season with AC Milan. The former Sao Paulo star
possesses fantastic passing skills, great vision and a fine shot. Was a member
of the squad that won the Confederations Cup in Germany.
Henrik Larsson (Sweden) Position: Striker Age: 34
A world-class striker and Swedish legend, Larsson's goal-scoring abilities at
both the club and national level speak for themselves. He was a member of the
squad which finished third at the 1994 World Cup and also appeared at the 2002
World Cup and Euro 2002 and 2004. Announced his retirement in 2003, but returned
the following year. His strength on the ball and in the air, combined with a
deadly touch, makes him a feared attacker.
Maniche (Portugal) Position: Midfielder Age: 28
Widely regarded as one of Europe's leading midfielders after starring for
Portugal during the Euro 2004 campaign. Joined the exodus away from Porto
following their Champions League win in 2004 when he was snapped up by Dynamo
Moscow in May 2005. Failed to settle there and moved to Chelsea on loan in
January.
Rafael Marquez (Mexico) Position: Defender Age: 27
Rugged tackling and slick ball skills are vital to Mexico's success. Served
as Mexico's captain in the 2002 World Cup. A year later, he joined legendary
Spanish club Barcelona. Played 33 games this season as Barcelona won the league
title and the Champions League. Mexico's most accomplished player since Hugo
Sanchez. Can play central defense or midfield.
Pavel Nedved (Czech Republic) Position: Midfielder Age: 33
Arguably the greatest-ever player for the Czech Republic. Won titles and
trophies with Italian clubs Lazio and Juventus while the Czechs failed to
qualify for the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. Came out of international retirement
to help the Czechs make the World Cup in 2006. Joined Juventus from Lazio in
2001 and was named European Player of the Year in 2003.
Alessandro Nesta (Italy) Position: Defender Age: 30
The 2006 World Cup will be Alessandro Nesta's sixth major championship in a
career that spans all the way back to Euro 96. In England he failed to make an
appearance but by 1998 he was part of the Italy side that reached the
quarterfinals of the World Cup with injury ending his involvment at the end of
the group stages. It was at Euro 2000, though, that Nesta established himself as
one of the finest defenders in the world. He missed out on a second Champions
League winner's medal in 2005 when he was at the heart of the defense that
capitulated to Liverpool. That season may have ended on a down but his
consistency marks him out as one of the most reliable defenders in the world.
Jens Nowotny (Germany) Position: Defender Age: 32
Missed the last two World Cups due to injuries. Has a decade of experience in
the German Bundesliga. Four knee surgeries marred his career. His contract with
Bayer Leverkusen expires at the end of the 2005-06 season and he has already
confirmed he will leave the club.
Michael Owen (England) Position: Forward Age: 27
England's most feared goal scorer, fearless in taking on defenders and
manages to be in the right place at the right time. Recovering from a foot
injury. Accuracy and instinct around the net. Burst onto the national scene at
the World Cup in 1998.
Carlos Puyol (Spain) Position: Defender Age: 28
Won a silver medal in the 2000 Olympics. Played in all of Spain's games in
the 2002 World Cup and 2004 European Championships and in 11 of its 12 World Cup
qualifiers this year. Draws a lot of yellow cards for his hard tackles and
heated arguments.
Juan Roman Riquelme (Argentina) Position: Midfielder Age: 27
Argentina's best playmaker since the incomparable Diego Maradona. The
Villareal star has a wonderful range of passing and is also a danger at set
pieces, especially free kicks around the box. Signed a permanent deal with
Villareal at the start of the 2005-06 season after two years on loan at El
Madrigal from Barcelona.
Ronaldinho (Brazil) Position: Forward Age: 26
Orchestrates the sweeping sequences of Brazil's attack. Possesses the ball
unlike any other player. Can spin and cut the ball through tacklers and has the
balance and strength to bounce off them as well. His passing touch is superb.
Named the world's best soccer player after leading Barcelona to the Champions
League title. Also captained Brazil to the Confederations Cup last summer.
Instrumental in Brazil's 2002 World Cup win.
