Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) Position: Midfielder Age: 21

His experience in the 2004 European Championships as well as in the English Premier League has him primed for a breakthrough in the World Cup. But has been prone to flareups in major matches for Manchester United. Excellent feet, great balance and a rapid change of direction. Signed by Manchester United in a $12.4 million deal from Sporting Lisbon in 2003. Recently extended his contract with the Red Devils.

Wayne Rooney (England) Position: Forward Age: 21

Most talented player on England. Emerged as a 16-year-old in a League Cup tie at the Racecourse Ground. His performance for Everton put him on England's team for a 2004 qualifier against Turkey. Terrorized the French defense and recorded doubles against Switzerland and Croatia. A broken foot ended his tournament in the quarterfinals. One blemish is his temper. Last September, he was sent off in a Champions League game against Villareal for mocking a referee's actions.

Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine) Position: Forward Age: 29

Widely regarded as the most feared forward in the world. Since moving to AC Milan in 1999, Shevchenko has scored 127 goals in the Italian League and another 30 in Champions League play. Led Ukraine with six goals as the country qualified for its first World Cup. A move to Chelsea finally happened in late May for a club-record transfer fee of $56 million. Recovering from minor ligament damage to his left knee. The 2004 European Player of the Year missed the crucial penalty during last season's Champions League final loss against Liverpool. Scored all four goals in Milan's demolition of Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Dejan Stankovic (Serbia & Montenegro) Position: Midfielder Age: 27

Stankovic played for Yugoslavia when it beat the United States, 1-0, in the 1998 World Cup. Helped his new country make the World Cup by scoring two goals in qualifiers. Played eight seasons for Italian Serie A clubs. Known to have occasional tantrums. Made his international debut in 1998 and played in every match in Yugoslavia's Euro 2000 campaign, helping them to the quarterfinals.

John Terry (England) Position: Defender Age: 25

The inspirational leader of England. Widely regarded as one of the best center backs in the world. Made his debut for England in June 2003 and quickly blossomed into a star. Has been outstanding for Chelsea.

Lilian Thuram (France) Position: Defender Age: 34

The French captain is a true giant of modern soccer and one of the best defenders in the world. Has returned to his center half position for his country. Helped guide Juventus to its 29th Scudetto and will hope to replicate this success for France at the World Cup.

Luca Toni (Italy) Position: Forward Age: 29

Scored 31 goals this season, the highest Serie A total in 47 years. Recorded a hat trick in a 4-1 qualifying rout of Belarus. Strong and quick enough to create havoc in front of the net. Joined Fiorentina last summer following two successful campaigns with Palermo, and helped the Viola clinch Champions League qualification. Scored four goals in World Cup qualifiers.

Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast) Position: Defender Age:

In four seasons, Toure has experience to go with his speed and rugged tackling ability. Played 45 league and cup matches for Arsenal this season. Established himself as the heir to Tony Adams at the heart of the Arsenal defense.

Igor Tudor (Croatia) Position: Defender Age: 28

Prides himself on his ability to physically intimidate opposing strikers. Missed the 2002 World Cup due to injury. Can also score key goals, like the one in the 2003 Champions League against Deportivo La Coruna that kept Juventus in the competition. Played for both Juve and now Siena and has over five years experience in Serie A.

Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands) Position: Goalkeeper Age: 35

Moved to Manchester United from Fulham in June 2005 after four years with the London club. A world-class shot-stopper and an international veteran with over 100 caps. Agile and instinctive and a formidable opponent in one-on-one situations. After nine years with Ajax, he joined Juventus in Italy, where he spent two years before moving to England.

Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands) Position: Forward Age: 29

Enjoyed a stunning first season in the English Premiership after a $19 million move from PSV Eindhoven in July 2001. Finished the campaign with 23 goals in the Premiership and 36 in all competitions and was named the PFA Player of the Year. Made Premier League history by becoming the first player to score in eight consecutive matches. Ousted Patrick Kluivert in recent years to become Holland's No. 1 striker.

Patrick Vieira (France) Position: Midfielder Age: 29

Another giant on the French team and one of the greatest players of his generation. A cornerstone of the national team since he appeared on the World Cup winning team in 1998. One of the Premiership's best foreign talents after being brought to Arsenal as a virtual unknown from Milan's reserves. After a disappointing final season for the London side, Vieira has been back to his best after his move to Juventus last summer.

Johann Vogel Position: Midfielder Age: 29

The cornerstone of the Swiss midfield and the team captain. Combined defensive work with the ability to carve out openings. Established himself at the international level during six seasons with PSV Eindhoven. Joined AC Milan in the summer of 2005.

Zinedine Zidane (France) Position: Midfielder Age: 33

France's prospects were boosted when Zidane, who was named UEFA's European player of the last 50 years, announced his return to the international game following his retirement in 2004. After making a huge impact in the 1998 World Cup, Zidane astounded fans and critics with his breathtaking natural ability. If he can keep himself fit, Zidane will be one of the most influential players in the tournament.