SA Logue’s Starting World Cup Eleven, Plus Substitutes
This is slightly off-topic in a travel guide, but it’s also important, in a world of unsavory rumor, that we in South Africa demonstrate our deep levels of engagement with the beautiful game at all times.
During yesterday’s epic semifinal, the subject of a hand-picked first eleven came up, and, after some debate – lubricated by wine, beer, cognac and Doritos – the following “dream team” was picked, to play in a 1-3-5-2, taking cognizance of the fact that the 2006 World Cup has rewarded attacking footbal.
Gallas (LD – FRA) Cannavaro (CD – ITA) Terry (RD – ENG)
Lahm (LB – GER) Gerrard (CB – ENG) Maxi Rodriguez (RB – ARG)
Viera (M – FRA) Zidane (M – FRA)
Ronaldo (LF – BRA) Klose (RF – GER)
Substitutes:
Ballack (GER), Essien (GHA), Henry (FRA), Ricardo (POR), Riquelme (ARG), Torres (ESP)
Coach:
A toss up between Lippi (ITA) and Scolari (POR, and, one hopes, RSA in four years) – but Scolari gets the nod because he’s done more with less.
So there you have it. What comments, criticisms?