SWOOSH0018’S BEST WORLD CUP XI
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER/PLAYMAKER
SUPPORT STRIKER/DEEP LYING FORWARD
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER/PLAYMAKER
SUPPORT STRIKER/DEEP LYING FORWARD
DIEGO MARADONA
Full Name: Diego Armando Maradona
Born 30 October 1960
World Cups: 1982, 1986, 1990 & 1994
Arguably The Greatest Player the World has ever seen. Maradona was a Superstar but had his fair share of controversy as well. A 17 year old Maradona narrowly missed out on the 1978 World Cup. However in 1982 Maradona made his World Cup debut for Argentina and scored 2 goals against Hungary. Argentina and Maradona were eliminated in the 2nd group phase by losing to Italy and Brazil. Maradona was marked and kicked out of the game by Gentile against Italy and was sent off for kicking Brazil’s Batista. His disappointment in 1982 was quickly forgotten after his World Class performance in 1986. Maradona captained and led Argentina to World Cup Success with his one man brilliant show. Against England in the Quarterfinal he scored a dubious and controversial Hand of God goal with the use of his arm (Confirmed Later by Him) and then scored Arguably the Greatest Goal Ever dribbling through the entire team himself and scoring.
Against Belgium he again scored 2 spectacular goals to take Argentina to the finals. In the finals after letting slip a 2 goal lead against West Germany Maradona’s vision and brilliant pass set up Burrachaga to score the winner. In 1990 Maradona was again inspirational in leading Argentina to the finals. His magic set up the winner against Brazil in the 2nd round. In the semi-finals against Italy Maradona again was surrounded by controversy as the Argentines played the Italians in Naples, where Maradona played his club football. He made a request to the Italian fans to support him & Argentina instead of Italy. Argentina beat Italy but lost to West Germany in the finals where Maradona received a Yellow Card for his arguing. In 1994 Maradona had a short World Cup but still managed to score against Greece. His World Cup Career came to an embarrassing end when he was expelled for failing a drugs test.
Maradona was one of the greatest footballers to ever grace the game, with his skill, vision, dribbling ability and scoring talents. Michel Platini is quoted as saying “Diego was capable of things no one else could do. The things I could do with a football, he could do with an orange.” I can go on and on about the brilliance of the little magician from Argentina, but sometimes as the saying goes a picture paints a thousand words.
MICHEL PLATINI
Full Name: Michel Francois Platini
Born 21 June 1955
World Cups: 1978, 1982 & 1986
Platini made his World Cup debut in the 1978 World Cup. He scored a goal but France were eliminated in the first round. In the 1982 World Cup Platini was the playmaker of a great French team which included the likes of Tigana, Giresse & Fernandez in midfield. These four midfield magicians were known as “Carre Magique” (The Magic Square). The French midfield in the 1982 World was considered one of the strongest and Platini was at the main playmaker and star player. Platini was a goal creator as well as goal scorer and Platini and France after a slow start in the first group phase were brilliant in the 2nd group phase and lost out painfully to West Germany in the Semi-Finals on penalties. In 198, Platini again led France to the semi-finals, once again losing out to the Germans. Platini was one of the greatest midfield playmakers along with Maradona in the 1980’s. Definitely along with Zidane the greatest French footballers ever.
Full Name: Diego Armando Maradona
Born 30 October 1960
World Cups: 1982, 1986, 1990 & 1994
Arguably The Greatest Player the World has ever seen. Maradona was a Superstar but had his fair share of controversy as well. A 17 year old Maradona narrowly missed out on the 1978 World Cup. However in 1982 Maradona made his World Cup debut for Argentina and scored 2 goals against Hungary. Argentina and Maradona were eliminated in the 2nd group phase by losing to Italy and Brazil. Maradona was marked and kicked out of the game by Gentile against Italy and was sent off for kicking Brazil’s Batista. His disappointment in 1982 was quickly forgotten after his World Class performance in 1986. Maradona captained and led Argentina to World Cup Success with his one man brilliant show. Against England in the Quarterfinal he scored a dubious and controversial Hand of God goal with the use of his arm (Confirmed Later by Him) and then scored Arguably the Greatest Goal Ever dribbling through the entire team himself and scoring.
Against Belgium he again scored 2 spectacular goals to take Argentina to the finals. In the finals after letting slip a 2 goal lead against West Germany Maradona’s vision and brilliant pass set up Burrachaga to score the winner. In 1990 Maradona was again inspirational in leading Argentina to the finals. His magic set up the winner against Brazil in the 2nd round. In the semi-finals against Italy Maradona again was surrounded by controversy as the Argentines played the Italians in Naples, where Maradona played his club football. He made a request to the Italian fans to support him & Argentina instead of Italy. Argentina beat Italy but lost to West Germany in the finals where Maradona received a Yellow Card for his arguing. In 1994 Maradona had a short World Cup but still managed to score against Greece. His World Cup Career came to an embarrassing end when he was expelled for failing a drugs test.
Maradona was one of the greatest footballers to ever grace the game, with his skill, vision, dribbling ability and scoring talents. Michel Platini is quoted as saying “Diego was capable of things no one else could do. The things I could do with a football, he could do with an orange.” I can go on and on about the brilliance of the little magician from Argentina, but sometimes as the saying goes a picture paints a thousand words.
MICHEL PLATINI
Full Name: Michel Francois Platini
Born 21 June 1955
World Cups: 1978, 1982 & 1986
Platini made his World Cup debut in the 1978 World Cup. He scored a goal but France were eliminated in the first round. In the 1982 World Cup Platini was the playmaker of a great French team which included the likes of Tigana, Giresse & Fernandez in midfield. These four midfield magicians were known as “Carre Magique” (The Magic Square). The French midfield in the 1982 World was considered one of the strongest and Platini was at the main playmaker and star player. Platini was a goal creator as well as goal scorer and Platini and France after a slow start in the first group phase were brilliant in the 2nd group phase and lost out painfully to West Germany in the Semi-Finals on penalties. In 198, Platini again led France to the semi-finals, once again losing out to the Germans. Platini was one of the greatest midfield playmakers along with Maradona in the 1980’s. Definitely along with Zidane the greatest French footballers ever.
ZINEDINE ZIDANE
Full Name: Zinedine Yazid Zidane
Born 23 June 1972
World Cups: 1998, 2002 & 2006
Well if you think Platini was a great French Midfield Playmaker, Meet Zinedine Zidane.Zidane was the inspiration and class act of France’s 1998 World Cup Winning Team. Zidane was absolutely brilliant in the 1998 World Cup especially in the Final against Brazil where he scored 2 brilliant headed goals and was class throughout the final. Zidane was brilliant on the ball and very rarely lost it. In 2002 Zidane was injured and France were defeated in the first round.
In 2006 Zidane’s team mates called him out of international retirement and He Captain his French side to the World Cup Finals again. Zidane almost single handed took France to the finals with a Man of the Match performance against Brazil. Zidane was named player of the tournament and thoroughly deserved it as France were given little chance for success. He scored the winner against Spain and set up Henry for the winner against Brazil. In the final he scored a penalty to give France the lead. However in Extra Time Zidane will probably be remembered for his infamous head butt on Materazzi which got him sent off and indirectly led to France’s defeat to Italy on penalties.
BOBBY CHARLTON
Full Name: Sir Robert “Bobby” Charlton
Born 11 October 1937
World Cups: 1962, 1966 & 1970
Bobby Charlton played his first World Cup for England as a Left-Winger/Forward for England in 1962. However England were overwhelmed by Garrincha and Brazil in the quarterfinals. Charlton and England’s greatest success came in 1966. Bobby Charlton was used by coach Alf Ramsey as an attacking midfielder in their new 4-4-2 formation. Charlton was the inspiration and attacking and creative midfield maestro for England in their 1966 success. His 2 spectacular goals against Portugal in the semi-finals were important in their successful route to the final. In the final he was brilliant in midfield and inspired England to their first and only World Cup success. Charlton was an elegant and skillfull player. Charlton was again with England in their 1970 World Cup campaign but England fell to the West Germans in the quarterfinals. Bobby Charlton was England’s best player in their 1966 World Cup Success.
Full Name: Zinedine Yazid Zidane
Born 23 June 1972
World Cups: 1998, 2002 & 2006
Well if you think Platini was a great French Midfield Playmaker, Meet Zinedine Zidane.Zidane was the inspiration and class act of France’s 1998 World Cup Winning Team. Zidane was absolutely brilliant in the 1998 World Cup especially in the Final against Brazil where he scored 2 brilliant headed goals and was class throughout the final. Zidane was brilliant on the ball and very rarely lost it. In 2002 Zidane was injured and France were defeated in the first round.
In 2006 Zidane’s team mates called him out of international retirement and He Captain his French side to the World Cup Finals again. Zidane almost single handed took France to the finals with a Man of the Match performance against Brazil. Zidane was named player of the tournament and thoroughly deserved it as France were given little chance for success. He scored the winner against Spain and set up Henry for the winner against Brazil. In the final he scored a penalty to give France the lead. However in Extra Time Zidane will probably be remembered for his infamous head butt on Materazzi which got him sent off and indirectly led to France’s defeat to Italy on penalties.
BOBBY CHARLTON
Full Name: Sir Robert “Bobby” Charlton
Born 11 October 1937
World Cups: 1962, 1966 & 1970
Bobby Charlton played his first World Cup for England as a Left-Winger/Forward for England in 1962. However England were overwhelmed by Garrincha and Brazil in the quarterfinals. Charlton and England’s greatest success came in 1966. Bobby Charlton was used by coach Alf Ramsey as an attacking midfielder in their new 4-4-2 formation. Charlton was the inspiration and attacking and creative midfield maestro for England in their 1966 success. His 2 spectacular goals against Portugal in the semi-finals were important in their successful route to the final. In the final he was brilliant in midfield and inspired England to their first and only World Cup success. Charlton was an elegant and skillfull player. Charlton was again with England in their 1970 World Cup campaign but England fell to the West Germans in the quarterfinals. Bobby Charlton was England’s best player in their 1966 World Cup Success.
DIDI
Full Name: Waldyr Perreira
8 October 1929 – 12 May 2001
World Cups: 1954, 1958 & 1962
Didi was a Brazilian Legend and Midfield Magician. Didi commanded the game from Midfield and was lethal with his long range goal attempts. In 1954 Didi scored twice for Brazil in the group phase but Brazil lost to the mighty Hungarians in the quarterfinals. In 1958 Didi was the player of the tournament as he led Brazil with his brilliant performances in midfield to their first title. Although playing alongside Superstars Pele and Garrincha Didi was Brazil’s main star. Didi Masterminded many of Brazil’s attacks. Didi was a brilliant free kick taker as well. In 1962 at the age of 34, Didi was still a force in midfield and Brazil won their 2nd World Cup. Playing with the likes of Pele and Garrincha Didi’s spectacular performances were often overlooked. A great midfield playmaker who was inspirational in Brazil’s 1958 & 1962 World Cup successes.
Full Name: Waldyr Perreira
8 October 1929 – 12 May 2001
World Cups: 1954, 1958 & 1962
Didi was a Brazilian Legend and Midfield Magician. Didi commanded the game from Midfield and was lethal with his long range goal attempts. In 1954 Didi scored twice for Brazil in the group phase but Brazil lost to the mighty Hungarians in the quarterfinals. In 1958 Didi was the player of the tournament as he led Brazil with his brilliant performances in midfield to their first title. Although playing alongside Superstars Pele and Garrincha Didi was Brazil’s main star. Didi Masterminded many of Brazil’s attacks. Didi was a brilliant free kick taker as well. In 1962 at the age of 34, Didi was still a force in midfield and Brazil won their 2nd World Cup. Playing with the likes of Pele and Garrincha Didi’s spectacular performances were often overlooked. A great midfield playmaker who was inspirational in Brazil’s 1958 & 1962 World Cup successes.
GERSON
Full Name: Gerson de Oliveira Nunes
Born 11 January 1941
World Cups: 1966 & 1970
Gerson was selected as the successor to Didi to be Brazil’s Midfield Magician. In 1966 Brazil & Gerson had a disappointing World Cup and were bundled out in the first round. However in 1970 Gerson like his predecessor Didi was the midfield mastermind and inspiration of Brazil’s 1970 success. In the final Gerson’s man of the match performance was underlined by almost every attack of Brazil starting with him. He was one of the best passers of the ball as well as having a powerful shot as displayed by the 2nd goal of the final in 1970 scored by him. He had the ability to dictate midfield as well as create many goals with his vision and superb passes. His ability to read the game was shown in the semi-final against Uruguay as he was tightly marked and Brazil’s were restricted in their attacks due to this. Gerson then fell very deep in midfield drawing his marker out of position so Clodoaldo could find space to create in midfield. Gerson was the key in midfield for Brazil’s Great 1970 World Cup Winning side’s success.
Full Name: Gerson de Oliveira Nunes
Born 11 January 1941
World Cups: 1966 & 1970
Gerson was selected as the successor to Didi to be Brazil’s Midfield Magician. In 1966 Brazil & Gerson had a disappointing World Cup and were bundled out in the first round. However in 1970 Gerson like his predecessor Didi was the midfield mastermind and inspiration of Brazil’s 1970 success. In the final Gerson’s man of the match performance was underlined by almost every attack of Brazil starting with him. He was one of the best passers of the ball as well as having a powerful shot as displayed by the 2nd goal of the final in 1970 scored by him. He had the ability to dictate midfield as well as create many goals with his vision and superb passes. His ability to read the game was shown in the semi-final against Uruguay as he was tightly marked and Brazil’s were restricted in their attacks due to this. Gerson then fell very deep in midfield drawing his marker out of position so Clodoaldo could find space to create in midfield. Gerson was the key in midfield for Brazil’s Great 1970 World Cup Winning side’s success.
FRITZ WALTER
Full Name: Friedrich “Fritz” Walter
31 October 1920 – 17 June 2002
World Cups: 1954 & 1958
Fritz Walter was the inspirational captain of the West German’s World Cup Winning side in the 1954 World Cup. Against all odds he led his West German side to victory over Hungary’s Magical Magyars. In the Group Phase of the 1954 World Cup Fritz Walter was rested by coach Sepp Herbeger for the game against Hungary which the Germans lost 8-3. In the final Fritz was back to lead his side to a historical an unlikely victory over the very same Hungarian after being 2-0 down early on. Fritz Walter is credited by many Germans as the main player for turning Germany into a Football World Power. In 1958 Fritz Walter, at the age of 37, once again led his West German side to the semi-finals only to lose out to hosts Sweden. Fritz Walter is a German Legend that will long be remembered as the Great Captain and Leader of the West German side that caused one of the greatest upsets by beat the Mighty Hungarians to win the 1954 World Cup.
Full Name: Friedrich “Fritz” Walter
31 October 1920 – 17 June 2002
World Cups: 1954 & 1958
Fritz Walter was the inspirational captain of the West German’s World Cup Winning side in the 1954 World Cup. Against all odds he led his West German side to victory over Hungary’s Magical Magyars. In the Group Phase of the 1954 World Cup Fritz Walter was rested by coach Sepp Herbeger for the game against Hungary which the Germans lost 8-3. In the final Fritz was back to lead his side to a historical an unlikely victory over the very same Hungarian after being 2-0 down early on. Fritz Walter is credited by many Germans as the main player for turning Germany into a Football World Power. In 1958 Fritz Walter, at the age of 37, once again led his West German side to the semi-finals only to lose out to hosts Sweden. Fritz Walter is a German Legend that will long be remembered as the Great Captain and Leader of the West German side that caused one of the greatest upsets by beat the Mighty Hungarians to win the 1954 World Cup.
NANDOR HIDEGKUTI
3 March 1922 – 14 February 2002
World Cups: 1954 & 1958
Hidegkuti was part of Hungary’s Magical Magyars of 1954. The team that was considered the greatest team on the planet at the time. Hidegkuti was a key player in attack along with Puskas, Kocsic and Czibor. Hidegkuti was primarily a centre forward but was the first player to create the current position we are voting for. Hidegkuti first played as a deep lying centre forward in Hungary’s 6-3 victory over England at Wembley a year before the 1954 World Cup where he scored a hatrick. Hidegkuti ran riot and confused many defenses by taking up this new role of a deep lying forward, attacking midfielder.
3 March 1922 – 14 February 2002
World Cups: 1954 & 1958
Hidegkuti was part of Hungary’s Magical Magyars of 1954. The team that was considered the greatest team on the planet at the time. Hidegkuti was a key player in attack along with Puskas, Kocsic and Czibor. Hidegkuti was primarily a centre forward but was the first player to create the current position we are voting for. Hidegkuti first played as a deep lying centre forward in Hungary’s 6-3 victory over England at Wembley a year before the 1954 World Cup where he scored a hatrick. Hidegkuti ran riot and confused many defenses by taking up this new role of a deep lying forward, attacking midfielder.
TRIVIA QUESTION
Name all the players that have the Unique World Cup Record of appearing for 2 Different Countries from Different Continents at FIFA World Cup Tournaments.
HOW TO VOTE:
Same rules as Holding Midfielder section applies: You can vote for any 2 players you like and are not limited to the ones mentioned above. You need to vote for 2 Attacking Midfielders. Voting procedure is same as last: Send your vote and answer via email to galactico786@gmail.com as well as email/cell phone number.
Name all the players that have the Unique World Cup Record of appearing for 2 Different Countries from Different Continents at FIFA World Cup Tournaments.
HOW TO VOTE:
Same rules as Holding Midfielder section applies: You can vote for any 2 players you like and are not limited to the ones mentioned above. You need to vote for 2 Attacking Midfielders. Voting procedure is same as last: Send your vote and answer via email to galactico786@gmail.com as well as email/cell phone number.
PRIZES:
The prize for the overall winner of the competition which is the person who correctly guesses the correct World XI and answers all Trivia Questions Correctly will be Copies of The Complete Set of World Cup Highlights DVD’s from 1954-2006, a total of 14 Discs. At the end of the midfield section the leader of the midfield section will win a copy of a Selected World Cup DVD of your choice.
The prize for the overall winner of the competition which is the person who correctly guesses the correct World XI and answers all Trivia Questions Correctly will be Copies of The Complete Set of World Cup Highlights DVD’s from 1954-2006, a total of 14 Discs. At the end of the midfield section the leader of the midfield section will win a copy of a Selected World Cup DVD of your choice.
LAST MONTHS ANSWER:
The answer to last week’s question of which 2 Brazilian brothers both captained their national teams at FIFA World Cup tournaments is Socrates in 1982 & 1986 & Rai in 1994.
The answer to last week’s question of which 2 Brazilian brothers both captained their national teams at FIFA World Cup tournaments is Socrates in 1982 & 1986 & Rai in 1994.
Galactico
I got this email from my oom Zahier Mayet in Cape Town, Green Point Stadium in the Mist
MARADONA CLASS. UNTOUCHABLE IN THIS FIELD
ReplyDeleteGalactico What about Gazza
3 Lions
Platini. The french Magician. Pity he didnt hae the fortune to win the greates competition. But his prowess in this role was absolutely breathtaking
ReplyDeleteYusuf
Diego Maradona
ReplyDeleteHands down winner..
There is no second
Platini was good..
ReplyDeleteCharlton was good..
Fritz was good..
Maradona is, was and always will be GREAT !!
What about
ReplyDeleteZinedine Zidane..
No zidane.. No greatest ever team..
For a man to single handedly take Napoli to the scudetto.This man is a footballing icon. The greatest.
ReplyDeleteBut who would you choose Maradona or Zidane?
Afzal
Galactico
ReplyDeleteWhat about Andrea Pirlo. He deserves a mention at least. The man was Italys magician in 2006. Killa remember how he set up Grosso by putting the German defense in Shambles.
Where's Ronaldo, the man that scored more World Cup goals than anyone else? The All Time leading goal scorer doesn't make the list ... WTF
ReplyDeleteBrazilero
What about Ronaldinho, Rivaldo
ReplyDeleteWat about Salenko, Dahlin and Brolin.
Wat about Yordan namaaz mark Letchkov and Krassmir Balakov
Wat about GEORGE HAGI
What about Robbie Baggio?
ReplyDeletethe men delivered at over three world cups 90.94.98! does he not even deserve a mention?
Lucky swoosh never mentioned Del coz i would have to assault him!
ReplyDeleteDel was class, just never struck it for the Azurri.He was the ideal man in the tre qua rista. The man in the whole behind the front two.
ReplyDeleteBut was prefered to Totti most of the time
And Del won the cup.
"Dellllllllllll PIIIIIIIIEEEEEERO BERLIN HERE WE COME!
Hey Killa
ReplyDeleteYou remember how my Namaaz Mark Header F**Ked you up at USA 94. Hristo and I made a mockery of your defense!
Hey Letchkov
ReplyDeleteIf that doos Voeller wasnt offside.. My goal would have stood and we would have been 2 nil up and through
Klinsmann i did more for germany and roma then you ever did for germany and inter. stop talking kak!
ReplyDeletebertie vogts always said you were a mugg!
what about Krasimer Balikov?
del is shit was shit and always will be shit!
ReplyDeletebaggio is being hard done by u muggs!
Mate ,I cant believe you left out Edson Arantes Do Nascimento
ReplyDeleteWhat about Nieri Pumpido? Argentina's hero goalkeeper!!!!!
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