Team of the International Round: Cristiano Ronaldo powers Portugal to Euro 2012 & England's Kyle Walker shines against Sweden

Goal.com picks the best in show from Monday and Tuesday's Euro 2012 play-offs, World Cup 2014 qualifiers and international friendlies, with the Real Madrid man leading the way

16 Nov 2011 10:25:00

More On :  Brazil, China, Croatia, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Portugal, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela
Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal (Getty Images)
Getty Images
International

Team Of The Round
GOALKEEPER

Fernando MUSLERA
Uruguay
 Having formerly played for Lazio, Muslera returned to the Stadio Olimpico to earn an impressive shutout against Italy as Uruguay pipped Cesare Prandelli's side with a 1-0 win. The Azzurri threw everything they had at the 25-year-old, but he dealt with all eight shots on target, including incredible second-half saves to deny Simone Pepe and Federico Balzaretti.
DEFENDERS

Kyle WALKER
England
Oswaldo VIZCARRONDO
Venezuela
Mamadou SAKHO
France
Zheng ZHENG
China
Coach Fabio Capello gave deserved praise to Walker for his performance as the Three Lions beat Sweden, with the full-back impressing during his first start for his country. Venezuela once again have proven to be a tough nut to crack during the qualifiers for World Cup 2014, and Vizcarrondo is one of the main reasons. The defender not only kept a shutout, but his powerful header earned a 1-0 win against Bolivia. Les Bleus scoreless draw with Belgium was far from an entertaining spectacle, although Sakho provided some highlights as he exuded confidence and was impeccable in his challenges to deny the likes of Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel. Young Chinese left-back Zheng fired in two goals in a 4-0 romp over Singapore; his first goal was an amazing effort as he ran more than half the length of the field.

MIDFIELDERS

Ognjen VUKOJEVIC
Croatia
Croatia were another to qualify for the finals, and Vukojevic was particularly impressive in the centre of midfield. He shielded the defence and energetically challenged the Turkish midfield as Slaven Bilic's side reached Euro 2012.


HULK
Portugal
Clint DEMPSEY
USA
Cristiano RONALDO
Portugal
Portugal turned on the style to ensure they were the final side to qualify for Euro 2012, and captain Ronaldo finally brought his club form to international level, bagging a brilliant brace in a dramatic 6-2 triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina. In similar vein, Dempsey sparkled for USA in their 3-2 friendly win over Slovenia, bagging a goal following a set piece. Hulk made a strong case for his continued inclusion in Mano Menezes' Selecao by inspiring them to a 2-0 win over Egypt; his fine display including a stunning assist for Jonas.

FORWARDS

Thomas MULLER
Germany
Christian BENITEZ
Ecuador
Although many predicted a close battle, Germany continued their strong preparation for Euro 2012 by dismantling the Netherlands to the tune of a 3-0 scoreline, and Muller combined with Miroslav Klose and Mesut Ozil to clinical effect, tormenting the Dutch back line. Finally, Benitez was the star of the show as Ecuador defeated Peru 2-0, with a goal and assist in Quito in their World Cup qualifier.

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