World Cup 2010

Confederations Cup Team Of The Round: Round 2

Carlo Garganese offers his picks for the best XI of Round 2 in the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Jun 19, 2009 12:00:00 PM

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Sisenando Maicon - Inter Milan (PA)

Teams

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper

El Hadari (Egypt) – El Hadari single-handedly won the game for Egypt during their historic triumph over Italy with countless world class saves. Of those that stood out, he denied Iaquinta three times, Montolivo and Rossi once - all of them stunning stops. He received a mark of 10 in Goal.com's Player Ratings, one of the few times a 10 has ever been awarded.

Defence

Maicon (Brazil) – An unstoppable machine down the right side in the 3-0 win over USA. Maicon created the opener for Felipe Melo with a pinpoint free kick, he put another chance on a plate for Gilberto Silva, while he concluded a perfect showing with the third goal himself.

Sergio Ramos (Spain) – The Real Madrid star keeps his place in 'Team of the Round' following another impressive display against Iraq. Ramos played almost the entire game in the opposition half, delivering cross after cross. We move him into the centre for our formation.

Hany Said (Egypt) – Marshalled the Egyptian defence superbly during the shock win over Italy, and in the first half in particular he was an unmovable pillar, performing a number of crucial blocks and interceptions.

Salam Shakir (Iraq) – Immaculate in the first half against Spain, cancelling out Torres and winning countless challenges both on the floor and in the air. Put under more pressure in the second 45 minutes, but all in all Salam was magnificent.

Midfield

Felipe Melo (Brazil) – The best midfielder in Serie A last season, Felipe Melo showed just why he is so admired in the Italian peninsula. Dominated the midfield against the USA, and got the ball rolling by breaking the deadlock with a powerful header.

Andrea Pirlo (Italy) - Italy may have suffered a humiliating loss to Egypt, but it was through no fault of Pirlo. The Milan playmaker has been outstanding in South Africa so far, and he controlled almost the entire game against the Pharaohs, setting up an easy chance for Iaquinta, and skimming the post with a trademark free kick.

Attacking Midfielders

Ramires (Brazil) – Started instead of Elano and made a huge difference to this Brazil side, adding an extra dimension of pace and explosiveness, especially on the counterattack. Provided the assist for Robinho's goal after a bursting run forward.

Steven Pienaar (South Africa) - The Everton star showed South Africa just what they were missing in the opening day draw with Iraq, as he was the midfield inspiration behind their victory over New Zealand. Always dangerous and creative, the home crowd in Rustenburg made it very clear that Pienaar was their man of the match.

Robinho (Brazil) – After an indifferent display against Egypt, Robinho was back to something near his best against the USA. Demonstrated his full repertoire of tricks, flicks and stepovers, scoring Brazil's second goal with a clinical finish. Could have added to this goal, but will still be more than content.

Attack

Bernard Parker (South Africa) – Scored twice, and on another night would have grabbed a hat-trick, as hosts South Africa put themselves in a good position to qualify for the semi-finals during the 2-0 win over New Zealand. A real live-wire in attack.

El Hadari

Maicon - Sergio Ramos – Hany Said - Salam

Felipe Melo - Pirlo

Ramires - Pienaar - Robinho

Parker

Do you agree with those who made it into the Confederations Cup Team of Round 2? Who would make it into your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

Carlo Garganese, Goal.com

Thank you for your comment!

Please enter your name

Please enter your location

Please share your comment!