By Andy Lance
June 30 2002

Here is our Ultimate World Cup 2002 squad which is based on performances throughout the competition................... Formation: 3-4-3

Coach: Guus Hiddink (South Korea)

1) O. Kahn (Ger)
2) Roque Junior (Bra)
3) Alpay (Tur)
4) R. Ferdinand (ENG)
5) M. Ballack (Ger)
6) N. Butt (ENG)
7) Ronaldinho (Bra)
8) Diao (Sen)
9) Ronaldo (Bra)
10) Ahn (S.K)
11) Duff (IRE)

12) G. Breen (IRE)
13) Rustu (Tur)
14) H. Saas (Tur)
15) G. Silva (Bra)
16) R. Keane (IRE)

Coach: Guss Hiddink

The Dutchman has done wonders for South Korea and is now a nation hero after leading them into the semi final of the World Cup. Hiddink preparation for the competition has been second to none with South Korea playing as regularly as a club side in the months leading into the Cup. The K league was abandoned by the Korean FA which has helped Hiddink develop his players.
The Koreans looked strong in the tournament and Guus Hiddink was tactally perfect and seemed to make his substitutions at the correct time. His inexperienced side never stopped running in every game they played and their spirit reflected on coach Hiddink.
What an achievement for Hiddink and the Koreans, not just did they get to the Semi finals but they also eliminated Poland, Portugal, Italy and Spain along the way.
It looks like Hiddink will be leaving the Koreans and looking for employment in Europe.
“big” Phil Scallari was also short listed for our Coach job along with Ireland’s Mick McArthy who has put up with so much and still come out on top.

O. Kahn - Huge presence who injects confidence into the players playing ahead of him. Pulled of some vital world class saved in Germany’s route to the final. Only 1 goal has been scored against the Bayern Munich man (Robbie Keane Ireland).

Roque Junior – A Brazilian defender who can actually defend? Yes its true! Brazil have never been known for there strong world class defensive players but RJ has been outstanding in this world cup. Brazil’s dodgy defence have only conceded 4 and many but this down to Roque. He seem to have a bit of sense and the ability to concentrate which his team mates lack.

Alpay – After being Sent off in Turkey’s first group game against Brazil the Centre back grew in stature and performed to a very high standard in his last 5 matches. He makes our team just ahead of Irelands Gary Breen.

R. Ferdinand – The Leeds United centre back doubled his 18 million price tag over just 5 world cup games. Cool, Calm, Collected, Class. Surly nobody has any doubts about Rio’s ability now. Gives the players around him options and never makes mistakes. If you took a step back and asked yourself which players England would miss in a major competition 5 come to Mind, Owen, Beckham, Scholes, Gerrard and RIO. Great defender who is young and still learning.

M. Ballack – German midfielder who missed the final through suspension is one of the few German players who have impressed at this Tournament. Ballack is strong offensively and defensively and really has carried his German team mates through the competition. He has also got on the score sheet with 4 tournament goals

N. Butt – With the absent Steven Gerrard through injury, Butt had to perform to the best of his ability to fill the Liverpool mans boots. Butt was England’s main man and didn’t give his opposition a second of time on the ball. Made more tackles than any other England player in the Cup.

Ronaldinho – Superb!

Diao – Surprise package Senagal got through to the Quarter final of the World Cup with great team spirit but they did have the odd star. Along with new Liverpool boy Diouf, Diao was Senegal’s star of the Competition.

Ronaldo – The Golden boot winner can never be left out of a world cup squad. Ronaldo has been back to his best at this World Cup and scored in every game up to the England quarter final match. Pace, Strength, Stamina, Shooting ability, truly one of the best strikers of all time.

Ahn – South Korea’s golden boy, scored 2 vital late goal to get his country into the last 4. Sacked then reinstated by club Chairman. (reason – knocking italy out of the World Cup)

Duff – Greame Souness will have to fight to keep the young Irish star at Ewood Park after a world cup which will of put him in many club managers shopping list. Fast, skill full, great off the ball, runs defenders inside-out, forces opposing players to make rash challenges (Pen or goal??)

Rustu has had a great first world cup and has kept Turkey in the competition at times. His Turkish partner Hasan Saas was also impressive and narrowly missed a place in the starting XI. Breen was clubless going into the competition but I doubt he will be afterwards, good defensive performances and he also scored. Keane was awesome as was Brazil’s Gilberto Silva.


Shock of the Tournament (1 game): France 0 – 1 Senagal

Shock of the Tournament (Overall): South Korea Semi Finals

Disapointments: Argentina, France, Portugal, Poland, Croatia,

Goal of the Tournament: Nelson Cuavas – Paraguay

Player of the Tounament: