Guest Blog

Football is about having opinions - and sharing them. In this section our editors give their views on different issues concerning the world of football. It’s a subjective statement from them, but as always you are more than welcome to comment. Be part of the game and tell us your opinion.

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Arsenal

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. ARSENAL By Graham Lister, Goal.com It is unusual for any team to have had the same manager for an entire decade, but as Arsene Wenger prepares for his 14th consecutive season at the Arsenal helm, he surveys a club that utterly reflects his footballing vision. Many insist that he's past his sell-by date, that the Gunners need something other than his emphasis on developing young talent if they are to continue competing at the top level. However, even more acknowledge that he has brought the club the most exhilarating football in its history, played by some of the greatest Gunners of all time; and they have faith that more good times lie around the corner. Whether further trophies are imminent or not, a decade which brought two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, four runners-up spots, four other cup finals and an unforgettable unbeaten season means there are some outstanding candidates for Arsenal's team of the decade - many of them from that 2003-04 'Invincibles' squad... Formation: 4-4-2 DAVID SEAMAN (1990-2003) - Superb throughout the '90s, Seaman maintained his consistency into the first three years of the noughties, and while Jens Lehmann replaced him with some distinction, 'Safe Hands' was far more unflappable, devoid of the German's eccentricities and aversion to crowded goalmouths. Seaman's save from Paul Peschisolido in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final defied both gravity and anatomy, and encapsulated his immense value to the team. LAUREN (Laureano Bisan Etame-Mayer) (2000-2007) - Succeeding an Arsenal legend in Lee Dixon was never going to be easy, yet Lauren, the Cameroon international midfielder signed from Mallorca and successfully converted to a right-back, achieved it with minimal fuss. His blend of positional sense, enterprise and aggression made him an integral part of the Arsenal defence in two title-winning campaigns. SOL CAMPBELL (2001-2006)- Campbell's free transfer to Arsenal from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 earned him eternal damnation from Spurs fans - and instant cult status among Gooners. It helped that he was an outstanding centre-back of awesome power whose arrival added strength and solidity to the back-line alongside Tony Adams or Martin Keown, culminating in the Double in his first season at Highbury. Later partnering Kolo Toure, Campbell helped ensure the Gunners remained unbeaten when lifting the title again in 2003-04. His last game for the club was the 2006 Champions League final, in which he scored. KOLO TOURE (2002 - ) - Now the longest-serving player on Arsenal's books, the versatile Toure had the task of becoming Campbell's central defensive partner after such luminaries as Adams and Keown bowed out. With natural athleticism he made a brilliant fist of it, becoming a key member of the Invincibles and, in 2005-06 alongside Philippe Senderos, producing imperious form as Arsenal reached the Champions League Final on the back of a record 10 consecutive clean sheets. Hailed as the 'African Fabio Cannavaro' by the Italian press after Arsenal knocked out Juventus, the former utility player had established himself as one of the world's leading centre-backs. ASHLEY COLE (1997-2006) - The acrimonious nature of Cole's departure from Arsenal soured forever his relationship with the club's fans, but that should not obscure the fact that from the time he replaced the injured Sylvinho in Autumn 2000 until his money-tainted move to Chelsea, he was an automatic pick at left-back, a position whose Highbury lineage stretched with great distinction from Eddie Hapgood to Nigel Winterburn. Gael Clichy runs him close, but Cole, who won two titles and three FA Cups as a Gunner, shades it. FREDDIE LJUNGBERG (1998-2007) - For much of the first half of the decade, Ljungberg was a key member of the Arsenal side, a team-player whose intelligent diagonal runs across the edge of the opposition penalty area dovetailed perfectly with Dennis Bergkamp's sublime passes. Freddie's annus mirabilis was the 2001-02 season when, sporting a distinctive red stripe in his hair, he scored in five consecutive League games as Arsenal closed in on the title, then netted a stunner in Cardiff to clinch the FA Cup. Those six goals were among 72 he scored for the club. PATRICK VIEIRA (1996-2005) - Appropriately, Vieira's last kick for the Gunners was the winning penalty in the 2005 FA Cup final shoot-out against the old enemy Manchester United; but for nine seasons prior to that his contribution was immense as he imposed himself on midfield, providing the platform on which his team-mates could express themselves. A marvellously athletic mix of power and panache, Vieira was an awesome tackler whose ball-winning launched countless Arsenal counter-attacks. A fiery temperament got him into trouble but ensured that few took liberties against the Gunners, making him exactly the sort of player they need now. CESC FABREGAS (2003 - ) - The latest inheritor of Vieira's armband, Cesc has been the creative fulcrum of the Arsenal side for the last four seasons, and the frustration is that so gifted a midfielder has been unable as yet to add to his 2005 FA Cup winner's medal. With the vision of an artist and the touch of a safe-breaker, the Catalan playmaker has piled up the assists but needs to add to his goal tally; 13 in 2007-08 was by far his best return, but he managed only three in an injury-blighted campaign last season. ROBERT PIRES (2000-2006) - The Frenchman of Portuguese and Spanish descent had a deceptively shuffling gait that disguised a brilliant footballing brain. Pires fitted in perfectly with the likes of Vieira, Bergkamp and Thierry Henry, and while he was a superb playmaker, particularly when coming in from the left-wing, his goalscoring was also exceptional for a midfielder. He contributed 84 goals in 284 appearances, and many Arsenal fans feel he should have been offered the two-year contract extension he wanted in 2006, which would have kept him at the club a little longer and provided some vital continuity and experience. DENNIS BERGKAMP (1995-2006) - One of the greatest of all Gunners, Bergkamp was the Dutch master with a sumptuous array of skills, who scored 120 goals for the team but created many more for others with the perception and deft touch of a football genius. His goal at Newcastle in 2002 was a work of art and he was intimately identified with all of Wenger's triumphs. THIERRY HENRY (1999-2007) - Converted by Wenger from a decent winger to a world-beating striker, Henry electrified the Premier League for eight memorable seasons, becoming Arsenal's all-time leading scorer in the process with 226 goals in 370 appearances. Combined brilliantly with Bergkamp and Pires, but had the invention, the blistering pace and the cool finishing to fashion goals out of nothing for himself and others, as well as finish those flowing team-moves with irresistible aplomb. SEAMAN LAUREN CAMPBELL TOURE COLE LJUNGBERG VIEIRA FABREGAS PIRES BERGKAMP HENRY SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Arsenal
Team of the decade 2000-2010: AC Milan

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. AC MILAN By Gil Gillespie, Goal.com Some might say that the first ten years of the 21st Century have not been particularly memorable for Milan. The decade could, perhaps, be defined as the one that saw the crown of the most successful club side of the modern age begin to slip. The Rossoneri have only lifted one scudetto since the year 2000, they were embroiled up to their necks in the Calciopoli scandal, they somehow lost a Champions League final to a vastly inferior Liverpool side despite going in at half-time with a three goal lead and they have just sold their best attacking player to Real Madrid, even though he made it perfectly clear that he didn't want to go. But, while city rivals Inter have dominated domestically, Milan have continued to shine on the European stage. Two Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups and one FIFA Club World Cup isn't a bad return for a team supposedly going downhill. CHRISTIAN ABBIATI (1998-2005) (2008-) - To include a goalkeeper who has never even established himself as the club's number one might seem a little absurd but the 31-year-old fascist sympathiser is the best of a pretty unconvincing trio. When all you have is Dida and Kalac for competition, it's pretty inevitable that you will come out on top. Abbiati made his debut in Serie A in 1999 and became Milan's first choice between the posts for four years, until he lost his starting spot to the aforementioned Dida early in the 2002-2003 campaign. Loan spells with Juventus, Torino and Atletico Madrid allowed the disastrous Brazilian to step up to the plate and promptly start dropping the ball. Over and over again. CAFU (2003–2008) - Not so much a right-back as a nuclear powered high speed intercontinental super train with a grin on its face. One of six children, Marcos Evangelista de Moraes grew up in the broken alleys of a Sao Paolo shanty town and soon realised that football was going to be his only way out. 'Il Pendolino ' didn't arrive in Italy until he was 27-years-old. Six relentlessly impressive seasons with Roma were followed by five almost as consistent years at the San Siro and Cafu was able to retire safe in the knowledge that there has not been a better right-sided wing-back anywhere in the world in the last ten year. ALESSANDRO NESTA (2002-) - Probably the most cultured central defender of the century so far, Nesta has exuded an unflappable air of calm assurance ever since he joined the Rossoneri from Lazio in 2002. And, while injury and personal misfortune have blighted his career at both club and international level, he would walk into any best team of the decade back four. Nesta is an almost flawless defender, who's impeccable technique means he could have played anywhere on the pitch. But game after game, season after season, he remains forever disciplined, forever selfless, a master of the defensive arts and not someone who ever crosses the half-way line. ALESSANDRO COSTACURTA (1986–2007) - Ray Wilkins once said that he thought Costacurta would have looked more at home on a film set than a football pitch and it's easy to see why. Playing the role of good cop to Franco Baresi's ball-busting Magnum Force, 'Billy', as he is known to everyone except his mum, tended to breeze through games with the air of someone who wasn't all that keen on messing up his hair. But this foppish demeanour concealed undeniably brilliance. Seven Serie A titles, five Champions League's, four UEFA Super Cups and one Coppa Italia says it all. And he gets a mention in the pilot episode of Father Ted. PAOLO MALDINI (1985-2009) - What is there left to say about the extraordinary career of the greatest left-back in the history of the game? Having spent his entire club career in the red and black number 3 shirt, Maldini spent a record-breaking 25 years in the first team. In that time, he won seven Serie A championships, one Coppa Italia, five Supercoppa Italiana, five UEFA Champions League's, five UEFA Super Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and one FIFA World Club Cup. All this, and the looks of a matinee idol. Milan may take a while to learn how to walk again without him around. ANDREA PIRLO (2001-) - Andrea Pirlo is a unique footballer in more ways than one. The son of a wealthy industrialist, Pirlo spent the early part of his career as a trequartista but Carlo Ancelotti had the vision, and the courage, to turn this most gifted of talents into a deep-lying playmaker. Pirlo has never looked back. No other player of his type fills a similar role in the game. And yet, for both club and country, he has become utterly indispensable, dictating the direction, tempo and shape of the play. Gennaro Gattuso put it best when he said, "When I see what Andrea can do with the ball, I have to ask myself whether I am a footballer". GENNARO GATTUSO (1999-) - If Pirlo carves beautiful shapes on the football field, Gattuso is there to destroy them. Energetic to the point of carelessness, the pit-bull of the Milan midfield charges about the place with scant regard for his, or his opponents, safety. He snaps into tackles, hassles and harries and generally disrupts the merest hint of comfortable possession with a passion that goes above and beyond the call of duty. If there were walls on the pitch, he would run through them. One Scudetto, two Champions League's, two UEFA Super Cups, one FIFA World Club Cup, one Coppa Italia and the small matter of a World Cup suggest he has taken what was Rangers boss Walter Smith's idea and made it fly. CLARENCE SEEDORF (2002-) - The only player to win the UEFA Champions League with three different clubs, the Suriname-born Dutch superstar seems to have been at the top of the game for about 100 years. It is almost impossible to think of Seedorf as a coltish 16-year-old making his debut for Ajax back in the early nineties. Sampdoria, briefly, then Real Madrid, Inter and finally, Milan followed, as he left his own personal footprint all over the European game. Granted, he does have off-days and his long-range shooting suggests he may be someone who believes he is more capable than he actually is, but when he finds his groove he can dominate and win games like few other midfielders. KAKA (2003-2009) - He may have arrived as part of the South American heritage that gave us Zico, Rivaldo and Ronaldhinho but the boy named as a result of his kid brother's inability to pronounce the word 'Ricardo' is a very different kind of Brazilian. Kaka's most devastating feature is to run, at pace, with the ball at his feet. And when he's in full flow, he is virtually unstoppable. He drifts instead of dribbles, leaning one way, then the other, sprinkling little seeds of uncertainty into the collective minds of the opposition, as subtle and as dynamic as a breeze. ANDRILY SHEVCHENKO (1999–2006) (2008–2009) - Before he became a spare part of a striker with an allergy to putting the ball in the back of the net at Chelsea, this skinny-looking Ukrainian spent a considerable amount of time being the most lethal finisher on the planet. 175 goals in 324 appearances for Milan make him the clubs second all-time top scorer, one place behind fearsome Swedish thunderbolt Gunnar Nordahl. Shevchenko's biggest strengths were his ultra sophisticated interpretation of the play and his chillingly clinical eye for goal. The angled patterns of the Rossoneri suited him perfectly. FILIPPO INZAGHI (2001-) - 'Super Pippo' is probably the last of the great goal-hanging strikers, a genuine 100 per cent maverick. Half elbows and half knees, he has spent the whole of his career poised on the shoulder of the last defender, waiting for his moment to pounce. When it comes to making off-the-ball angled runs, there is no-one better, perhaps ever. His jagged scurries into the box have been one of the defining features of European football in the 21st Century. As have the number of offside decisions given against him. His goalscoring record, in case you didn't know, is phenomenal. No-one loves scoring goals as much as Inzaghi. Great goals, average goals, fluky goals, vital goals, meaningless goals, headers, shin kicks, tap-ins, he celebrates each one in the same euphoric manner. ABBIATI CAFU - NESTA - COSTACURTA - MALDINI PIRLO GATTUSO - KAKA - SEEDORF SHEVCHENKO - INZAGHI SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: AC Milan
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Barcelona

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. BARCELONA By Lucas Brown, Goal.com FC Barcelona's first decade of the new Millennium has seen barren seasons interspersed with some incredible achievements as the club have won three league titles in the last five years and enjoyed two Champions League triumphs to rid themselves of the memories of six years without any silverware. The club have always had household names and some of the world's best players, so choosing a side from those who helped the Catalan giants achieve these outstanding feats was not easy, but commitment, ability, effect and honours won were all taken into consideration. Ronaldinho's arrival with coach Frank Rijkaard saw Barca begin to rise out of the doldrums halfway through the decade and the team that scooped the title and the Champions League in 2006 was hailed as one of the best in the club's history. That was until president Joan Laporta showed once again what a great leader he has proven to be in his six seasons at the helm by taking a huge gamble on appointing Pep Guardiola last summer and then seeing him exceed even his own expectations by winning the treble. Laporta cannot be named in the side for obvious reasons, but the effect that he has had on a club that was stumbling from one embarrassing episode to another before his arrival, and is now being considered the world's best side, cannot be underestimated. Below are the eleven players who have helped them achieve that status over the past decade. Formation: 4-1-2-3 VICTOR VALDES - An immense goalkeeper who is sometimes wrongly derided for odd mistakes in what has been a glittering career. The 27-year-old broke into the Barca side on a regular basis in 2003-04 and he has gone on to help the club to win two Champions League trophies, the league title three times and the Copa del Rey last season. Added to that Valdes equalled Andoni Zubizarreta's club record of playing every minute in a league campaign in 2006-07, while also not conceding a goal in European competition for 466 minutes in 2007. Just signed a new contract that was thoroughly deserved to keep him as the club's number one for at least another five years. MICHAEL REIZIGER - Edged out Juliano Belletti, famed for his Champions League winner in 2006, and Dani Alves, who impressed throughout the treble win last term. Reiziger spent seven seasons at Camp Nou and was the model of consistency as he ensured that the club did not need to consider the right-back problem until Carles Puyol rose through the ranks and began to compete with the amiable Dutchman. Unfortunately for Reiziger he was unable to help them repeat the heady heights of the late 1990s once the Millennium came and went, but his record of 173 appearances shows how important he was. CARLES PUYOL - The club captain has now lifted the Champions League twice in four seasons for a club that had only won it once before. Any critics that Puyol does have do not understand what he brings not only to the team, but also to a club where identity, and especially Catalan identity, is everything. He is Barcelona's Paolo Maldini or John Terry, where the fans know where he is from, what he is about and can guarantee that he will give everything. From marking Luis Figo out of the game in the then-Real Madrid star's first return after leaving Camp Nou for the Bernabeu, to his raising of the European Cup in Paris and then Rome, he has become an idol and a symbol. Nicknamed 'Tarzan' within the club, and the 'Shark' by a famous Spanish television commentator, Puyol is already considered a club legend. RAFAEL MARQUEZ - Another outstanding signing in 2003, along with Van Bronckhorst, as he too saw his arrival met with a slight shrug of the shoulders by fans who crave big names. But little did the cules know that the Mexican would become a rock at the back in one title-winning campaign, but then perform superbly in the defensive midfield position as Barcelona won only their second Champions League trophy in 2006. While Puyol was the robust, tough-tackling defender, Marquez alongside him was the elegant thinker who conquered the air while Puyol patrolled the floor. With 150 games under his belt and plenty more to come, his medals haul will grow and so will his place among Barca fans. GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST - In a period that saw Barcelona not win a trophy for six seasons, the left-sided defender snuck in almost under the radar from Arsenal in 2003. While few Barca fans will have celebrated the Dutchman's arrival all were sad to see him leave when he chose to return to Holland last summer after 105 games for the Blaugrana. During his four seasons in Catalunya, Van Bronkhorst, a name that so many Spanish football commentators struggled with, was a vital part of the revival and spectacle that saw Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and company earn all the headlines. PEP GUARDIOLA - A club icon and legend before he took the reins as coach and led the team to the treble. Josep Guardiola played 263 times for the Blaugrana and was seen as the epitome of what it means to be Catalan and to achieve a dream of captaining the club to glory. While he may have left in 2001 and not seen his career flourish afterwards, the current trainer will always be revered for his vision, passing and creativity as he invented the number four position at Barcelona under Johan Cruyff. A series of midfielders have followed, and copied, him with Xavi and Andres Iniesta both being strongly influenced, while Cesc Fabregas has often stated Guardiola is his hero. A part of the Dream Team on the pitch, he has now created his own version from the sidelines. XAVI HERNANDEZ - When a player is voted the man of the match in the European Championships final one summer and then receives the same accolade in the Champions League final the following year, he has to be pretty special and Xavi Hernandez is. Both under Frank Rijkaard and now under Pep Guardiola, the Terrassa-born playmaker has been the inspiration without whom the likes of Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o would not have enjoyed the lack of pressure on them going forward that they have been able to. With Xavi pulling the strings and laying on the passes that have opened up opposition defences, the player who made his Barca debut in 1998 can look back over more than a decade and be proud that he is now one of the team's most important stars. ANDRES INIESTA - It was not until his fifth season of first team football that people began to see that Andres Iniesta could be an important member of the team, rather than just someone to bring on when the major stars were to be replaced. Now, seven years after his first appearance under Louis van Gaal, any Barca side without the Albacete youngster would not operate to its full potential and would have fans wondering if those who take his place can be as effective. His close control and vision are outstanding and while his partnership with Xavi in midfielder is often telepathic, Iniesta can also go forward and cause mayhem down either flank with his close control and eye for goal. RONALDINHO - David Beckham had not signed despite Joan Laporta's promises and Ronaldinho could have been seen as second choice, but the Brazilian soon became one of the greatest players the club had ever seen. Joining a side that was in the doldrums in 2003 from Paris Saint-Germain, Ronaldinho almost single-handedly lit a spark with his unbelievable skill, strength and tenacity that saw him lead the club to two league titles and the Champions League to end a six-year run without a trophy. In 145 matches he scored 70 goals for the club and so many stunning efforts spring to mind along with his dazzling ball skills. Everything that the club is currently enjoying can be laid at his magical feet and despite his sale, he will always be remembered as a great at Camp Nou. LIONEL MESSI - The Argentinian's story of requiring growth hormones when he was a youngster is now written into Barcelona folklore as the club paid for his treatment in exchange for him playing for them and the debt has been repaid a hundred-fold. Messi showed flashes coming off the bench in his early outings for the club, but it has only been in the last two seasons that the world has sat up and taken notice of the diminutive genius doing incredible things on the right-side of Barcelona's front three. His close control, speed, turn of pace, ability to beat players and score goals has made him a favourite for all the individual honours in the game this year and has also seen him become the new hero at Barcelona. SAMUEL ETO'o -Whether or not he leaves the club this summer will not let anyone forget that the Cameroonian international has been one of the greatest strikers that Barcelona have ever had. Well over a century of goals in five seasons at the club, Eto'o would have been the talisman throughout had it not been for Ronaldinho. Alongside the Brazilian, the striker led the club back to the top and helped them win the Champions League in 2006 and 2009 with goals in both finals. His record in major games can never be questioned and his temperament on the pitch is undoubted as his drive, speed, strength and determination have made him the best goalscorer in football at the moment. VALDES REIZIGER - PUYOL - MARQUEZ - VAN BRONCKHORST GUARDIOLA XAVI - INIESTA MESSI - ETO'O - RONALDINHO SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Barcelona
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Liverpool

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. LIVERPOOL By Mike Maguire, Goal.com The '00s has been a period of ups, downs, and transition for Liverpool. It kicked off with a bang as the Reds claimed a unique treble (League Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Cup) in 2001, but trophies would prove hard to come by for the remainder of Gerard Houllier's reign. Rafael Benitez took over in the summer of 2004, and the rebuilding phase got underway in the most remarkable fashion - glory in that famous Champions League final in Istanbul rather overshadowed the fifth-place league finish. The Reds are now back amongst Europe's elite and pushing for silverware on a regular basis. Plenty of players have come and gone in that time, but which have had the most lasting (and positive) impact? PEPE REINA (2005-) - Benitez hailed Pepe as the best goalkeeper in Spain when he plucked him from Villarreal. Some scoffed, but since his arrival at Anfield, the Barcelona product has firmly established himself as one of the world's finest shot-stoppers. Noted for his sweeping and distribution skills, Reina is easily the best 'Pool have had between the sticks since Bruce Grobbelaar. STEVE FINNAN (2003-2008) - Brought from Fulham by Houllier, the Irishman struggled somewhat during his early days at the club. However, he survived the Benitez cull and saw off competition from several continental recruits to become arguably the most consistent right-back in England. JAMIE CARRAGHER (1996-) - In the Benitez era, 'Carra' has evolved from a handy utility into a central defender of immense quality. Uncompromising and hugely passionate, the Bootle boy is a proper leader and the commander of one of the most reliable defensive lines in Europe. SAMI HYYPIA (1999-2009) - Pound for pound, the big Finn must be one of Liverpool's all-time best buys - just over £2 million for a Kop legend is pretty decent value. Now at Bayern Leverkusen after a glorious decade at Anfield, Hyypia ranks among the greatest centre-halves to have played in the Premier League. JOHN ARNE RIISE (2001-2008) - His last years at Liverpool were not his finest, but that should not detract from the contribution he made in seasons prior. Boasting an explosive left foot, the Norwegian defender produced some of the most memorable strikes in the Reds' recent history. A clear standout for the left-back slot. DIETMAR HAMANN (1999-2006) - He looks like an economics professor and drinks like a sailor on shore leave (if Jamie Carragher is to be believed), but 'Didi' is as tough and focused as they come when there is a game of football to be played. An absolute favourite with the Kop, and was instrumental in the 2005 Champions League win. XABI ALONSO (2004-) - Alonso's arrival signalled the beginning of the 'Rafalution'. Although not the quickest around (indeed, he and Hamann were an almost torturously adynamic pairing at times), his technical qualities and unrivalled passing range have been making Kopites smile for the past five years. STEVEN GERRARD (1998-) - No explanation needed. Life-long Liverpudlian, arch-captain, and the driving force behind an ever-improving team. One of those rare players who can win games (and trophies) off his own boot. Versatile to a fault, 'Stevie G' is the heart of the Liverpool Football Club. GARY MCALLISTER (2000-2002) - Houllier described 'Gary Mac' as his most inspirational signing - and he's probably right. Eyebrows were raised when he arrived at age 35 on a free transfer, but the Scot brought some much needed wisdom and creativity to a team that had previously lacked leadership and direction. A key member of the 2000-01 treble triumph. MICHAEL OWEN (1996-2004) - He grew up an Evertonian (in Wales), left for Real Madrid in controversial circumstances, and now he's a Manc - safe to say, he's not the most popular ex-Red. Betrayal aside, nobody can dispute his record whilst at Anfield - he just scored goals, no matter who he was playing alongside or against. FERNANDO TORRES (2007-) - He's not been on Merseyside long, but 'El Nino' is already well on the way to becoming an all-time great. The Spaniard filled a gaping void that had existed since Owen's departure, and he could be the key in Liverpool's bid to break their title drought. REINA FINNAN CARRACHER HYYPIA RIISE HAMANN ALONSO GERRARD MCALLISTER TORRES OWEN SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Liverpool
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Inter

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. INTER By Adam Scime, Goal.com While the early part of the decade saw limited success for the Nerazzurri, the post-Calciopoli era has belonged to them completely. Many new faces have come and left Inter over the past ten years, some forgotten for their lack of impact, some exalted for their Scudetto winning exploits. With four consecutive Serie A championships under their belt, it’s no wonder a majority of the players in this list still play for the Nerazzurri. It has been a period of dominance for Italy’s current champions, almost going from ‘zeroes-to-heroes’ and Adam Scime selects his best Nerazzurri XI from the past decade… Formation: 4-4-2 JULIO CESAR (2005 - ): Upon joining Inter, the Brazilian was immediately sent out on loan to Chievo, but upon his return managed to usurp veteran Francesco Toldo, establishing himself not only as the number one with the Nerrazurri, but arguably Serie A. His spectacular stops have helped the club salvage a number of results over the years. MAICON (2006 - ): Another Brazilian to continually improve since joining Inter is Maicon, to the point where many now consider him the best right-back in the world. His drives forward and devastating crosses have made him indispensable to the club - not even free-spending Real Madrid or Chelsea can pry him away. Three great campaigns and three championships. A rare blight was when he was involved in a fight during the club’s Champions League exit to Valencia in 2007, earning a three-match ban. IVAN CORDOBA (1999 - ): The Colombian has been a starter for the Nerazzurri for ten consecutive years. He’s played in more than 360 matches and while originally known for his speed at the back, his ageing has not hindered his progress. The former San Lorenzo centre-back has played a large part in all nine of the club’s trophies over the past four years (four Scudetti, two Coppa Italias, and three Italian Super Cups). MARCO MATERAZZI (2001 - ): Say what you want about his temperament, but few are as committed to the Inter cause as the World Cup winner. A fan favourite, the 35-year-old may no longer be a starter, but he has had some particularly impressive domestic campaigns – including one where he scored 10 goals in the 2006-07 Scudetto winning year. Overall, he’s made 245 appearances for the club. JAVIER ZANETTI (1995 - ): The veteran has stayed with the club through 15 different coaches and was one of the first buys of the Massimo Moratti era. An interesting statistic is he has not received a red card in this decade, also becoming the player with the second most appearances in the history of Inter, only behind Giuseppe Bergomi. Playing in a variety of positions in defence and midfield, he is ever-present in the line-up and praised for his consistency, former coach Luigi Simoni recently proclaimed ‘He’s not human!’ LUIS FIGO (2005 - 2009): The Portuguese playmaker may have spent his twilight years with Inter, but brought a winning mentality that was sorely lacking at the San Siro. Nerazzurri fans quickly became enamoured with his determination, as much as his set-piece skills. The veteran also was one of the first to openly point out the Calciopoli scandal in the press. He announced his retirement after winning the past season’s championship with the Milanese giants. EMRE BELOZOGLU (2001 – 2005): Not many in this position have managed to delight the Inter crowd, but the Turkish star was one of the few this decade that added spark to the midfield in some barren times. What he lacked in stature he made up for in other ways, but was eventually transferred to Newcastle after an injury plagued season. ESTEBAN CAMBIASSO (2005 - ): His transfer has to be one of the bargains of the decade. He joined Inter from Real Madrid on a free transfer and after his work-rate ensured that he was ahead of Edgar Davids in the pecking order. He is now recognised as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. The 28-year-old has made over 150 appearances for the club in just four seasons, scoring 20 times and is unsurprisingly tied to the club until 2014. DEJAN STANKOVIC (2004 - ): He was a firm favourite of coach Roberto Mancini in the line-up and has been an industrious part of the midfield ever since. The Serbian was liked by supporters even before he made his first appearance, as he originally snubbed Juventus when joining the club. When Jose Mourinho took over many thought he would leave, but he proved his worth to the side and once again became a key member of the Scudetto winning side. ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC (2006 - ): There are few players who have had the influence of ‘Ibracadabra’ on Massimo Moratti’s club. Since his arrival, Inter have won three straight Scudetti and his goals and creativity have carried them to domestic dominance and made for some memorable highlight reels. His main criticism continues to be the inability to deliver in the Champions League, however, few can argue with his brilliant displays in Serie A . It’s no wonder the Nerazzurri have suggested he’s worth around €80 million. CHRISTIAN VIERI (1999 – 2005): Some people believe that ‘Bobo’ was the sole reason the team managed to stay in the top five places in Serie A during the first half of the decade. His powerful strikes carried the team on many occasions, as he averaged 0.71 goals per game for Inter in Serie A. During his prime, he was regarded as one of the deadliest strikers in the world. But in the end he only managed a single Coppa Italia trophy at the club. JULIO CESAR MAICON – CORDOBA – MATERAZZI – ZANETTI FIGO – EMRE – CAMBIASSO – STANKOVIC IBRAHIMOVIC - VIERI SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/15/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Inter
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Bayern Munich

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. BAYERN MUNICH By Mathew Burt, Goal.com Bayern Munich enjoy a special place in German football. They are both the most popular club, while at the same time the most hated. The antipathy towards FC Hollywood stems mainly from their almost continual success and the financial might which sees them plunder all the best talents from the Bundesliga. The past decade has seen the Bavarians win the German league crown on six occasions, but they have had to face challenges for top spot from the likes of Werder Bremen, Borussia Dortmund, VfB Stuttgart and more recently Wolfsburg. They have been guided (with varying levels of success) by Ottmar Hitzfeld (twice), Felix Magath, and Juergen Klinsmann and temporarily Jupp Heynckes, with a whole host of fantastic players on display at the Allianz Arena. The decade began with the club’s long-awaited fourth European Cup following a penalty shoot-out victory over Valencia. That went a long way to make up for the pain of their dramatic loss to Manchester United in 1999. Bundesliga titles followed in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2008. OLIVER KAHN (1994-2008) - The moniker of ‘legend’ shouldn’t be used too lightly, but in the case of Oliver Kahn, that is just what he is to Bayern Munich. Alongside Sepp Maier, Kahn will go down in the annals of Bayern history as the finest goalkeeper ever to play for the club. He joined from Karlsruhe in 1994 and enjoyed 14 years of uninterrupted dominance between the sticks for the Bavarians. He won eight Bundesliga titles (six of which came in the decade in question here) as well as six DFB Pokals and the Champions League in 2001. WILLY SAGNOL (2000-09) - Sadly, Frenchman Sagnol was forced to retire last season, but Bayern fans will retain extremely fond memories of the right-back for his nine years at the club. He joined from Monaco in 2000 and amassed 184 league appearances for the German giants. The Allianz Arena loved screaming “Willliyyyy” as the Frenchman bombed forward from his full-back berth on one of his trademark forays into the opponent’s half. He was forced to retire prematurely at the age of 32 due to a serious Achilles injury. SAMMY KUFFOUR (1993-2005) - The Ghanaian was a rock at the back for Bayern for more than ten years. He won the Champions League in 2001 which made up in some way for the heartbreak of losing the 1999 final in Barcelona to Manchester United. The lasting image of the African was him prone on the floor following the last-gasp defeat to United pounding his fists on the grass. His whole-hearted approach endeared him to Bayern fans and he played 175 Bundesliga games winning the title four times in the ‘noughties’. LUCIO (2004-present ) - The current Brazilian international team captain has been marshalling the Bayern back four since 2004 when he joined from Bayer Leverkusen. He has won the ‘double’ on three occasions and is seen as a key element of the current side. He can be rather unorthodox at times and various Bayern trainers have tried to control the wild runs forward. His attacking appetite comes from being a Brazilian, but he remains one of the toughest defenders in world football. PHILLIP LAHM (2005 - present) - Local boy Philipp Lahm is a truly world-class full-back and Bayern through and through. He joined the junior team as an eleven year old and rose speedily through the ranks. Two years on loan at Stuttgart honed his skills and confirmed to Bayern that his future lay with them. He prefers to play at right-back, but has played most of his career on the opposite flank to superb effect. He was wooed by Barcelona last summer, but stayed true to his home-town club and signed an extended deal until 2012. Despite being just 25, he has won the league and Cup double on no fewer than three occasions. MICHAEL BALLACK (2002- 2006) - Ballack my not be the most popular figure at the Allianz Arena now since his defection to Chelsea, but that comes down to the fact that Bayern fans resent losing a talent such as his. Such is the financial clout of the Bavarians that they can plunder the best talents in the Bundesliga and Ballack was certainly that while at Bayer Leverkusen. An impressive World Cup tournament in 2002 saw Bayern shell out €12.9 million for him. In four seasons at Bayern, Ballack won three Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal doubles and scored 47 goals in 135 matches. He was reportedly the only “guaranteed” starter in the Bayern midfield while Felix Magath was at the helm. ZE ROBERTO (2002-2006 & 2007-2009) - Such is the high esteem with which Brazilian legend Ze Roberto is held at the club, that former trainer Ottmar Hitzfeld wasted no time at all in bringing him back from Santos after his predecessor Felix Magath had deemed him surplus to requirements. The double Copa America winner has four league and Cup doubles to his name as well as 169 appearances for the Bavarians. His second spell proved his quality and he added more of a goalscoring threat to his game. He has since left the club, but there were no shortage of takers for his signature with Hamburg eventually winning out. BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER (2002 - present) - Despite being just 24, Schweinsteiger is one of the longest serving players in the current Bayern squad. He graduated via the youth ranks and was handed a surprise debut as a substitute in a Champions League fixture with Lens by Ottmar Hitzfeld. His Bundesliga debut followed soon after and in his first season he helped Bayern to the double. ‘Schweini’ was surprisingly sent back to the Bayern Amatuer side by Felix Magath, but since then he has been a permanent fixture in the Bayern midfield. He has won the Bundesliga four times and the DFB Pokal four times. He has been linked with a move away from the club on various occasions, but is difficult to imagine him wearing anything other than the Bayern Munich shirt. FRANCK RIBERY (2007 - present) - Frenchman Ribery has only been at Bayern for two seasons, but such is the impact he has made on the club and the Bundesliga as a whole that it is difficult to omit him from the ‘Team of the Decade’. Until the signing of Mario Gomez, he was the Bavarians’ record signing at €25 million and his time at the Allianz Arena has seen reporters literally running out of superlatives to describe his performances. Bundesliga defences have been terrorised and Ribery’s reputation as a world star has been enhanced to such an extent that all the top clubs now seem to want to sign him. ROY MAKAAY (2003-2007) - Rudolphus Anton Makaay, better known as Roy, was the undisputed top striker at Bayern before the arrival of Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose. The Dutchman joined the club in 2003 from Deportivo La Coruna and scored goals for fun. In four seasons with Bayern he scored 78 goals in just 129 matches giving him an average of better than a goal every two games. CLAUDIO PIZARRO (2001-2007) - The Peruvian striker is still bagging goals in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, but his six seasons at the Allianz Arena were where he developed his reputation as a top goal-getter. Three Bundesliga titles were gained during his time in Bavaria, while he hit the back of the net 71 times in 144 league appearances. Chelsea wasted no time at all snapping him up on a Bosman free transfer, but he failed to reproduce his Bayern form at Stamford Bridge. KAHN SAGNOL - KUFFOUR – LUCIO - LAHM SCHWEINSTEIGER - BALLACK – ZE ROBERTO - RIBERY MAKAAY – PIZARRO SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/15/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Bayern Munich
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Mexico

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. MEXICO By Luis Bueno, Goal.com Mexican soccer had its ups and downs throughout the last decade. Turmoil highlighted the early part of the last 10 years as managers came and went but Javier Aguirre brought stability to the national team. He turned around Mexico's World Cup qualifying hopes in 2001 and led the team to the Copa America final that year as well. A bad loss to the United States in the Round of 16 in 2002, though, spoiled what could have been a memorable World Cup run. Mexico improved over the next four years but reached no further in Germany 2006, as El Tri crashed out against Argentina. For their last cycle of the decade, Aguirre is back but the team is once again headed into turmoil as Mexico's hopes of reaching South Africa are in trouble. But El Tri have shown that they can overcome great odds and are still one of the region's top teams. In the league, the most popular teams were not always the best, as America, Chivas, Cruz Azul and Pumas combined for just six titles from the Verano 2000 to the Clausura 2009 seasons. Pachuca and Toluca were the classiest teams of the decade. Here's a look at the top players who stood out for both club and country during the last 10 years. OSWALDO SANCHEZ - A three-time World Cup veteran, Sanchez finally had his opportunity to play in one when he lined up for all four of El Tri’s games in Germany 2006 and guided Mexico to the Round of 16. Sanchez also led Mexico to a CONCACAF Gold Cup title, in 2003. The unquestionable starting goalkeeper for Mexico from early 2003 to Feb. 2009, Sanchez has been a league standout as well, having led Chivas and Santos to league titles in 2006 and 2008 respectively. RICARDO OSORIO - A standout defender at Cruz Azul early in his career, Osorio gained attention by European clubs during the 2006 World Cup. After displaying fine ability on the right side, Osorio was snatched up by German club Stuttgart and made a surprising move abroad in time for the 2006-07 campaign. Along with teammate Pavel Pardo, Osorio and Pardo became the first Mexicans to win a Bundesliga title as Stuttgart claimed the trophy in May 2007. Osorio has also been Mexico’s first-choice right back since the 2003 Gold Cup. CARLOS SAICIDO - A late bloomer on the national team, Salcido quickly became a fixture for El Tricolor following Copa America 2004. With Claudio Suarez finally giving way to age, room opened up for Salcido on the backline and the then-Chivas defender nabbed it. Salcido was a first-choice defender during the early rounds of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup and was a key player during the tournament. He parlayed success in Germany 2006 to a European contract as he latched onto PSV Eindhoven for the 2006-07 season and has won two Eredivisie titles with the Dutch club. RAFAEL MARQUEZ - One of the most polished defenders in Mexican league history, Marquez is a lock for Mexico’s all-time team. A standout since his youth days with Atlas, Marquez progressed through the ranks in Europe, as he moved from Monaco to Catalan giants Barcelona in 2003. Marquez is a veteran of two World Cups and helped Mexico win the Gold Cup in 2003 and reach the Copa America final in 2001. Marquez has also helped Barcelona win three Spanish league titles, two UEFA Champions League crowns as well as a Copa Del Rey crown during his standout career with Barcelona. RAMON MORALES - Veteran leadership and outstanding set-piece skills have been Morales’ calling card for some time. A fixture on the left side for both Mexico and Guadalajara, Morales helped El Tri move from manager to manager as he was there to help bridge the gap between Javier Aguirre and Ricardo Lavolpe in 2003. He was a key player in Gold Cups and Copa Americas and played in both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. GERARDO TORRADO - When Javier Aguirre took over with Mexico in 2001, one of his first moves was to place Torrado in the middle of the field. For the next eight years, that move has paid off as Torrado’s development soared under Aguirre. He started for El Tri in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and has been a key performer in Mexico’s qualifying cycle for the 2010 World Cup. Torrado spent most of the decade in Spain, playing for four clubs, most notably Sevilla. Since 2005 Torrado has been a member of Mexican side Cruz Azul and has led the club to two league finals in that span. PAVEL PARDO - A veteran of the 1998 World Cup, the decade did not start off in grand manner for Pardo and his national team aspirations. Javier Aguirre dropped Pardo from the team when he took over in July 2001, and Pardo missed out on the 2002 World Cup. However, he led America to glory, helping las Aguilas win the Clausura 2002 league title while the national team was already in Japan. Pardo, though, recovered nicely for El Tri and was a standout once again by the 2006 World Cup. He made a shock move to Bundesliga side Stuttgart and quickly became a fan favorite. Pardo sent in a corner kick to Tomas Hitzlsperger, whose subsequent goal helped Stuttgart win the Bundesliga title. GABRIEL CABELLERO - An Argentine by birth, Caballero gained his Mexican citizenship in 2002 and was promptly included on the national team by former club manager Javier Aguirre. Caballero was on El Tri’s 2002 World Cup side but has gained more fame in Mexico for his league accomplishments as he is one of the most successful league players in the last decade. Caballero has been on all four of Pachuca’s Mexican league championship teams and has helped los Tuzos to international success as well (Copa Sudamericana 2006, CONCACAF Champions League 2007, SuperLiga 2007). CUAURHTEMOC BLANCO - A Mexican icon for all times, Blanco began to build to his legend when he helped resuscitate a near-dead Mexico squad during the 2001 Hexagonal. Blanco scored four goals in five games down the stretch and helped Mexico qualify for the 2002 World Cup by bagging a brace in the Hexagonal finale, a 3-0 win over Honduras. Blanco also helped America win the Clausura 2005 league title and his multimillion-dollar move to Chicago Fire helped the MLS club become one of the best-supported teams in the league. Blanco has done so well for the Fire that he has been named as a better acquisition than David Beckham. JARED BORGETTI - Undoubtedly one of Mexico’s top performers for both club and country throughout the decade, Borgetti helped Mexico succeed in several crucial matches. Borgetti did what he did best in many important games as he scored goals in World Cup qualifying, in the World Cup, Confederations Cup, Gold Cup, Copa America and numerous friendlies. Borgetti shattered previous goal-scoring marks and has 46 goals for Mexico, an all-time record. For league, Borgetti was just one of two Mexicans to lead the domestic league in scoring, and translated his scoring skills into a move abroad as he became the first Mexican to ever play in the English Premier League when he joined Bolton in 2005. OMAR BRAVO - Constantly criticized throughout the decade for his lack of scoring in big games for the national team, Bravo nevertheless scored two goals in the 2006 World Cup and parlayed that as well as league success into a move to Deportivo la Coruña. Bravo finished his career with Guadalajara having scored 101 all-time goals, second in the team’s storied history. Bravo also helped Chivas win the Apertura 2006 championship, the team’s first title in nearly a decade. With the national team, Bravo had his moments aside from the World Cup triumph. He scored against Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying in 2009, a strike that helped restore faith in the team and helped give Mexico a much-needed three points as El Tri fight for a spot in South Africa 2010. SANCHEZ OSORIO - MARQUEZ - SALCIDO PARDO - TORRADO - CABALLERO - MORALES BLANCO BRAVO - BORGETTI http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/19/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Mexico
Team of the decade 2000-2010: USA

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. USA By Noah Davis and Allen Ramsey, Goal.com Back in 1994 when the U.S. hosted the World Cup the country was still thought of as a bit of a joke in terms of the world’s most popular sport. That summer great strides were made in growing the spot in the U.S. Now, a decade and a half later, the country is coming off one of the most impressive runs in its history. Results as always for the Red White and Blue have been up and down, but the peaks have been higher than ever, while the valleys grow more and more shallow with each passing year. A team that once would’ve made news just by making the World Cup is now disappointed to not climb out of its group. While the U.S. National Team is still in search of its first major trophy, in the last decade it has climbed on level pegging, if not surpassed, every other team in the CONCACAF region while also managing to pull off a few surprising results on the world stage. Goal.com USA’s Noah Davis and Allen Ramsey take a look at the U.S.’s best XI over a decade that could be considered the most successful in the country’s history. Formation: 3-5-2 GOALKEEPER BRAD FRIEDEL - (1992-2005) - The Aston Villa netminder sits behind Kasey Keller in terms of all-time appearance (82 vs. 102), wins (27 vs. 53), and shutouts (24 vs. 47), but gets the nod over the Seattle Sounders keeper for play on international football's biggest stage. While Keller presided over the ill-fated 1998 and 2006 World Cup -- although he did earn man of the match honors for his performance during the 1-1 draw against Italy -- Friedel's astonishing performances in the run to the 2002 quarterfinals played a huge role in helping the U.S. achieve its best finish in over 50 years. DEFENSE TONY SANNEH - (1997-2005) - The right fullback had less than 50 caps for the Americans -- 43 to be exact -- but his pivotal role in the 2002 World Cup puts him over the top at the (admittedly weak) position. Sanneh was a rock in the back, playing every minute of the tournament, and even getting into the offense with an assist on Brian McBride's tally in the upset of Portugal. "Big Cat" never reached such lofty heights again, but those five matches were enough to cement his legacy as one of the best American defenders of the decade. OGUCHI ONYEWU - (2004-) - Known to most people simply as Gooch, Onyewu has earned the right to be considered one of the U.S.’s best XI with his strong performances in all competitions for the national side. A super imposing figure in the middle of the U.S. back four since 2004, Onyewu has grown as a player with each passing year. Though he was not part of the U.S.’s World Cup quarterfinal run in 2002, the big defender has been part of two Gold Cup winning sides, was a major reason for the U.S.’s first place finish in qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, and a staple in the back during the team’s run to the 2009 Confederation Cup final. EDDIE POPE - (1996-2006) - Pope was one of the strongest defensive players the U.S. ever fielded. His 82 caps included the 1998, 2002, and 2006 World Cups where he played a prominent role in the U.S. backline. His red card in the second game of the 2006 World Cup against Italy was a disappointing end to one of the great careers in U.S. soccer history, but Pope will always be remembered as one of the men who helped put the U.S. National Team, and Major League Soccer, on the map. MIDFIELDERS CLINT DEMPSEY - (2004-) - The Fulham midfielder's blast against Ghana in the 2006 World Cup was one of the only highlights for the Stars and Stripes during their trip to Germany. Since that time, Dempsey, for all his talent, has been frustrating to watch, especially since he's blossomed in England but seemed uninterested in his play on the National Team. That changed during the second half of the Confederations Cup, when Dempsey's work rate increased and his production exploded. Don't forget, the decade doesn't end until December. Could there be some magic from Clint coming up? Say August 12 around 5 p.m. Eastern? CLAUDIO REYNA - (1994-2006) - Considered by many as the top midfielder the U.S. has ever produced, Reyna has been given honors throughout his legendary career as an American star. Beginning in ’94, Reyna was capped 112 times, played in three World Cups (he missed the ’94 World Cup through injury) and became one of the most consistent players in CONCACAF. As a deep lying midfielder, Reyna brought a level of calm and poise the U.S. had never had in the center of the pitch and has sorely missed since. Much like Pope, Reyna’s legacy may have been mired by the lasting memory of 2006, where he gave away a ball that led to Ghana’s opening goal in the final group stage match. Still, Reyna is one of the all-time greats of U.S. soccer and as responsible for the growth of the national team as any singular player. PABLO MASTROENI - (2001-) - Thrust into a starting role in the 2002 World Cup opener against mighty Portugal, Mastroeni began to grow his legacy as the type of hard nosed player the U.S. routinely relies on in the middle of the pitch. As a member of both the 2002 and 2006 World Cup squads, Mastro, as he is known in the U.S., proved to be a competent player who’s work rate and grit kept him entrenched in the starting XI, but who’s rash challenges could be a liability. The midfielder was a mainstay on all three Gold Cup winning sides for the U.S. during the last decade and played a vital role in qualification for the 2006 World Cup. DAMARCUS BEASLEY - ( 2001-) - Beasley burst onto the scene just prior to the 2002 World Cup and has been a steady member of the squad ever since. As a young player Beasley’s electric pace took the 2002 World Cup by storm as his runs down the left flank troubled every defense he ran up against. In 2006 the winger assisted on the U.S.’s only goal in Germany, slotting a ball across the frame of goal after dispossessing a Ghanaian defender. In recent times, injuries have plagued Beasley and his form has dipped to the point where he was sent to the bench during the 2009 Confederations Cup, but at only 27-years-old the story of DaMarcus Beasley may not be finished just yet. EARNIE STEWART - (1990-2004) - Though Stewart’s time with the U.S. National team ended in 2004, the midfielder’s contributions in the early part of the decade can’t be taken for granted. In 101 caps Stewart netted 17 times and helped spark the U.S.’s attacks with his pace and class on the ball. The U.S.’s all-time leader in European league goals, Stewart’s contributions to the game in the U.S. went much further than what he did for the Red White and Blue as he became one of the most successful professionals the U.S. has ever produced. FORWARDS BRIAN MCBRIDE - (1993-2006) - What more can you say about this man? He retired from international competition three years ago, yet U.S. fans continue to clamor for his return. McBride won't ever get to 100 caps -- currently he sits on 96 -- but as the only American score in more than one World Cup, his place in U.S. soccer lore won't change. Third on the all-time points list behind Landon Donovan and Eric Wynalda, the Chicago Fire striker leaves behind a treasure trove of brilliant head goals (and a training regimen to which young Americans should aspire). LANDON DONOVAN - (2000-) - Don't forget, the lightning rod that is Landon Donovan was just 19 when the millennium kicked off. He's been the face of U.S. soccer for the entire decade -- taking the good with the bad, the victories with the defeats -- and, all things considered, has handled it remarkably well. During the past year or so, Donovan seems to have come to the realization that how he'll be viewed by future generations hangs in the balance of what he does during the next few years. As the decade closes, America's best field player continues to mature into his own (those David Beckham comments aside). Friedel Sanneh - Onjewu - Pope Dempsey - Reyna - Mastroeni - Beasley - Stewart McBride - Donovan http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/19/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: USA
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Premier League

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. PREMIER LEAGUE By Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com This has been the decade in which the Premier League's brand building has come good. The early years bore little fruit on the world stage, but now, the money is rolling in and the football is a force to be reckoned with. English clubs currently set the marker in European competition, both tactically and technically, with many other clubs having to follow their blueprint to keep pace. This is, in no small part, due to the squad depth afforded by the top clubs in England, not to mention their consistent acquisition of top coaches and, perhaps post-Mourinho Chelsea notwithstanding, sticking by their man. On top of that, it might also be worth mentioning the absolutely outstanding players to take into account, as well. Only two managed to win the Ballon d'Or - one of whom doesn't even make the XI - but this has been a league saturated with stars; a trend that, regardless of Real Madrid's Nuevo Galacticos, only looks like continuing in the decade to come. Formation: 3-5-2 SHAY GIVEN (Newcastle United & Manchester City) - The only player to make the grade that has never played for one of the 'big four', but he has played in the Champions League. Yes, it was closer to the beginning of the decade, back when Newcastle weren't ... well, in the Championship ... but Shay Given has been nothing short of outstanding all decade. Some have even gone as far as to declare him the best goalkeeper in the world, which is perhaps an accolade too far, but his consistent heroics, outstanding shot-stopping and leadership have been enough to see him past the likes of Petr Cech (due in part to his unfortunate injury). His loyalty to Newcastle proved finite right towards the end of the decade, when they approached their ultimate low and Manchester City, with their party-crashing ambitions and promises of greatness, proved too great a lure to resist. His performances haven't let up - already proving a hero in vain in the failed UEFA Cup campaign - but his aim now will simply be to get back into the Champions League before hanging up his gloves. RIO FERDINAND (West Ham United, Leeds United & Manchester United) - One of several outstandingly talented English talents from the West Ham youth system, Rio made the switch to a high-flying Leeds side at the beginning of the decade for a mammoth £18m, a British transfer record, when he was still just 21. And a defender. The last thing Leeds would have been expecting was to make almost a 40 per cent profit after just two seasons. He got even better, and fast, before Manchester United broke the British transfer record for a second time, and also saw Rio overtake the legendary Lilian Thuram to become the most expensive defender in the world for a second time. And now, after seven seasons at Old Trafford, he has done it all. Following the decline of legendary Italian duo, Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta, Rio became considered by many to be the best centre-back in the world on his way to leading the Red Devils and then lifting the Champions League in 2008, completing his journey to the pinnacle of club football off the back of skilful, effortless, yet athletic and domineering defending. SOL CAMPBELL (Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal & Portsmouth) - Something of a forgotten man since joining Portsmouth in 2006, it cannot be forgotten what an incredible defender Sol Campbell was in his prime. Having already made his name as one of the best defenders in the country in the previous decade with Spurs, he was being courted by Barcelona, no less, before controversially opting instead to join Arsenal, reigniting the bitter local rivalry that needed no reignition. Let that not detract from his simply incredible performances for the Gunners during his five seasons with the club. He was part of the Invincibles side, winning two Premier Leagues and three FA Cups, and of course scoring in a Champions League final, his final ever game for the club, that was to end in defeat. Even when labelled past it when joining Portsmouth at the age of 30, he has upheld a marked level of consistency, even if he was eventually ousted from the national team by John Terry. Sol has rarely looked short of class, and testimony to his influence is that Arsenal have yet to truly replace his calming and confident presence at the back. JOHN TERRY (Chelsea) - For fun, I was half-way tempted to add Manchester City, with a little question mark, to the club in brackets above, but we all know that just wouldn't be right. John Terry is the first of three one-club men to make it into this list, and it would take a brave man, despite the speculation and despite his silence, to bet against him finishing his career as one. He rose through the ranks at Chelsea as an archetypal die-hard English defender and carved himself a real niche as one of the best of his kind out there. Elegance and grace he might not have in abundance, but his bottomless reserve of determination and energy have always led him to success. Now 28, Terry is captain of his club and country, with the only major blight in his career being a slip on the soaking wet Moscow turf that sent an otherwise perfect penalty - that had wrong-footed Edwin van der Sar - six inches too wide, off the post and out. It would have won the Champions League, completing Terry's club trophy haul. He remains determined to bounce back, and continues to be one of the most consistent, match-saving defenders in the league. CRISTIANO RONALDO (Manchester United) - The first player in the XI to have gone abroad - there are three more - but none managed it with quite such a level of accompanying awe-inspiring media coverage. Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in the Premier League just 18 years of age still skilful but erratic, and left probably the most complete attacking player in the world, for an all-time record-smashing £80m, to his boyhood club, Real Madrid. The way in which United, kings of English football, were made to feel small by the Portuguese did his local reputation few favours, and nor did his perceived persona as an arrogant superstar, but his performances eventually won over everyone in the league, the country and grudgingly, the world. Having narrowly missed out on the Ballon d'Or to Kaka in 2007, he ran away with it in 2008, following that 42-goal season - all this after the World Cup winking allegations had threatened to cut short his United career. His desire to be the best and incredible work ethic allowed him to get there. He won it all, was absolutely instrumental the whole way, and left on top - just as he will have wanted. STEVEN GERRARD (Liverpool) - The only man to make it into the Premier League team of the decade without having won the Premier League, Steven Gerrard has done everything but. He has in the past been regarded as a one-man team, though now he has some pretty handy team-mates for company, and is edging ever closer to that one title that has eluded him all this time. Yes, Gerrard has also won the Champions League, of course, without being a champion. His role in every significant Liverpool triumph over the years, none less so than Istanbul, has been quite literally unbelievable. Very few can produce the goods on demand quite like him: the big goals, the big runs, even the big tackles from time to time. As his team-mates have increased in calibre, so has his own play. It would be fair, to a degree, to say that the 29-year-old was something of a typical English midfielder, with the stamina, work ethic, and big shot - but his awareness and passing, both short and long, have come on leaps and bounds. As a player, he will struggle to get any better - and he won't be in this team ten years from now - but he won't worry about that for so much as a second as long as he has a Premier League title to show for it, come quitting time. PATRICK VIEIRA (Arsenal) - Vieira arrived at Highbury little known to the English public, but the fact he had been signed by Milan just a year previous should have made it somewhat obvious that he was far from a nothing player. Indeed, he fast became the driving force behind Arsenal's midfield and the leader of their charge to the pinnacle of Premier League football. It takes a lot to beat Makelele into any XI, and it was Vieira's uncontainable influence that did just that. Strong, athletic and just that little bit skilful, Vieira made all the right moves in midfield to make his opponents look ordinary. Perhaps only one player can take greater credit for Arsenal's golden era than Vieira - and we all know who that is - and the only real low point in the midfielder's Arsenal career was his penalty miss in the 2003 UEFA Cup final, which contributed to the Gunners' heartbreaking defeat. Nevertheless, the man courted in consecutive summers by Real Madrid's Galacticos captained the Gunners during their unbeaten league season . He was the heartbeat of Arsenal at their peak - silverware came and went with him - so it's no surprise Arsene Wenger demanded his signing before he even officially started as coach. Vieira, a born champion, left to pursue Champions League glory - it didn't work out, and Gooners the world around wonder still whether he could have taken them that extra mile in Paris, in that fateful final against Barcelona. FRANK LAMPARD (West Ham United & Chelsea) - Not many players can lay claim to being quite as good, goalscoring and yet unfashionable as Frank Lampard. The man nicknamed Supergoals has scored 20 or more goals from midfield in five consecutive seasons, having now spent seven exceptional seasons at Stamford Bridge, since joining from a club where his roots run deep, West Ham United, in 2001. He was undoubtedly the key player behind Chelsea's initial success under Jose Mourinho. Millions were spent, Drogba was a force, Makelele made defensive midfielders seemingly fashionable again, Terry was a rock, Cech considered the best in the world by some, Duff and Robben full of flair and excitement - but picking just one star player from 2004-2006 would produce the same vote almost every single time. The enormity of that feat cannot be underplayed. Lampard always produces big goals in big games, whether scrappy or spectacular, and plays an efficient and disciplined game in midfield that, despite being unfancy, is highly effective. Jose Mourinho told him he was the best, but I don't think he ever really believed it - remaining a modest professional is what has enabled him to be the understated superstar that he is. RYAN GIGGS (Manchester United) - He has played and scored in every season of the Premier League to date. Ryan Giggs is a living, breathing, running, shooting and scoring legend. He has been at the height of the game for so long that many might even argue he peaked, at least as a traditional winger, last decade. Yet he's still going. There were accusations of tokenism when he won last season's PFA Player of the Year award, but that was more a flaw in the voting system - taken midway through the season, at which point the Welshman was performing at the peak of his powers - than anything sinister. His creativity, consistency and contribution to unending success saw him edge out Robert Pires, who spent six scintillating and successful years with Arsenal. It was close-run, and though Ryan perhaps wasn't quite as fast, furious and full of flair as he has been in the past, with his slower and more intricate game undoubtedly hindering United at times, it was his modest mastery that saw him come good more often than not, with the trophies to show for it. RUUD VAN NISTELROOY (Manchester United) - There has never been a more prolific striker in Premier League history than Van Nistelrooy, despite Alan Shearer being far and away in the lead on the goalscoring charts and Fernando Torres having made a sensational start to his time in England, but will struggle to continue at the same rate as Ruud, who arrived after having been courted for several years by Sir Alex Ferguson, but only managed to make his dream move after a series of serious injuries. It was the goalscoring touch, though, that never escaped him. He wasn't able to do it in as much style as he perhaps would have liked, but in five seasons, he scored 150 goals in 219 appearances, winning each domestic honour on offer with the Red Devils. He missed out on European glory, left Old Trafford under a cloud after a row with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, but was still seen as something of a fan favourite, a feeling he reciprocated both towards the club and even his former manager. He is perhaps the best out-and-out goalscorer the Premier League has ever seen, someone who Michael Owen, of all people, has the job of now replacing at Old Trafford. This, the same Michael Owen who Ruud pipped to this spot, who won the Ballon d'Or and who also left the Premier League for Real Madrid. A phenomenon though Owen was, his position was compromised by his injuries and subsequent dip in goalscoring form - Ruud, on the other hand, was relentless. THIERRY HENRY (Arsenal) - If you're looking for quantity of quality, the search for the Premier League's greatest ever player starts and ends with Ryan Giggs. If you're looking for game-to-greatness ratio, it is, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, Thierry Henry. It's astonishing to think he arrived a reject from Juventus, being deployed as a left-winger at a club and in a league that was not a fit for his budding talents. Arsene Wenger knew exactly what he was doing when he signed him for £10m, a value he repaid at least ten times over on the pitch, if not in sales figures, during his seven seasons in north London. At a club that was never considered one of the genuine, ever-present heavyweights in European football, Henry nevertheless leapt past Raul, Van Nistelrooy, Jardel, Shevchenko, Crespo and even Ronaldo as the greatest forward in the world. Think influence on the fortunes of his team, think goals-to-games and assists, think show-stopping skill, pace, power and think that somehow, for all his unbelievable ability and performances, he never won the Ballon d'Or nor the Champions League with Arsenal, and ended his time there by proving something of a hindrance to his side - a slight on the way they were heading right than him, you would think. At the peak of his powers, he was the most complete and outstanding forward in the world - yet it took that move to Barcelona, where at first he struggled to find his rhythm for a variety of reasons, to finally reach undisputed greatness. It is that which he needed to feel he had accomplished everything as a player, but he was most complete during his time in the Premier League, where he will be remembered as one of the greatest ever players for not just years, but decades to come. GIVEN FERDINAND - CAMPBELL - TERRY VIEIRA RONALDO - GERRARD - LAMPARD - GIGGS VAN NISTELROOY - HENRY http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Premier League
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Bundesliga

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. BUNDESLIGA By Mathew Burt, Goal.com The German top flight remains a much underrated league with those of England, Spain and Italy often grabbing the headlines with their big names. However, very few leagues can boast the stadia, the atmosphere, the sheer number of fans and the excitement that the Bundesliga provides. Bayern Munich remain the top dogs in Germany with their financial clout, but over the past decade four other teams have pipped the Bavarians to the league title - Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen, VfB Stuttgart and VfL Wolfsburg. The Bundesliga has witnessed some fantastic players over the past ten years - players who have often seriously enhanced their own careers with a stint in Germany. Here, Goal.com looks at the best 11 players to have played in the league between 2000 and the present day… Formation: 4-4-2 Goalkeeper OLIVER KAHN (Bayern Munich 1994-2008) - The Bundesliga is a much duller place following the retirement of Oliver Kahn after the 2007-08 season. ‘Titan’ as he was known has to be seen as one of the best keepers to have played in the Bundesliga in it’s history, let alone the decade in question here. His presence behind the Bayern Munich defence provided reassurance and the defenders in front of him certainly knew he was there as he was never shy of giving them (or opposing forwards) a rollicking. He won six league titles in the decade in question, as well as five DFB Pokals and the Champions League in 2001. DEFENDERS WILLY SAGNOL Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich 2000-2009) - People often wonder why right-footed Philipp Lahm is employed out of position at left-back and the answer is simple - Willy Sagnol. The Frenchman joined Bayern from AS Monaco in 2000 and was a permanent fixture at right-back until an Achilles injury forced him into early retirement. He amassed 184 appearances for the Bavarians and was a real crowd favourite at the Allianz Arena and the cry of “Williyyyy” from the crowd as he ventured forward on one of his trademark forays up the pitch was often heard. MARCELO JOSE BORDON (VfB Stuttgart 1999-2004 /Schalke 2004-present) - The Brazilian centre-back arrived in the Bundesliga in 1999 from Sao Paulo joining VfB Stuttgart. He was an instant hit in Swabia quickly becoming the rock around which the defence was built. He joined Schalke in 2004 for €2.6 million and quickly formed a brilliant understanding with Serbian Mladen Krstajic as the Koenigsblauen looked to finally win the Bundesliga. However the best he could achieve was two runners-up placings. He was a great threat going forward and chipped in with 25 league goals over his 267 appearances. LUCIO (Bayer Leverkusen 2001-2004 /Bayern Munich 2004-2009) - Lucimar da Silva Ferreira Lucio, or just Lucio for short has developed into one of the world’s finest defenders whilst in the Bundesliga. He joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2001 from Brazilian side Internacional before Bayern Munich snapped him up in 2004. Solid at the back, he is also famed for his rampaging runs forward into the opposition half. He has a hat trick of Bundesliga and DFB Pokals, while being a World Cup winner to boot. Rumours persist that he will leave Bayern, but the Bundesliga would certainly miss the towering presence of Lucio. CHRISTIAN WORNS (Borussia Dortmund 1999-2008) - Worns is considered one of the finest central defenders of his generation and was unlucky not to have had a more trophy-laden career. He made his debut in the Bundesliga aged just 17-making him the fourth youngest debutant, but the decade in question here saw him plying his trade at Borussia Dortmund. He retired at the end of the 2007-08 season. He helped BVB to the Bundesliga crown in 2002 as well as runners-up spot in two DFB Pokals. MIDFIELDERS BERND SCHNEIDER (Bayer Leverkusen 1999-2009) - The retirement of Bernd Schneider at the end of last season once again robbed German football of one of its finest exponents. Affectionately known as ‘Schnix’ or ‘the White Brazilian’, Schneider stood out in the Bundesliga for being a player of exquisite quality. He was more of a creator than a finisher and he made himself virtually a guaranteed starter for both Leverkusen and Germany throughout the decade in question here. The perennial runner-up though - twice in the league, twice in the Cup, once in the Champions League and once in the World Cup. MICHAEL BALLACK (Bayer Leverkusen 1999-2002 /Bayern Munich 2002-2006) - Ballack is perhaps the one truly world-class player that has emerged from Germany over the past ten years. He joined Bayer Leverkusen in 1999 from Kaiserslautern and matured into one of the finest midfielders in the country. However his €12.9 million move to Bayern was when he truly made the step up to world-class status. He was a prolific scorer for the Bavarians as he helped them to three Bundesliga titles scoring 44 goals in 107 appearances. He was named German ‘Footballer of the Year’ in 2002, 2003 and 2005. TORSTEN FRINGS (Werder Bremen 1997-2002/ Borussia Dortmund 2002-2004/ Bayern Munich 2004-2005/ Werder Bremen 2005-present) - Every team needs a Torsten Frings. The German international is an all-action midfielder who can play virtually anywhere across the middle of the park. He is usually though employed as a defensive shield, but he can often be seen running from deep, box-to-box and his tough tackling is the stuff of legend. Although he won the Bundesliga while at Bayern, his spell in Bavaria was an unhappy one and he rejoined Werder after just one season. Bayern’s loss was Bremen’s gain. DIEGO (Werder Bremen 2006-2009) - The Brazilian playmaker made a huge impact at the Weser Stadion during his three seasons there playing for Thomas Schaaf’s Werder Bremen. He was highlighted as a potential world star during his time at Santos and although he showed signs of it while with Porto, it wasn’t until he was unleashed on the Bundesliga that he became the world-class star he now is and that made Juventus shell out €25 million for him. Nominally a playmaker, his goal threat made him one of the most prolific midfielders in the Bundesliga and he scored a more than impressive 38 goals in 84 league appearances. FORWARDS CLAUDIO PIZARRO (Werder Bremen 1999-2001 & 2008-2009 /Bayern Munich 2001-2007) - The Peruvian has scored 117 goals in 256 Bundesliga appearances and while not totally impressive while at Chelsea, in the Bundesliga there are few strikers who can boast a record like his. Scored goals regularly for Bayern Munich during his spell there, but fell out with the club’s hierarchy for demanding too much money when it came to renewing his contract. “Anyone wishing to earn as much as Shevchenko had better start playing like Shevchenko” Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was quoted as saying at the time. MIROSLAV KLOSE (Kaiserslautern 1999-2004, Werder Bremen 2004-2007, Bayern Munich 2007-present) - ‘Miro’ has to be judged as the top German striker in the Bundesliga over the past decade. Plenty of foreigners have bagged plenty of goals but Klose for Kaiserslautern, Werder Bremen and Bayern has regularly been the top German striker (even though he was born in Poland!). Now at Bayern he has matured and his play off the ball where he works for others is a feature of his game. KAHN SAGNOL - BORDON – LUCIO - WORNS SCHNEIDER – BALLACK – FRINGS – DIEGO PIZARRO – KLOSE http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Bundesliga
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Scottish Premier League

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE By Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com The Scottish Premier League is dominated by those two great Glasgow clubs, Celtic and Rangers. The rivalry extends to all facets of life - religion, work, politics, breakfast. Naturally, many of the stand-outs since the league's re-branding in 1998 have belonged to the 'Old Firm' giants, for reasons financial, cultural and otherwise. Celtic have won six titles to Rangers' three this decade, with the rivals only split once, by Heart of Midlothian in 2005-06. When considering the best performers since the millennium bug destroyed the planet, then, the statistically best-of-the-rest Jambos are the only other club with a significant look-in. If Celtic and Rangers had their way, they'd already be in the English Premier League. The dream throughout this decade of dominance was to get the sharks out of the bathtub and into open waters. However, such a move is no closer as 2010 looms large. As such, let's look forward to more of the same in the teenies, ten-ies, one-ies, or whatever they're called... Greg Ptolomey selects his best SPL XI from the past decade… Formation: 4-3-1-2 CRAIG GORDON - Hearts (2000-07) - Gordon made his debut for Hearts in 2002 and left for Sunderland five years later in a deal which would eventually amount to a British record transfer fee for goalies of £9 million. In between, he excited fans with his composed performances and established himself as Scotland's No.1 shot-stopper. This was all quite remarkable for a non-Old Firm player. The highlight of his time at Tynecastle was the 2005-06 season, at the end of which he was voted Scottish Football Writers' Association Player of the Year, having helped the Jam Tarts to second place and a Scottish Cup triumph. FERNANDO RICKSEN - Rangers (2000-06) - Although he was signed by fellow Dutchman Dick Advocaat, who would eventually re-sign him for Zenit, it was under Alex McLeish that Ricksen thrived. He helped Eck's men to a Cup double in 2001-02, then through a treble winning season and a poor follow-up year. 2004-05, though, must go down as one of the single-greatest individual performances in an SPL campaign. Ricksen shook his bad-boy tag to captain the side for much of the season, playing often in central midfield instead of his usual right-back role. Rangers won the league in epic, last-gasp fashion, and the Dutchman finished with nine goals (in all competitions) and joint Player of the Year honours with John Hartson. Unfortunately, he soon regressed and was booted to Russia by Paul le Guen. STEVEN PRESSLEY - Hearts, Celtic & Falkirk - The recently retired defender holds the record for most SPL appearances. He enjoyed a Celtic swansong and finished as a Falkirk player, but it was his eight-year association with Hearts for which he'll be remembered. On the pitch, he was the archetypal Scottish 'head-where-it-hurts' stalwart, his nickname 'Elvis' at odds with his ruddy appearance. Off the pitch he was equally impressive, holding together the Jambos through times of great financial and organisational turmoil during the tumultuous early part of Vladimir Romanov's dictatorship. GARY CALDWELL - Hibs (2004-06); Celtic (2006-) - This decade has seen Hibernian churn out talent at an alarming rate. Two of these products, Caldwell and Scott Brown, now provide a strong Scottish backbone in the Celtic team. Caldwell doesn't actually count as a Hibee original, having spent his youth years with Celtic themselves and Newcastle United, though one suspects he wouldn't be a European calibre player now were it not for his breakthrough period at Hibs. He came to Parkhead with all the attributes needed to succeed, instantly winning two titles. Although he can be heavy-handed at times, his vision and confidence helped him to finally peak last term and land major individual awards. JACKIE MCNAMARA - Celtic (1995-2005); Aberdeen, Falkirk - When Martin O'Neill arrived in 2000, he initially didn't fancy established left-back McNamara. He stuck at it, though, and became a key man further down the line, culminating in his Football Writers Player of the Year in 2004. In 04-05, he was captain on account of Paul Lambert's injury woes and showed real class at times, having grown into a solid player. He left Celtic abruptly after his testimonial; confusion arose as Gordon Strachan arrived, and McNamara moved to Wolves in controversial fashion. Strachan was never fully able to satisfy the fans with his left-back offerings thereafter. Jackie looks likely to end his career in the SPL; he's with Falkirk after a stint at Aberdeen. SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA - Celtic (2005-09) - It's a tight call between Nakamura and Stiliyan Petrov, in terms of Celtic midfielders who've added something a little different. 'Naka' gets the nod because he was a great ambassador for Japan, and because he was far more than that. The fears were numerous when he joined: he was too slight, the culture shock would be too great, he was nothing more than a shirt salesman. The physical part of the game was a problem at times, sure, but when he was good, he was great, elevating certain games to another level with his quality. Primarily, he is the greatest free-kick taker the SPL has seen. NEIL LENNON - Celtic (2000-2007) - Lennon, a useful central midfielder, followed boss O'Neill from Leicester City and went on to win five league titles with the Hoops, attaining the captaincy in 2005. The Northern Irishman, it must be said, established himself as a figure of hate throughout Scotland - not just in the eyes of the Rangers fans. However, in taking the brunt of the abuse he was able to ease the pressure on Celtic in other ways. The never-ending Old Firm story will always need these committed-to-the-point-of-insanity players, and Lennon will always be addicted to the battle. In fact, he's back at the club already in a coaching capacity. BARRY FERGUSON - Rangers (1994-2003; 2005-2009) - It's very unlikely that Ferguson could play in the same midfield as Lennon - it's like putting particularly angry Siamese fighting fish in the same tank. Like his Celtic counterpart, though, 'Baz' likely went to bed with his armband over his pyjamas. He's been Mr. Rangers during his career - for better or worse - even as he pined for Glasgow during his Blackburn misadventure. At his best, he ran himself into the ground, added a coolness in possession and darted forward when possible. He's won five league titles and five of each Cup. At his worst, he's been anonymous and frustrated. Off the pitch, his previous battle with Paul Le Guen and recent gesturing antics have cost him his legacy and guaranteed his infamy. RUSSELL LATAPY - Hibs, Rangers, Dundee Utd & Falkirk - The little Trinidadian maestro - who has featured in six World Cup campaigns (including qualifying) - didn't arrive in Scotland until 1998, at the age of 30. That he only left this year speaks volumes about his longevity, which was rooted in raw ability. His party-boy attitude meant that his spells with Hibs, Rangers and Dundee United each ended on sour notes, yet the fans couldn't help but take to him. Then, returning after a brief hiatus at the behest of John Hughes, he strutted his stuff at Falkirk for a further six years. His minutes decreased as the knees started creaking, such is nature, but he was intelligent enough to adapt his game constantly, changing the face of many a contest with a few deft movements. KRIS BOYD - Kilmarnock (2000-06); Rangers (2006-) - Conveniently, Boyd's career began with the decade, during which he's bagged an obscene 142 goals in 265 league games, becoming the second highest all-time SPL scorer. People have always, and will always, question his work-rate and ask him to develop his all-round game further - not least Gers boss Walter Smith. Still, the song which includes the line "...gets the ball, scores a goal..." was written for a man such as this. A bargain £400,000 signing from Killie, there's every reason to believe that 'Boydy' will continue to poach for another full decade. HENRIK LARSSON - Celtic (1997-2004) - That leads us to the top scorer in SPL history, the Super Swede who wore the 'Magnificent Seven' on the back of his Celtic jersey. Then-boss Wim Jansen signed the dreadlocked striker in 1997 for £650,000. When he left seven years later, the club's fans knew him as 'God'. He scored 158 league goals during his time in Scotland, including a 35 in 37 haul in 2000-01 which subsequently landed him the European Golden Boot. In his twilight years, Larsson went on to win the Champions League with Barcelona and the Premier League with Manchester United. In doing so he continued to benefit Scottish football, proving that a quality player can continue to improve in this league. GORDON RICKSEN - CALDWELL – PRESSLEY - MCNAMARA NAKAMURA - LENNON - FERGUSON LATAPY BOYD – LARSSON http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/18/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Scottish Premier League
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Asia

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. ASIA By John Duerden, Asia Editor, Goal.com It has been a pretty good decade for Asian football. It hosted a first World Cup and excelled on and off the pitch. An increasing number of players are heading to Europe to test themselves against the best in the world and the profile of the domestic leagues has never been higher. When thinking about this list, one thing became clear. Asia boasted a host of good strikers in the nineties but the noughties is all about midfield. Ten years ago, Ali Daei, Sami Al Jaber, Hwang Sun-hong, Kazuyoshi Miura and Hai Haidong, just to name a few, would have been all pushing for a place in the forward line. This decade has seen a dearth of front men. Also, while most of those players mentioned above, and other continental legends, had moments to remember in this century - Hong Myong-bo captained South Korea to a place in the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup - the majority of their careers were played before the new Millenium kicked in. Consequently, Goal.com Asia has plumped for players that have been more ‘noughty’ than ‘ninety’. Formation (4-4-1-1) LEE WOON-JAE (South Korea) - Old Spider-hands has been a mainstay of the South Korea national team all through the decade and, unsurprisingly, the high point came in 2002 with a series of super performances as Lee helped the Taeguk Warriors to the semi-finals, a penalty shootout triumph against Spain a personal triumph. He was still going strong in Germany in 2006 and was the best goalkeeper at the 2007 Asian Cup. Still Korea’s number one and while he will be 36 when South Africa comes along, he will be there. MEHDI MAHDAVIKIA (Iran) - It feels like ‘Kia’ has been around forever, he did, after all, score at the 1998 World Cup. He has spent his time since playing in the Bundesliga. The versatile Iranian was a fixture by the North Sea with Hamburg for eight years and if there was any doubt to how the fans felt about the 2003 Asian Player of the Year, it was dispelled by an emotional goodbye by the fans as he moved to Eintracht Frankfurt. Consistent and classy. REHDA TUKAR (Saudi Arabia) - The 33-year-old has been a rock at the back for Al Ittihad and Saudi Arabia throughout the decade. It is not only in defence where he shines. He was named as the MVP of the 2004 Asian Champions League with four goals in the competition, including two in the final. As well as helping the Tigers take the title back to Jeddah the following year, he went to the 2002 and 2006 World Cup finals. He deserves to be better known outside Saudi borders. YUJI NAKAZAWA (Japan) - Bomberhead was overlooked for the 2002 World Cup but hasn’t looked back since. He scored three goals in Japan’s run to the 2004 Asian Cup title and was impressive at the back in difficult conditions for the Blue Samurai. That same year he was named as the J-League’s MVP as he helped Yokohama F Marinos to another title. He retired from the international scene after the 2006 World Cup but was quickly persuaded to return. Nobody has had any cause to regret that decision as he was back to his old form at the 2007 Asian Cup and qualification for 2010. LEE YOUNG-PYO (South Korea) - Unspectacular perhaps but as solid as they come. Lee is versatile too, able to play on the left or right side of defence or midfield. Over the years, Lee has racked up over 100 appearances for South Korea and has played in some of the biggest leagues in Europe. Chorongi won titles in Korea before impressing Guus Hiddink at the 2002 World Cup to the extent that he was soon signing for PSV Eindhoven. After a slow start he became a regular fixture in the team and was excellent in the run to the semi-finals of the 2005 Champions League. Then came stints in England, with Tottenham Hotspur, and after three years in London, he then spent a season in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. JAVED NEKOUNAM (Iran) - Iran’s talisman and at the peak of his powers. Not only has he racked up over 100 appearances for Team Melli, he went to Spain, the first Iranian to do so, joined a middling team and after a slowish start went on to excel. Three seasons later and the fans and his team-mates at Osasuna love him. What is impressive about the powerful Persian is how his game has grown over the years and he has added an attacking threat. The sight of the midfielder appearing at the far post to head in a cross is one that fans in Pamplona and Tehran are familiar with. SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA (Japan) - As cultured as they come, Nakamura has won plaudits and the hearts of fans wherever he has played. Watching the press conference in 2002 when Phillipe Troussier announced that he had omitted the then-Yokohama Marinos man, few would have believed that he would then go on to earn respect around the world – not only for his ability but his demeanour off the pitch. Adapted to life in Italy despite playing for relegation battlers, he was a hero in one-half of Glasgow and won titles and awards aplenty in Scotland. He also played a big part in Japan’s 2004 Asian Cup success. Few believe he won’t be a success in Spain with Espanyol. PARK JI-SUNG (South Korea) - The most famous and successful player in Asian history. A star of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, his success at PSV Eindhoven earned him a dream move to Manchester United. Three Premier League titles followed as did Champions League finals. Park is recognized around the world, has done a huge amount for the image of Asian football and is preparing to captain his team at what will be a third World Cup – not bad for a 28 year-old. HIDETOSHI NAKATA (Japan) - Burst on to the scene in the nineties but was going strong until the 2006 World Cup. His arrival in Italy at a time when Serie A was arguably the best league in the world was huge news in Japan, his success there made him a star everywhere else. A big-money move to Roma brought the 2001 Scudetto and then came an even bigger money move to Parma. A leader and pioneer for Japanese football, he demanded high standards from his international team-mates and was one of the stars of the 2002 World Cup and one of the better performers in the German campaign four years later. ALI KARIMI (Iran) - The Wizard of Tehran has only just hung up his international boots. Any fans who were lucky enough to be in China for the 2004 Asian Cup, will long remember his performances – especially a majestic show against South Korea in the quarter-final when he scored a hat-trick in a 4-3 win. Soon after he was collecting the Asian Player of the Year award and moving to Bayern Munich. YOUNIS MAHMOUD (Iraq) - In Asian football terms it doesn’t get much better than captaining your team to Asian Cup glory, one of the few ways it does is by scoring the winning goal in the final to give a war-torn country something to celebrate. Good in the air, The Desert Fox leads the line well and while he may have struggled to repeat that form for his country since, the summer of 2007 is part of Asian football folklore. LEE WJ MAHDAVIKIA - TUKAR - NAKAZAWA - LEE YP NAKAMURA - NEKOUNAM - NAKATA - PARK KARIMI YOUNIS http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/19/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Asia
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Africa

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. AFRICA By Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com African football has made its mark on the world game over the last decade, with countless great players coming from the continent, playing in some of Europe’s best teams and improving the quality of play throughout Africa. An African team may not have won the World Cup yet, but players from the continent are champions throughout European leagues and they have contributed a great deal to the game. Here are eleven of the best Africans over the last ten years… 4-3-3 GOALKEEPER ESSAM EL-HADARY (Egypt) - Many consider the goalkeeper to be one of the greatest ever stoppers to emerge from the continent, with reflexes like a cat and a strong frame helping him to intimidate strikers and give confidence to defenders. The keeper has been a constant in the Egyptian national team, winning the African Nations Cup on three occasions, including two in the last decade with triumphs in 2006 and 2008, largely due to his solidity at the back. Over 500 appearances for his club Al Ahly has meant that El-Hadary has won the Egyptian league seven times, with four Egyptian Cups and Super Cups to his name. In terms of the African Champions League, the keeper has won the competition on three occasions, making him one of the most successful and decorated players of his generation. DEFENCE KOLO TOURÉ (Ivory Coast) - Renowned for his supreme pace, strength and athletic ability, the Ivory Coast defender has been a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defence since 2002 when Arsene Wenger brought him into the team as a 21-year-old. The powerful central defender contributed to the Gunners winning the FA Cup in 2003 and 2005, as well as the Premier League title in 2003/2004. He was also a runner-up with the club in the Champions League in 2006, and twice in the Premier League. For the last decade Toure has been a regular for Ivory Coast on the world stage, coming second to Egypt in the 2006 African Nations Cup before participating in the World Cup later that year. RIGOBERT SONG (Cameroon) - The Cameroon defender seems to have been around forever, and throughout a long and successful career, which continues even now, the Indomitable Lion has played for a number of clubs throughout Europe, including Metz, Salernitana, Liverpool, West Ham, Cologne and Galatasary. Song has been a stalwart in the heart of Cameroon’s defence, winning the African Nations Cup in 2000 and 2002, while the most capped player for the Indomitable Lions also took part in three World Cups, including the 2002 event in Korea and Japan. At club level his solid play and leadership qualities have helped him to be a firm favourite with players and fans, winning two Turkish league titles with Galatasary in 2006 and 2008. SAMMY KUFFOUR (Ghana) - The Ghanaian defender was a constant in the UEFA Champions League during his time at German club Bayern Munich and he holds the record for the African with the most appearances in the competition, using his physical strength to cause strikers problems. A very successful stint in Germany allowed him to win the Champions League and Intercontinental Cup in 2001, along with four Bundesliga titles, three German Cups and two German League Cups since the turn of the century. In the Ghana national team Kuffour was a mainstay for most of the last decade, captaining the side on many occasions, until the 2006 World Cup in Germany where he ended his international career. On 12 January 2007, the Confederation of African Football voted Kuffour as a member of the Top 30 African Players of All-Time. HATEM TRABELSI (Tunisia) - Hatem Trabelsi has been one of Africa’s best defenders throughout the decade, as he was an indisputable starter on three straight Tunisian World Cup teams (98, 02, 06) and the only one considered to be world class by most experts. An incredibly popular player in the North African country and on the African scene in general given that he made a switch straight from Club Sportif Sfaxien to Ajax Amsterdam. Still the most high profile club a Tunisian has played at until this day. He even had a one season stint at Manchester City. He was truly a modern right back in that he was skillful, speedy, and full of inventiveness going forward without neglecting his defensive duties. Without him Tunisia could not have won their only continental title on home soil in 2004. He was also the first Tunisian to play in the UEFA Champions League. MIDFIELD MICHAEL ESSIEN (Ghana) - Every team needs a holding midfielder who does the dirty work in the middle of the park before releasing the attacking players so that they can push forward in search of goals. Few in world football have done this kind of job as well as Michael Essien over the last decade, and the Ghanaian gets involved in the attacking side of things as well. At club level, Essien was successful at Lyon, winning two Ligue 1 titles before moving on to Chelsea, where he has been an important piece of the midfield in the formations of various coaches through the years. He has won the Premier League title in 2006, as well as two FA Cups in 2007 and 2009. With Ghana Essien has been an important figure, and due in part to his fine midfield work, they were the only African team to reach the second round of the 2006 World Cup. MOHAMED ABOUTRIKA (Egypt) - In this past year the skillful playmaker has been slowed down by a nagging knee injury, but Aboutrika has remained a key Egyptian player throughout the last decade. His performances for Egypt, as well as his club, Al-Ahly, have been consistently impressive, helping Ahly to lift their fifth domestic championship in a row this year, with three African Champions Leagues under his belt as well. A bronze medal at the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup with Al Ahly is the closest an African team has come to the final of that competition. The 'Smiling Assassin' was the architect of his country’s two successive African Cup of Nations titles in 2006 and 2008. With over 100 goals for Al Ahly, and 22 strikes for the national team, Aboutrika is a legend and a deserving squad member of the Team of the Decade. JAY-JAY OKOCHA (Nigeria) - Few African players have made an impact throughout Europe in the way Okocha has, playing in various leagues and impressing with his skillful and entertaining style of play. The Nigerian is now retired, but his 14 goals in 75 caps do not reflect the influence he had on the star studded Super Eagles team in the last decade, where he was an inspiration and leader for many in the squad, and his experience was invaluable for the side. Playing in Germany, France, Turkey and England, the well-travelled Okacha was possibly the best player never to win the African Player of the Year award despite coming second twice in 1998 and 2004. He captained both Nigeria and club side Bolton Wanderers over the past decade, with three third place finishes and a second place medal to his name for Nigeria at the African Nations Cup competitions. ATTACK EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR (Togo) - Whether with the Gunners of Arsenal or with the Sparrow Hawks of Togo, Emmanuel Adebayor manages to make his mark on the competitions and leagues that he is involved in. The reigning African Player of the Year has been able to deliver in one of the toughest leagues in the world at the London club, with 24 goals scored in all competitions. During his time under Arsene Wenger, the powerful striker has won no titles, but the Gunners are always a threat thanks to Adebayor’s goal scoring. With his national team, Adebayor has been captain and role-model for a number of years, leading Togo to their most impressive feat of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. DIDIER DROGBA (Ivory Coast) - The big powerful striker has been a force in Europe over the last few years, reaching the Champions League final with Chelsea, while taking the FA Cup and League Cup title on a couple of occasions as well. He was a big part of the English Premier League title winning sides in 2005 and 2006, ending the 2007 campaign as top scorer in the league, while taking the African Player of the Year title the year before. Having debuted in 2002, Drogba is a symbol of the Ivory Coast national team, and he helped his side to qualify for their first World Cup in 2006, performing well against the likes of Argentina and Holland in a tough group. He is the Elephants' top goal scorer with 38 goals. SAMUEL ETO'o (Cameroon) - Eto’o has been one of the most consistent players in world football over the last ten years, providing an avalanche of goals for both Mallorca and Barcelona at club level, while doing the same for the Cameroon national team. A player with great balance and a talent for finishing, he started off the last decade with a gold medal for Cameroon in the 2000 Olympic Football tournament, also winning the 2000 and 2002 African Nations Cups with the Indomitable Lions. He was top scorer at the 2006 and 2008 versions of the continental tournament as well, and took the crown of African Player of the Year from 2003 to 2005. In Spain he has won the Copa del Rey with two different teams, while winning La Liga three times and the Champions League twice. He is the most successful of the eleven players in this team. EL-HADARY SONG - TOURÉ - TRABELSI - KUFFOUR ABOUTRIKA - ESSIEN - OKOCHA ADEBAYOR - DIDIER DROGBA - ETO'O http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/19/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Africa
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Australia

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. AUSTRALIA By Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com The Goal.com Australian team of the decade might be one that draws criticism for being narrow in its selection; virtually all of the players are part of the current Socceroos starting line-up. Admittedly, yours truly grew up in an era that missed the best of the contributions of the likes of Milan Ivanovic and Paul Okon, both of whom are probably talented enough to warrant a place alongside the players listed below. However, this is the team of the last decade, which inevitably means that the team will be dominated by members of the famous squad that broke the nation’s 32-year exile from the World Cup. Qualifying for Germany 2006 was the defining moment of the past decade of Australian football, banishing memories of a painful World Cup Qualifying loss to Uruguay in 2001. Despite being widely recognized as one of the most talented Australian sides in history, there are only three players from the side that lost to Iran in 1997 – those being Viduka, Kewell and Lazaridis, with no room for the likes of Robbie Slater and Graham Arnold, whose careers had essentially petered out immediately after. Finally, the role of Dutch tactician Guus Hiddink in shaping this team cannot be understated; most of these players enjoyed the finest form of their career and essentially became stars under the current Chelsea boss, who has a reputation for bringing the best out of his players and that is certainly the case here. MARK SCHWARZER – There might be a case to argue for the inclusion of Mark Bosnich in the team of the decade, by virtue of the fact that he is widely regarded as Australia’s most talented ever goalkeeper. There is little argument that in terms of pure shot-stopping ability - Bosnich is Australia’s best - though he only misses out on a place in the side because technically, his outstanding performances against Iran during the heartbreaking 1997 qualifiers fall outside of the past decade. In succeeding him, Schwarzer has been the epitome of consistency at both club and international level, famously saving two penalties to qualify Australia for the 2006 World Cup before being at the heart of their qualification campaign for 2010. CRAIG MOORE – Two successful spells with Scottish giants Rangers have been the highlight of his club career, though he has thrived on the international scene. Arguably Australia’s best performer against Uruguay in qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup, he thrived under Guus Hiddink at the 2006 Finals in Germany and recently returned to the heart of Australia’s defence despite his age, highlighting his leadership qualities and influence. Also deserves credit for having not only returned to the A-League in its formative years but also having made a tangible contribution to it. LUCAS NEILL – Unspectacular but extremely effective, another who enjoyed his best football under Guus Hiddink after having played no part in the final stages of qualification for the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. Though he has attracted criticism for his movements on the club scene, notably rejecting the chance of a move to Liverpool for a mega-wage move to West Ham from Blackburn, his performances over the past three years for Australia cannot be questioned. Imperious at the 2006 World Cup finals, he recently overcame a disastrous 2007 Asian Cup with a string of crucial performances whilst qualifying for South Africa. The man whom the Australian defence is now built around. STAN LAZARIDIS – The only player in this squad not to have had any game time at the 2006 World Cup, sneaks into this team thanks to a successful spell with Birmingham City. Burst onto the international scene as he tore down the left wing against Iran in 1997 and played in the qualifiers against Uruguay in 2002. Wasn’t used much by Hiddink but it is perhaps a tribute to his reputation as a footballer that he was kept on by the ruthless Dutch tactician despite his age. His return to the A-League was unsuccessful but he will go down as one of Australia’s most talented ever footballers and consistent performers. BRETT EMERTON – Made a name for himself with outstanding performances with Sydney Olympic in Australia before apparently electing for a move to Feyenoord over Manchester United, one that paid dividends as he developed into one of Australia’s most versatile footballers of the decade. Extremely consistent on the international stage, was part of both the squad that missed out on the 2002 World Cup and the one that qualified under Hiddink in 2006. Fast, physical and technically sound, one of the most modern Australian footballers of his generation. TIM CAHILL – Largely anonymous for most of the decade before catching the attention of fans and pundits with his goal in the Semi Final of Millwall’s magical run to the FA Cup Final during the 2003-2004 season. Afterwards, a move to Everton saw him develop into a genuine European star as he established himself in the Socceroos line-up, though it was his performance against Japan at the 2006 World Cup that made him the unquestioned superstar of his generation. The importance of his contribution cannot be understated in both raising the profile of the game and providing for an aspiring generation of Australian footballers an iconic moment to grow up with. Cahill has developed into Australia’s X-Factor, a player capable of turning a match on its head within seconds. VINCE GRELLA – Had to wait for his chance on the international scene after being out-of-favour with former Socceroos boss Frank Farina, though his talents were recognized by Guus Hiddink and since then he has become the fulcrum of the Australian midfield. One of Australia’s most tenacious ever footballers, helped break ground with Bresciano in finding success in the Serie A – not the most popular destination for Australian footballers – and it was his time there that helped to shape him into his country’s most uncompromising players. HARRY KEWELL – The past decade has been mixed for Kewell, who established himself as an undoubted superstar in the English game before seeing injuries decimate the latter part of his Liverpool career, a move that never quite worked out for the winger. The second half of the decade has seen his resurrection though, firstly under Hiddink and then at Galatasaray. Widely recognized as Australia’s most talented ever footballer and finest football export, one of the few players in this side who could have laid claim to the title of “World Class” at some stage during the past ten years, he will be remembered for moments of brilliance with the national team – the famous goal in the 3-1 friendly victory over England at Upton Park springs to mind – though his consistency and willingness to work hard both on and off the pitch to represent Australia must not be understated. A true superstar. MARCO BRESCIANO – Like Grella before him, broke ground with his exploits in the Serie A and at the height of his Palermo career, perhaps could have been considered one of Europe’s finest footballers. One of Australia’s most talented ever footballers, was Australia’s most dangerous attacking outlet over two legs against Uruguay in 2005 and for a period in the national team. Blessed with technical ability and speed on the ball, one of the Socceroos’ most positive and aggressive players when going forward, though his form suffered slightly post-2006. Arguably his career has been stifled by a blocked move to the English Premier League, though he has lost none of his raw ability because of it. Slowly returning to his best... MARK VIDUKA – Has often been criticized in the past for a perceived lack of dedication to the national team, his international form did not always mirror his club exploits – his goal-scoring for the Socceroos is modest at best. Aside from Kewell, the most technically gifted Australian player of his generation but also the most frustrating, with his work-rate and aggression not always complimenting a considerable physical presence on the pitch. Part of both the 1997 and 2001 qualifying campaigns, he was reinvented as a footballer by Hiddink in 2005, where he finally embraced the more physical aspects of the international arena as the Socceroos’ attack was built around him. If not for that period though, he might not have been included in the team of the decade... JOHN ALOISI – Certainly not as talented as Viduka but considerably more consistent for the national team. Enjoyed a successful club career, particularly with Osasuna in Spain, that has also seen him journey to Italy and England, secured his place in Australian football folk-lore with the penalty that sealed the nation’s qualification for the 2006 World Cup. Would he have been in this team if not for that moment? The question is trivial, as he went on to seal Australia’s dramatic first ever victory at the 2006 World Cup finals. A cultured striker, returned to the A-League where is profile brought attention to the fledgling competition, though recently endured an embarrassing season with Sydney FC. SCHWARZER EMERTON - MOORE - NEILL - LAZARIDIS BRESCIANO - CAHILL - GRELLA - KEWELL ALOISI - VIDUKA http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/19/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Australia
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Roma

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. ROMA By Vince Masiello, Goal.com From the stars to the gutter. Roma ushered in the decade with a bang by claiming their first Serie A title in 20 years, but those days are already a blurry memory and, in hindsight, that was the beginning of today’s downfall. Late President Franco Sensi splashed out to challenge the big guns of Italian football and restore the Giallorossi to their former glory, but it all came at a price. A big one. After years of reckless spending, the bill has come due. Luciano Spalletti worked wonders to push Inter all the way last year, but unless a ‘sugar daddy’ comes along soon, the next decade is going to be a painful voyage into the unknown. Formation: 4-3-3 FRANCESCO ANTONIOLI (1999-2003) - No one really stood out between the sticks during the decade, but Francesco Antonioli certainly deserves recognition. Current England manager Fabio Capello strongly wanted him in 1999 after Sebastiano Rossi had usurped his place at Milan and he repaid his faith. Despite a few blunders, he was one of the main protagonists of the Scudetto the in 2000-01 season, but never really managed to enter the Giallorossi fans’ hearts, perhaps because of his rather introvert character. At the age of 39 he has now embarked on a new adventure at Cesena in Serie B. CAFU (1997-2003) - “Wipe that smile off your face,” referee Stefano Farina told Cafu during his last match in Italy against Udinese and he replied: “I’m sorry, from now on I will cry.” That perfectly sums up one of the most likeable players to have graced Serie A over the past ten years. The ‘Pendolino’ (The Express Train) was the heart and soul of the side that wrested the Scudetto from local rivals Lazio and his barnstorming runs down the flanks are the stuff of legend in the Eternal City. He left Milan and Italy last year. With a smile on his face… ALDAIR (1990-2003) - Possibly one of the best central defenders of all time, Aldair Nascimento do Santos, simply known as Aldair, is still one of the most loved players among the Giallorossi faithful: “Aldair, a true Roman,” read a banner in the Curva Sud. Late patron Dino Viola snapped him up from Portuguese club Benfica in 1990 and he soon became a pillar of strength for the Lupi rearguard. And after 11 years in Rome and just an Italian Cup in his trophy cabinet, he finally managed to get his hands on the coveted Scudetto. His No 6 jersey was retired when he left the club in 2003. WALTER SAMUEL (2000-2004) - The Giallorossi beat Inter and Juventus to the punch in 2000 to secure the services of Walter Samuel from Boca Juniors in a €20m deal. Capello put the Argentine at the heart of his three-man defensive line and he earned himself the nickname ‘The Wall’. After an understandable settling-in period in Italy, Samuel soon became an irreplaceable piece in Capello’s jigsaw puzzle and despite his tender age commanded the back-line with all the experience of a veteran. After four years in the capital, he moved to Real Madrid in 2004. VINCENT CANDELA (1997-2005) - Candela arrived at Roma from Guingamp in January 1997 and spent nine successful seasons in the Eternal City before returning to the Olimpico last month for his testimonial. After winning the World Cup with France in 2008, he claimed his first and only league title of his career in 2001 under Capello, who pushed him into a more advanced role in midfield after constantly patrolling the left flank during the Zdenek Zeman reign. That same year, Roma beat Fiorentina 3-0 to lift the Italian Super Cup, with Candela opening the score with a stunning screamer from 30 yards. DANIELE DE ROSSI (2001- ) - A product of the youth academy, De Rossi gets his first glimpse of the senior team in the campaign that culminated in the league title, but only made his debut the following season when Capello threw him into the fray in a Champions League match against Anderlecht. He has come on leaps and bounds since then and has become the reference point in the middle of the park, both for the Giallorossi and Italy. The fans have dubbed him ‘Captain Future’, because none other than him can take over the armband from Francesco Totti. EMERSON (2000-2004) - Emerson joined Roma from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen in a €20m deal in the summer of 2000. But his new adventure started off on the wrong foot, as he sustained a knee ligament injury in training which kept him sidelined for six months. All Roma fans remember him sobbing during the team’s first friendly of the season at the Olimpico, when the entire stadium chanted his name. He returned to action in February and his contribution proved valuable in the final months of the campaign to help Roma fend off Juventus and Lazio and lift the Scudetto. But the ‘Puma’ turned his back on the Lupi in 2004 to join bitter rivals Juve after a prolonged transfer saga. DAMIANO TOMMASI (1996-2006) - The good-natured midfielder spent a decade at Roma from 1996 to 2006 and became a household name at the Stadio Olimpico. The 2000-01 season was by far the best of his career and he went on to earn a starring role for Italy at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. He showed his love for the Giallorossi colours when he suffered a career-threatening injury in 2004 and accepted a minimum wage until he returned to action. He is renowned for his charity work and has recently joined Chinese club Tianjin Teda after spells in Spain and England. FRANCESCO TOTTI (1992- ) - After being tipped as the ‘chosen one’ while in the youth team, Totti made his senior bow aged 16 in March 1993 and just five years later he received the captain’s armband from Aldair. ‘Er Pupone’ hit 13 goals on his way to lifting the Scudetto in 2001 and was the one who got the party started on the final day of the season, when Roma brushed aside Parma at the Olimpico. In January 2008, he reached the 200-goal milestone, but he has been struggling with fitness problems over the past two seasons after a serious knee injury almost cost him his Italy place at the 2006 World Cup. GABRIEL BATISTUTA (2000-2003) - Many raised eyebrows when Roma shelled out around €35m for the 31-year-old ‘Batigol’. The Argentine, who had attained cult status at Fiorentina by scoring 168 goals in 269 games, became the highest paid footballer at the time and he was really worth his weight in gold. 20 goals were not enough to claim the Capocannoniere crown again, but he sure provided the x-factor that propelled Roma to the league title after an almost 20-year drought. After a brief sojourn at Inter, he ended his career at Qatar-based club Al-Arabi. VINCENZO MONTELLA (1999-2009) - The Neapolitan striker moved to Roma from Sampdoria in 1999 and, despite developing a fractious rapport with Capello, he went on to play a crucial role in the 2000-01 Scudetto race: he bagged 13 goals and his last-minute equalizer at Juventus was probably the turning point of the season. After stints at Fulham and Samp, the ‘Aeroplanino’ has touched down and will coach one of Roma’s youth sides next season. ANTONIOLI CAFU ALDAIR SAMUEL CANDELA DE ROSSI EMERSON TOMMASI TOTTI BATISTUTA MONTELLA SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/15/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Roma
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Chelsea

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. CHELSEA By Alan Dawson, Goal.com The fortunes of Chelsea were forever changed when Roman Abramovich flew into London to purchase a football club. Rumour has it, it was Tottenham Hotspur who he was most interested in, and was ready to pen a deal on his flight back to Russia, yet on his way, the jet glided above Stamford Bridge. "Wait," Roman announced to himself as he decided against the Spurs and put in an offer for Chelsea instead. The arrival of charismatic Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho seemed to marry well with Roman's rubles, yet the seeds of success had been planted years, even decades before, as the Blues firmly established themselves as a strong cup-team. Only, in the noughties, they became a feared title-winning outfit. Alan Dawson selects his best Chelsea XI from the past decade… Formation: 4-3-3 PETR CECH (2004- ) - The head-guarded glovesman was signed mid-decade and took little time displacing uncapped Italian Carlo Cudicini despite the shot-stopper's sturdy work in the years preceding Cech's arrival. The Czech Republic international produced record-breaking form during his rookie campaign as opposition eleven's failed to find a way past him for 1,025 minutes; a Premier League best that has since been beat by Manchester United veteran Edwin van der Sar. The 27-year-old's strong mitts and consequent clean sheets have directly helped the Blues accumulate major honours. The towering goalkeeper has felt the brunt of criticism in recent seasons by commentators who claim he has lost form since a Stephen Hunt challenge in 2006 that left him with a depressed skull fracture, but during the inception of last season he put in the type of performances that helped make his name. MARIO MELCHIOT (1999-2004) - The athleticism of roaming right-back Melchiot quickly became apparent following the Dutchman's 1999 switch from boyhood club Ajax. An injury-ravaged first season ensured intermittent appearances, but Melchiot played his part in a memorable FA Cup final in 2000, in which the west London side defeated Aston Villa due to a sole goal from Roberto Di Matteo. Melchiot was a consistent performer and went on to be first-choice for the right berth of defence for four further seasons. Since then, Chelsea have tried many replacements, such as Paulo Ferreira, William Gallas, Juliano Belletti, midfielders Lassana Diarra and Michael Essien, and also Jose Bosingwa, but not one has left as much of a sustained impression as Mario. JOHN TERRY (1998-) - Not many can question the lionheart leadership credentials of never-say-die defender John Terry. The Barking-born centre back was awarded the captaincy under Claudio Ranieri and became the first skipper since Roy Bentley in 1955 (the club's jubilee year) to lead the team to a top flight crown, fifty years later. The 28-year-old's battling qualities, aerial domination, and motivational skills have won the back-to-back Premier League winner many fans, including nouveau riche club Manchester City, who are reportedly willing to offer the England captain £300,000 per week. His abilities have not only been lauded in England as Terry has achieved immense global recognition too, highlighted by his ever-present status in FIFPro's World XI. MARCEL DESAILLY (1998-2004) - Like Terry, Desailly boasts grand leadership skills, however, unlike the academy product, Desailly was already a season professional and two-time Champions League winner prior to his Stamford Bridge switch. At Chelsea, he helped the club win a UEFA Super Cup, and an FA Cup. Upon his arrival he was awarded the nickname 'the Rock', and struck up a strong partnership with Frank Leboeuf at the turn of the decade. Chelsea have been blessed with many great centre backs, including the consistent William Gallas, and fine tackler Ricardo Carvalho, but Desailly shades it. ASHLEY COLE (2006-) - Chelsea have gone through almost as many left-backs this decade as they have right-backs, as club favourite Graham Le Saux, pricey teenager Celestine Babayaro, versatile Frenchman William Gallas, Englishman Wayne Bridge, and underwhelming recruit Asier Del Horno have all occupied that berth, but it is Ashley Cole who has proved to be the World class component that audiences first witnessed revel the left flank at Arsenal along with Robert Pires. There were questions as to whether the England international - capped 73 times - could adjust from the overlapping 4-4-2 during his days as a Gunner, and the flexible 4-3-3 that has been reworked at Chelsea. Cole, though, has silenced even his most ardent of critics with the season just gone as he was voted the club's Player's Player of the Season. He has featured in two FA Cup winning Chelsea sides, to add to a Premier League title won with the Blues. CLAUDE MAKELELE (2003-2008) - Makelele was such an outstanding talent in an unheralded position, that his role in England is still commonly referred to as "the Makelele position". For five years he stunted opposition attacks, and helped make his own with short-crisp passing. It became common-place to joke about his lowly goal-rate, but he fittingly scored towards the end of the 2005 season in a result that helped seal the club's first league crown in 50 years. MICHAEL ESSIEN (2005-) - Play him anywhere, and he'll perform; he's that good. His absence was notable last season as, upon his return, he seemed to instil confidence, pace, and a direct attitude into the team. Is able to score stunning goals, is a big-game player, a battler, possesses great energy, and has a powerful frame to fit a strong engine. Has proved to be worth every ducat of the £24 million splashed out for his signature, and still has his best years ahead of him. FRANK LAMPARD (2001-) - It would not be infeasible to put arguments forth for Frank's inclusion in a Premier League team of the decade, let alone a Chelsea XI. The reason being? Consistency. His detractors, never ones to be silenced, like to voice chants aimed at his perceived plumpness, yet he is a fine athlete... his fitness levels mid-decade were so high that he managed to feature in a straight run of 164 top flight fixtures. This consistent streak is also apparent in his goal-scoring ability where, for the last six seasons, he has struck double figures. In the last four campaigns he netted 20 times or more. He signed a mega-money deal last summer to stay at Stamford Bridge and had the audacity to raise his game further this season. He is the complete box-to-box midfielder... a living legend. GIANFRANCO ZOLA (1996-2003) - Zola was a footballer who oozed class. He endeared himself to Blues fans, happy Hammers, and the neutrals among the nation due to his stand-up take-a-bow performances on the pitch, together with his gentlemanly conduct off the field. He could arguably write discourses on the correct amount of grip to apply in a handshake with a journalist to conclude a post-match interview, and would be a certain winner of the Chap Olympics this summer if he just flashed the impeccably-suited judges his friendly smile. The diminutive attacker learned from the likes of Diego Maradona at Napoli and ended up passing on his wisdom, knowledge, and experience to the Chelsea boys rising through the ranks such as Frank Lampard. He knew how to strike a dead-ball with such power and curve that many a goalkeeper were left watching as the football burst through the top corner and bear-hugged the net. He was as lethal outside the area as he was inside the box, and his predatory instincts prevailed right through to his twilight years when he could still be found audaciously back-heeling the ball by near-posts. Legends like him are hard to come by, and he was a great servant to not just Chelsea, but the Premier League in general. JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK (2000-2004) - J-Flo was the club's record signing when he was brought back to England for a £15m fee from La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid. He was a scorer of spectacular goals, against great sides, like volleys against Manchester United, or four-goal hauls against lesser teams like Coventry. He was top scorer at the club for three out of his four seasons spent on Fulham Road, despite being injured for one of those campaigns. He epitomised the one-in-two man, as he left the Blues having found the net 87 times in 177 appearances. DIDIER DROGBA (2004-) - A nuisance forward if ever there was one. A powerfully-built box player who has tormented defences, Arsenal's in particular, with a bulldozing style. Has a 30-goal season behind him, becoming the first Chelsea player to achieve that feat in two decades, and his movement and play is crucial to the team's effectiveness in-and-around the final third. CECH MELCHIOT – TERRY – DESAILLY – COLE MAKELELE – LAMPARD – ESSIEN ZOLA – DROGBA – HASSELBAINK http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decadeC
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/16/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Chelsea
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Lazio

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. LAZIO By Stefano Federici, Goal.com It certainly has been an eventful decade on the blue side of the capital. After celebrating their centenary just nine days into the new millennium, Lazio completed a league and cup double capping off their most successful season in the club’s 100 year history. The Biancocelesti went on to become one of the finest clubs in European football in the years that followed, but after some bad moves on the transfer market the decline of Sergio Cragnotti era eventually followed. The Cirio financial crisis in 2002 saw Lazio near the brink of extinction but following a rescue plan by Ugo Longo, Rome’s oldest club managed to stave off the administrators and underwent a massive downsizing. Following a period of re-structuring under new president Claudio Lotito, the Biancocelesti finally ended the noughties on a high as they lifted the Coppa Italia and put five years of drought behind them. After an extremely eventful decade for Rome’s first club, Stefano Federici looks back at the key protagonists as he selects his best XI Aquilotti from the past ten years... ANGELO PERUZZI (2000-07) - Arriving in 2000 on the back of Lazio’s recent league and cup double, the former Inter and Juve keeper ousted the already reliable Luca Marchegiani between the sticks. After taking his place as the Lazio No.1 Peruzzi remained a loyal Aquilotti servant for seven hard years. Amidst financial difficulties and an uncertain future, the Viterbo native provided a rare security for the Biancocelesti. MASSIMO ODDO (2002-07) - A loyal servant and Lazio captain, Oddo arrived from Verona in the wake of Alessandro Nesta’s transfer to Milan. In the latter part of his five year stint in the capital Oddo proved to be a driving force for the Biancocelesti as he pushed up and down the flank. The Italian was quite handy in front of goal and even managed to net an impressive seven times in his final full season in Rome. ALESSANDRO NESTA (1985-2002) - Arguably one of Lazio’s greatest players of all time, the Roman native was a crucial element in Sven Goran Eriksson’s scudetto winning side at the turn of the millennium. An idol among the Curva Nord faithful ‘SandroKan’ grew from the Lazio youth ranks to become one of the greatest defenders of all time. Nesta had a graceful elegance on the field and the Biancocelesti captain proved just as honourable off the pitch when made his €30m move to Milan; in order to save the club from the administrators. SINISA MIHAJLOVIC (1998-2004) - The fiery Serb was brought to Lazio at the beginning of the Sven Goran Eriksson era and he instantly became a hit in the capital with a number of stunning free-kick displays. Whilst he may not have been the most accomplished defender, his ability to turn games on set-pieces gave Lazio an added dimension that their rivals simply couldn’t match. His most memorable display came in December 1998 when he managed to score a hat-trick of free-kicks against former club Sampdoria at the Olimpico. GIUSEPPE FAVALLI (1992-2004) - With 401 appearances for Lazio during his tenure in the capital Favalli is undoubtedly one of the most underrated Lazio players of the last decade. Whilst never a big hit with the Azzurri, Favalli gave Lazio an undeniable consistency that eventually saw him merit the captain's armband after the departure of Sandro Nesta. SERGIO CONCEICAO (1998-2000 & 2003-04) - Whilst the Portuguese winger may not have enjoyed the lengthiest of spells in the capital, he certainly made a big impact on the team during his time at Lazio. With an incredible crossing ability from the flank, Conceição provided Lazio with an ability to strike quickly on the counter-attack and Salas and Boksic gladly cashed in on his precision. The decision to offload him and Matias Almeyda to Parma (part of the deal which saw Crespo move the other way) has often been debated as a fundamental reason behind Lazio’s failure to build on their scudetto success of 2000. DIEGO SIMEONE (1999-2003) - ‘El Cholo’ became an instant hit with the Lazio faithful following his move from Inter in 1999. After going so close to the scudetto before his arrival, Simeone was instrumental in the league triumph a year later. Often remembered for his gutsy, never say die attitude, his finest moment was a headed winner against Juventus in their own back yard. That victory put a massive dent in the Bianconeri’s march to the title and Lazio eventually overtook at the last to seal off a historic second scudetto. PAVEL NEDVED (1996-2001) - After being spotted by Lazio following an impressive Euro 96’ with the Czech Republic, Nedved arrived on the Italian scene to begin what would be a glittering career on the peninsula. The Czech star was a hit with the fans for his impressive performances against arch-rivals Roma. However his finest moment with the Biancocelesti is undoubtedly scoring an 84th minute dazzler in the Cup Winners Cup final. Ironically after spending a further eight seasons with Juventus following his move in 2001, Nedved never managed to surpass the honours he won in just five spectacular years in the capital. JUAN SEBASTIAN VERON (1999-2001) - Despite his brief time in the capital ‘La Brujita’ spent arguably his best two years of his career donning a Lazio jersey. As Lazio’s most regular player in their scudetto triumph, Veron only missed out on three occasions and he was arguably the key component that enabled Sven Goran Eriksson’s side to avenge the lost title from the previous season. With an ability to provide a killer final ball, the Argentinean will never be forgotten for his free-kick winner against Roma back in March 2000. TOMMASO ROCCHI (2004 - ) - A surprise inclusion given the competition in the forward department, Rocchi has edged the likes of Roberto Mancini, Marcelo Salas and Hernan Crespo purely on a statistical basis. The Veneto native has scored 68 league goals with the Biancocelesti and currently sits sixth in the all time Lazio scoring records. After surpassing Renzo Garlaschelli in sixth place last season, the former Empoli man underlined his outstanding service to the club during a difficult period of transition. With ‘TommyGol’ set to end his career in the capital, he has the potential finish amongst the likes of Bruno Giordano and Giorgio Chinaglia and remain among Lazio folklore for eternity. MAURO ZARATE (2008 - ) - Despite his only recent arrival at the capital club, ‘The Zarate Kid’ has already gone a long way to securing legendary status in the Eternal City. Deemed not a champion by a certain No.10 on the other side of the Tiber, Maurito responded in magnificent fashion with a phenomenal strike just four minutes into the derby. ‘El Pibe De Haedo’ went on to have the last laugh when he scored an almost carbon copy goal in the Coppa Italia final against Sampdoria gifting Lazio their first taste of silverware in half a decade. If he continues where he left off last season, Zarate could well be an early contender for Lazio’s team of the decade next time around! PERUZZI ODDO - NESTA - MIHAJLOVIC - FAVALLI CONCEICAO - SIMEONE - NEDVED VERON ROCCHI - ZARATE SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/16/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Lazio
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Valencia

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. VALENCIA By KS Leong, Goal.com The last ten years have been an absolute roller coaster ride for Valencia and their fans. The first half of the decade proved to be one of the club’s most successful as they made back-to-back Champions League finals (2000 and 2001), albeit losing in both of them, but picked up the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup in 2004 as well as the Primera Division crown. The second half of the decade however, has brought nothing but grief. As if almost like a curse, as soon as Rafa Benitez left for Liverpool in June 2004 after a falling out with Los Che sporting director, Jesus Garcia Pitarch (now at Atletico Madrid), Valencia have been hit by one crisis after another. Despite the seemingly never-ending turmoil on and off the pitch, the Blanquinegros have always managed to produce, find or nurture world class players and it constantly remains a baffling mystery how they would have sometimes up to five or six players representing the Spanish national team. Here then is a collection of the best of the best Los Che have had to offer over the past ten years. Formation: 4-2-3-1 SANTIAGO CANIZARES (1998-2008) - Santi was one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga over the last decade and he was Valencia’s very own Buffon or Casillas or van der Sar. The shot-stopper was a formidable figure between the sticks and he had such commanding presence in the area and it was because of him that the club gained a reputation as a defensive rock. Much like Benitez, once Canizares left, Los Che have had non-stop issues in finding a replacement. He was infamously banished from the squad by Ronald Koeman in December 2007 and ever since then, Valencia have not been able to overcome their goalkeeping problems. MIGUEL (2005-present) - The Portuguese arrived from Benfica for €7.5 million and quickly established himself as a key figure in the team. Like any player with samba blood in his veins, he is better known for his attacking qualities than defensive attributes, although he is no slouch at the back. He was well on track to becoming one of the best right-backs in the world but his career stalled temporarily when he ran into trouble with the law following a nightclub incident in early 2008 which was followed by further problems with the club. However, he has slowly won his place back under Unai Emery and he has even been utilised as an attacking winger, a familiar position during his early days. ROBERTO AYALA (2000-2007) - One of the toughest, most uncompromising defenders around, Ayala, ironically nicknamed ‘The Mouse’, was one of the main reasons why Valencia was renowned for their water-tight defence in the early parts of the decade, a core feature that contributed to the team’s success. During his peak around the mid 2000’s, he had established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe and several big clubs came calling, including Real Madrid. But the Argentine brick wall stayed before he notoriously opted to join regional rivals, Villarreal in 2007, but the joke was on the Yellow Submarine when he decided to move to Real Zaragoza without making even a single appearance at El Madrigal. CARLOS MARCHENA (2001-present) - Another no-nonsense defender, together with Ayala, they formed that aforementioned water-tight rearguard, a partnership that played an amazingly pivotal role in helping Valencia capture the league and UEFA Cup double in 2004. With his old collaborator now gone and a very new-look backline being shipped in, Marchena has become the elder statesman, even though he is only 29, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room after he took over the captain’s armband from David Albelda. How the club move forward into the next decade will rest very much on his shoulders. FABIO AURELIO (2000-2006) - He may not be recognised as one of the top full-backs in the game, but Fabio Aurelio has that unsung hero quality about him. The 2002/03 term was the best in his career so far when he totalled eight goals in 27 appearances to become the team’s joint top scorer that year in the league, while he also featured heavily in Europe, netting two goals in eight outings. Not bad at all for a defender. However, he had the misfortune of missing Valencia’s most successful campaign of the decade, the 2003/04 double-winning season, because of a broken leg. In the summer of 2006, he left the Mestalla to reunite with Rafa Benitez at Liverpool. DAVID ALBELDA (1996-present) - The rock in Valencia’s midfield for the past decade, the 31-year-old actually started off as a centre-back and his first two seasons in professional football was spent out on loan at Villarreal. The no-frills no-thrills midfield general was an integral part in the Che team and he was the voice in the dressing room. But just like most players in the squad, Albelda had a tumultuous time in early 2008 during the Ronald Koeman era when he was axed from the squad. Even though he has slowly regained his place in the starting XI, like a wounded lion in the pride, he doesn’t quite emit that unmistakable, fiery confidence anymore. GAIZKA MENDIETA (1992-2001) - He may have exited the club a season and a half into the new decade, but he made such an impact and left such an indelible mark that he single-handedly put Valencia on the football map before the turn of the millennium. A commanding box-to-box player who can win challenges as well as score goals, he was voted European Midfielder of the Year in 2000 and 2001 for his phenomenal performances in the Champions League. He quickly became one of the hottest properties in the transfer market and he joined Lazio in the summer of 2001 for a club record €48 million. Los Che have never been able to find another player quite like him. DAVID SILVA (2004-present) - One of the darlings and fan favourite in the current roster, David Silva is the kind of player every coach wants in their team thanks to his ability to line-up anywhere in the attacking half of the pitch. The 23-year-old is the kind of player who appeared out of nowhere. After two unspectacular loan spells early on in his career, he exploded into the big stage with Los Che in 2006 and a year later, he announced his arrival to the world after scoring a screamer against Chelsea in the Champions League. He has never looked back since and he has gone from strength to strength, so much so that in the past 12 months, he has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe. PABLO AIMAR (2001-2006) - Following the footsteps of Ariel Ortega, Claudio Lopez and Kily Gonzalez, Aimar was one of the many exciting Argentines to carve a name for themselves at the Mestalla. The pocket dynamite was signed by Valencia in 2001 for €24m, a considerable amount back then, but he immediately flourished, helping the side to the league title that very same campaign and guiding them to a second successive Champions League final. His creative and playmaking abilities were a breath of fresh air for a team who had been rigidly defensive over the past few years. Injuries, however, would soon ravage his game as he struggled to regain his old form and he was eventually sold to Real Zaragoza in 2006. VICENTE (2000-present) - The left winger has become the forgotten man at the Mestalla and the forgotten man of Spanish football. One of the first true flamboyant Valencia wingers of this decade, Vicente’s career has taken a cruel decline following a spate of injuries since the 2004/05 season. Still, he remains one of the team’s best ever players of his generation. The 2003/04 campaign was his most memorable when he netted 12 times in the league and he scored a goal in the 2-0 win over Marseille in the UEFA Cup final while assisting the other. Literally every single one of Europe’s superpowers came knocking at his door, but he opted to sign a four year extension with Los Che. The following season, however, was when things started to go pear-shape. DAVID VILLA (2005-present) - Without doubt, the biggest star in Valencia today. He has been the team’s top scorer for the past four seasons in a row, totalling 101 goals in 167 games in all competitions. If there was one player could emulate the significance of Mendieta’s influence and contributions at the club, it would be ‘El Guaje’. He has firmly stamped his mark as one of the best players in the world at present, thanks largely to the blinding season he had last campaign, his best yet, when he amassed 31 goals in all. But with some of Europe’s big guns trying desperately to lure him away from the Mestalla, the Che faithful might have to start their search for the next big superstar. CANIZARES MIGUEL AYALA MARCHENA AURELIO ALBELDA MENDIETA DAVID SILVA AIMAR VICENTE DAVID VILLA SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/16/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Valencia
Team of the decade 2000-2010: La Liga

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. LA LIGA By KS Leong, Goal.com La Liga de las Estrellas. The League of Stars. The League of Dream Teams. The Millionaires’ League. Call it whatever you want, there’s no denying that over the past decade, Spain’s Primera Division has become a paradise for some of the world’s best players, the world’s most expensive footballers and the most outrageous home-grown talents to showcase their genius. But therein lies the problem. It’s the classic case of an embarrassment of riches. Every coach’s favourite worst nightmare. How do you pick just 11 players from a league where a never-ending constellation of superstars have kept Spanish football burning hot and bright over the last ten years? Well, for one, there is bound to be a few heartbreaking omissions. Formation: 4-1-3-2 IKER CASILLAS (Real Madrid, 1999-present) - The Saint of Madrid has come to his team’s rescue more times than anyone care to remember. Who could forget the rapid-fire series of saves he made in the dramatic closing stages of the 2002 Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen? Or the countless heroics he pulled off when Madrid won the league title in 2007 or 2008? There’s rarely a goalkeeper who can be on the losing side and still grab more headlines than the winning team, and that was what Casillas did when Los Blancos lost 2-0 at Barcelona and 4-0 at Liverpool last season. There aren’t too many goalkeepers in La Liga over the past ten years who can match ‘San Iker’, even though he’s picked up the Zamora Trophy only once. SERGIO RAMOS (Sevilla, 2003-2005/Real Madrid, 2005-present) - The iron man defender has already been hailed as Spain’s own Paolo Maldini. His only competition in La Liga these days is Dani Alves, who would easily have waltzed into this all-star line-up. But Madrid’s bullfighter has the edge because of his versatility. Not only can he play either side of the flank, but he is also comfortable as a centre-back. He’s even been known to take on a defensive midfield role, and you fancy that he would be quite good at it considering his ability to link defence and attack. But the full-back slot is his favourite and that’s where he does his most damage, bombing up and down the flanks and creeping into the box to threaten opposing defenders with his aerial prowess. CARLES PUYOL (Barcelona, 1999-present) - ‘Puyi’ is proof that not all Spanish players are soft, agile and silky smooth. The self-professed death metal fan can mix it up with the toughest, fiercest, most hard-hitting defenders. He’s a player who’s not afraid to put his body on the line and like Sergio Ramos, he’s equally versatile and he can play anywhere across the backline, albeit not as adventurous in attack. He has become one of the best centre-backs Spain have seen in a long time and although he doesn’t quite emit the same kind of star power as the Fabio Cannavaro or John Terry, he is remarkably consistent and reliable and rarely will you find him struggling for form. ROBERTO AYALA (Valencia, 2000-2007) - During the first half of the decade, Valencia were as admired for their free-flowing attacking football as they were for their mean defence. The leader of the backline was Argentine hardman Ayala, who arrived in 2000 after two difficult years at AC Milan. The no-nonsense centre back was superb tactically, a great reader of the game who, despite his short stature, had a jack-in-the-box leap that saw him gobble up everything in the air defensively as well as score a number of crucial headers off corners. A Champions League runner-up, Ayala won two Spanish La Ligas, as well as a UEFA Cup. ROBERTO CARLOS (Real Madrid, 1996-2007) - The man with tree trunks for thighs is just like any typical Brazilian full-back: fast, powerful, flamboyant, goal-hungry, and a left foot that could kill a horse. His conversion rate from freekicks isn’t as high as some of the other set-piece masters in world football, but that’s the beauty of his artwork. Every once in a while out of the blue, he will produce something so special and amazing that every football fan will either be talking about it or trying to emulate it the next day. Defensively, he makes his fair share of blunders, but his errors are always unfairly exaggerated and his good work hardly ever recognised. Ever since he left, Real Madrid and La Liga are still looking for a left-back with his charisma. LIONEL MESSI (Barcelona, 2004-present) - It would be easier for me to embed a torrent of ‘El Mesias’ web clips than to describe him in words. But if one sentence is required to illustrate how good he is, then it’s perhaps best to quote his boss, Joan Laporta directly: “the best player in history”. Talk about pressure! Players such as Ariel Ortega, Pablo Aimar and Carlos Tevez had previously been touted as the ‘New Maradona’, but you get the sense the ‘Little Lionel’ is the real deal… finally. If ever you need proof, just recall the supernatural goal he scored against Getafe in the Copa del Rey in 2007 when he uncannily mimicked El Diego’s famous 1986 World Cup goal against England almost move for move, stride for stride. Mere coincidence? Or was it destiny? XAVI (Barcelona, 1998-present) - The diminutive midfield maestro is the closest to Zinedine Zidane La Liga, and in fact, the world has seen since the Frenchman’s retirement. Graceful, elegant, precise and intelligent, Xavi is neither the fastest nor the most flamboyant of playmakers. Instead, he uses his poise, his outstanding ball control and phenomenal passing range to overcome the most stubborn of defences. He frustrates his rivals by making the football stick to his feet like superglue, making it impossible for the opposition to rob possession off him. His football brain and his eagle eyes also work overtime everytime he’s on the green turf and he is without question, one of the best central midfielders in the world today. RONALDINHO (Barcelona, 2003-2008) - Forget that horrendous final season he had at the Camp Nou. His La Liga legacy shouldn’t be judged just on that forgettable 10 months alone, especially when he provided four years of unbelievable spectacle and masterclass that turned him from a gawky looking player to the face of Joga Bonito. Aside from his catalogue of ‘don’t try this at home’ moves and audacious goals, one of the most memorable moments from his time in Spain was the jaw-dropping standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu faithful when he single-handedly destroyed Real Madrid 3-0 in El Clasico 2005/06. He was the only player who could rival Zidane when they were both at their peak and he aptly took over as the undisputed king when the French legend retired. ZINEDINE ZIDANE (Real Madrid, 2001-2006) - Speaking of the myth himself, Zidane is widely accepted, without debate, as the best player of his generation and one of the greatest footballers in the history of the game. He was once the most expensive player in the world when he was brought to the ‘Casa Blanca’ from Juventus for €78 million. And those who have seen him in action in the flesh have said that it was worth every euro and every single cent of the stadium admission fee. If there is one reason and one reason only to put the great ‘Zizou’ on this list, it would have to be for his magisterial volley against Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final. In Glasgow’s famous Hampden Park no less. DIEGO FORLAN (Villarreal, 2004-2007/Atletico Madrid, 2007-present) - The Uruguayan may not have the megastar status as some of the others on this list, but he is the only striker in La Liga this decade to not only win the Pichichi award twice, but also the European Golden Shoe. And he is the only player in history to have won it with two different clubs. The under-rated Forlan doesn’t boast the kind of unerring machine-like goal rate season after season. But when he’s on song, there’s hardly a more lethal or efficient finisher. And his scoring feats are made all the more remarkable when you take into account that he doesn’t play alongside the best playmakers and wingers in the world like some of the more high-profile strikers in Europe. RONALDO (Real Madrid, 2002-2007) - If Ronaldinho’s magic moment was the standing ovation he received from the Madridistas, Ronaldo’s most glorious memory in Spanish football this decade was the rapturous applause he was given at Old Trafford when he bagged a breathtaking hat-trick against Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2003 in what was one of the most entertaining matches in European football history. Unmistakably one of the finest strikers and one of the best players to ever grace the game, he may not have razzle-dazzled as much at Madrid compared to his early days, but he had the most productive spell of his club career: 104 goals in 177 competitive games and four trophies in five years. If there’s one player you must have in your galactic Dream Team, it may as well be 'O Fenomeno'. CASILLAS SERGIO RAMOS PUYOL AYALA ROBERTO CARLOS XAVI MESSI ZIDANE RONALDINHO FORLAN RONALDO http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: La Liga
Team of the decade 2000-2010: Serie A

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. SERIE A By Adam Scime, Goal.com Five different sides have managed to win the Scudetto since the year 2000 - with a number of high-profile players tasting glory and defeat. The first two years saw the trophy stay in Rome, split between Lazio and Roma. Marcello Lippi's Juventus then took home two titles on the trot in 2002 and 2003, while Milan waltzed to a title the year after in 2004. The Rossoneri were also the only Italian side to experience continental success, winning the Champions League in 2003 and 2007. The last few years of Serie A have been dominated by Inter, who have won four consecutive Scudetto, one assigned to them as a result of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, while the 2005 title has been left unallocated. Through it all, the Italian league has had it's fair share of star players, but who has been the best of the best? Adam Scime selects his top Serie A XI from the past decade… Formation: 4-4-2 GIANLUIGI BUFFON (Parma & Juventus) - The Italian became the most expensive goalkeeper in the world in 2001 when he transferred from Parma to Juventus for a world-record shot-stopper’s fee of €52 million. He was worth every penny, as he won the Scudetto in his first season at the club, before adding another three titles (two of which were revoked due to Calciopoli). Some reporters in Italy suggest that with Buffon in net, Juventus guarantee another ten to fifteen extra points per season due to his incredible saves. LILIA THURAM (Parma & Juventus) - Arguably the greatest French stopper of all time, Thuram also joined Juventus from Parma in 2001 for a big hefty transfer fee, after Zinedine Zidane's sale to Real Madrid gave the Bianconeri plenty of capital to work with. His presence at the back was nearly insurmountable, as he helped Juventus to the Champions League final in 2003 and gave the club five years of excellent displays before leaving for Barcelona at the outset of the Calciopoli scandal. Another worthy contender for this position was Roma and Milan wing-back Cafu. FABIO CANNAVARO (Parma, Inter & Juventus) - A constant mover, Cannavaro has played for three teams in this decade. Eventually leaving Parma for Inter in 2002, the centre-back was unable to help the Nerazzurri lift any silverware before astonishingly being straight-swapped for benchwarming goalkeeper Fabian Carini in 2004. After winning two Scudetti under coach Fabio Capello in Turin (later revoked), he won the Ballon d'Or and earned the nickname 'The Berlin Wall' for his victorious performances at the World Cup 2006. Despite his success, he was labelled a 'traitor' when he left Turin for Real Madrid, but he's now back in Serie A with the Bianconeri again. ALESSANDRO NESTA (Lazio & Milan) - One of the most astute defenders of this era, Nesta started the decade in the best way by winning a Scudetto and Coppa Italia with Lazio in 2000. Moving to Milan during the Aquilotti's financial troubles he continued to take home trophies, including two Champions Leagues, another Scudetto, and the World Club Cup. If not for injuries, one wonders what more he could have achieved. Few, if any, strikers got change out of a healthy Nesta. PAOLO MALDINI (Milan) - The Rossoneri captain had already been playing 15 years before the start of this decade. The illustrious defender won many accolades even in his twilight years, being included in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2003 and 2005 and winning the UEFA Champions League defender of the year in 2007 as Milan won the event in Athens. Overall, he led his club to eight trophies beyond the year 2000. It's doubtful anyone else will match his longevity, as he retired at the age of 40 this May, still marshalling the Milan defence. He is also the all-time appearance holder in Serie A. JAVIER ZANETTI (Inter) - The versatile Argentine has played in a number of positions for the Nerazzurri and captained them to four consecutive Scudetti, also winning two Coppa Italias and three Italian Supercups since 2005. This past campaign, he became the player with the second most appearances in the history of Inter, only behind Giuseppe Bergomi. Another interesting statistic is he has not received a red card in this decade - how's that for professionalism? KAKA (Milan) - The Brazilian came to Serie A as a virtual unknown in 2003, but left it as one of the world's best players in 2009 - purchased by Real Madrid for €68.5 million. One of the most influential attacking midfielders, the Brazilian's crowning moment was when took home the 2007 Ballon d'Or after he was top scorer in the Champions League tournament with ten goals as Milan won the prestigious competition for the seventh time in their history. Overall he made 270 appearances for the Milanese giants, scoring 95 goals in all competitions. ANDREA PIRLO (Reggina, Inter, Brescia & Milan) - The early part of the decade saw Pirlo bounced around by parent club Inter to Reggina and Brescia, but he did not flourish until he joined Milan. Employed in a deep lying playmaker position by coach Carlo Ancelotti, the player resurrected the regista role and has been the fulcrum of the Rossoneri side ever since. He may best be remembered for his exploits at the 2006 World Cup, but his importance to Milan is just the same, as witnessed by his team-mates praying he doesn't move to Chelsea this summer. Also one of the best set-piece takes Serie A has to offer. Gennaro Gattuso and Esteban Cambiasso just missed out in this position. PAVEL NEDVED (Lazio & Juventus) - Another of the brigade to move to Juventus in 2001, Nedved had already experienced Serie A victory with Lazio. Not only known for his thunderous shot, the 'Czech Fury' was one of the hardest working players to grace the pitch in Italy - playing until the age of 36 at the highest levels, when he decided to hang up his boots. The blonde-haired dynamo took the team by the scruff of the neck in 2002-03 to the Champions League final, hitting stunning strikes against Real Madrid and Barcelona, but was suspended for the final, which his side lost on penalties. ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC (Juventus & Inter) - The Swedish sensation has been an unrivalled success in Serie A, becoming it's most devastating striker over the past few seasons. Indeed, the player has a 'perfect record' since moving to Italy, winning five straight Scudetti (although his two with Juventus were revoked due to the Calciopoli scandal). Not very many can boast that accomplishment! Meanwhile, he also was top-scorer in the league this past year. His main criticism continues to be his shocking inability to deliver in the Champions League, despite his spectacular form in the peninsula. FRANCESCO TOTTI (Roma) - 'Er Pupone' is the epitome of a symbol for a club. The Giallorossi captain's lone Scudetto win was in 2001, but he continues to bang in the goals for the capital outfit. The 32-year-old is the club's all-time leader in appearances and goals and the active top scorer in Italy top flight with 178 goals to his name. Along with his goal-scoring exploits, he is a brilliant assist man with uncanny vision. A true hometown hero! BUFFON THURAM - CANNAVARO – NESTA - MALDINI ZANETTI - KAKA – PIRLO - NEDVED IBRAHIMOVIC – TOTTI http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Camilla Pedersen cp 7/17/2009 12:00:00 AM Team of the decade 2000-2010: Serie A
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Manchester United

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. MANCHESTER UNITED By Matt Monaghan, Goal.com With takeovers and titles galore, the 00s have seen Manchester United cement their position as the leading club in British football. Under manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the stars who brought the glory days back to the club in 1990s were successfully replaced with two batches of players that continued the Scot's winning tradition. It would be wrong to think all this came easily. A drought after Premier League titles in 00/01 and 02/03 threatened to unravel all this good work as the fallout from Malcolm Glazer’s hostile takeover transferred itself to the pitch in 2005. Out of the flames, a new leader emerged in Cristiano Ronaldo. Since 06/07, three league titles, league cup, Champions League and Club World Cup have been added to the overflowing Old Trafford trophy cabinet. The Portuguese’s record breaking move to Real Madrid has forced Ferguson back to the drawing board. But, with his impeccable pedigree, it’d be foolish to bet against a new reign of supremacy beginning in the coming years. Formation: 4-4-2 Goalkeeper EDWIN VAN DER SAAR – The giant Dutchman’s belated arrival as replacement for the Great Dane, Peter Schmeichel, in 2005 has been a key factor in the Reds’ re-emergence. Sir Alex Ferguson’s search for his next No.1 took in over six top level candidates, including French World Cup winning keeper Fabian Barthez. None had the former Ajax man’s spider like physique or ability to remain calm under pressure. The curtain is now coming down on the 39-year-old's career as mistakes start to creep into his game. But, make no bones about it, a replacement for Van Der Sar will be just as difficult to find. Defence GARY NEVILLE – A Red Devil to the core, Neville has lived the dream of any boyhood supporter to wear the captain’s armband. While injuries and old age have ravaged his recent career, this one club man remains the face of the traditional values of Manchester United. Away from lifting 19 trophies and baiting Liverpool fans since his debut in 1992, the Bury-born player has also found time to collect 85 England caps. NEMANJA VIDIC – Crafted from granite, Nemanja Vidic has pulverised any opposition unlucky enough to come across him in the club’s quest for domestic and European honours. The reigning Manchester United Player and Player’s Player of the Year’s rock solid partnership with Rio Ferdinand since joining from Spartak Moscow in 2006 has underscored the Red Devil’s march to supremacy. Quite simply, Vidic has made a mockery of those who say quality January buys are impossible to come across. RIO FERDINAND – A British transfer fee record-breaker from Leeds United in 2002 who now looks cheap at £29.1 million, Ferdinand is in a class of his own as a centre back. It’s not always been easy for the West Ham youth product, with a drugs ban and contract stand-off de-railing his career in 2004 and 2005. The Peckham-born player has since emerged as the lynchpin of a team that has conquered all before it. PATRICE EVRA – Few watching Evra’s shaky debut in the Manchester derby in 2006 could have predicted the former Monaco man’s march to becoming the best left back in the business. The France international’s trademark dashes up the pitch and ability to snaffle the ball from any winger have put paid to those memories. Dovetailing with Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs, the Senegal-born player can rightly claim to have played a starring role in the Red Devil’s trophy filled recent history. Midfield CRISTIANO RONALDO – From gangly trick pony, to the world’s most expensive player, Ronaldo’s transformation at Manchester United has been remarkable. The Portuguese has re-invited the position of winger during the club’s current three consecutive Premier League wins. Without his unprecedented strike rate, all this wouldn’t have been impossible. CR7 was famously bought in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon after tearing United apart in a friendly. He now leaves for Real Madrid as FIFA World Player of the Year and a true Red Devils legend. ROY KEANE – While not the omnipotent, no holds-barred force of the 1990s, Roy Keane still managed to leave his mark in the last decade. In the case of mortal enemy Alf-Inge Haaland, this was literally the case as his knee high tackled ended the Norwegian’s career in 2001. The former Nottingham Forest player captained United to Premier League titles in 00/01 and 02/03 before a trademark explosion on M.U.T.V closed the door on his time at the club which stretched from 1993-2005. Honest to the end, Keane has left a powerful legacy which no central midfielder will come close to matching. PAUL SCHOLES – Whether next to Michael Carrick or Roy Keane, Scholes’ unassuming demeanour and flawless ability on the ball has shined through regardless. The anti-thesis to the glamour and bravado of the modern footballer, the Oldham-born youth product has made his name on the pitch instead of the tabloids since first appearing in 1994. When David Beckham joined the ‘Galacticos’ of Real Madrid in 2003, he said Zinedine Zidane, Raul etc all asked him what was it like to train next to a player as good as the 'ginger maestro' every day. That tells you everything you need to know about him. RYAN GIGGS – Sometimes the term ‘legend’ barely suffices to describe the contribution of a player. For Welsh wonder Ryan Giggs, the superlatives need to be piled on liberally before you would come anywhere near to a reflection of his achievements. While still as sinewy as the day he made his debut in 1991, the trademark speed has left him. A move from flying winger to crafty central midfielder ensued in the 00s. This hasn’t detracted from his ability, with his award of the current PFA’s Player of the Year trophy saying everything you need to know about the 35-year-old. Attack WAYNE ROONEY – Not many Merseysiders weave their way into the hearts of the Manchester United faithful. Rooney has done this with ease. A jaw-dropping Euro 2004 prompted a £30m move from Everton. The boyhood Blue’s debut hat trick proved that Sir Alex Ferguson was right to splash the cash. In tandem with Cristiano Ronaldo, the pair have run rings around the establishment and driven the Reds to success. The Portuguese’s departure has cleared the way for him to take centre stage at the Theatre of Dreams. Don’t expect him to pass on the opportunity. RUUD VAN NISTELROOY – ‘Van the Man’s’ ability to find the back of the net was unprecedented in the recent history of the club. After finalising his abortive move from PSV Eindhoven in 2001, 220 appearances generated an astonishing 150 goals. With statistics like that, it’s hard to see why the Dutchman was so unceremoniously dumped in 2006. Only one Premier League trophy was secured in his time at the club, and a mutual parting of the ways to Real Madrid saw both parties come out of their separation in glory. SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Thomas Gravgaard tg 7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Manchester United
Real Madness in Madrid

By Marc Thevis In football some clubs will always be bigger, have better players, larger budgets, better scouting, more fans, more money and those clubs will of course have an advantage in being a better football club winning more matches and titles. But this has nothing to do with the madness going on in Madrid. While almost all clubs all over the world has been forced to be conservative on the transfer market this summer due to the global economic crisis, Real Madrid has showcased the biggest spending spree the world of football has ever seen using +240 million €. Sunday it was officially declared that the total debt of “Los Blancos” amounts to 327(!!!) milion €. Due to their huge fan base, marketing, tickets sale, TV rights, general pulling power etc. the club is not at all worried about the future. Some people – mostly fans of Real Madrid – are fascinated by the sums used and the players bought. But if you are a true fan of the game fascination should be replaced with sheer horror. When Real Madrid is allowed to create such a debt by buying players the way they've done, it simply surpasses the competitive nature of the game. It will literally be impossible to ever change the balance of power for the second best in Spain when Los Blancos have economical carte blanche. If it becomes impossible to change your position or rank in the top flight it will evidently ruin the unpredictability and thus the excitement of the game. All football fans should be worried and it simply seems surreal that the governing bodies such as FIFA and UEFA apparently are sitting on their hands. If they really “cared about football” they would legislate against making debts like this through transfers. One can only hope that the talks about “Fair Play” in the modern game from the governing bodies will count off the pitch as well some day.
Thomas Gravgaard tg 9/22/2009 12:00:00 AM Real Madness in Madrid
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Juventus

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. JUVENTUS By Carlo Garganese, Goal.com Italian football during the past 10 years has certainly been eventful. The capital clubs of Lazio and Roma shared the first two championships of the decade, before Juventus re-asserted their domestic dominance by winning three of the next four Scudetti, Milan claiming the other. The Calciopoli crisis in 2006 signalled a change in power, as Juve were stripped of two titles and demoted to Serie B. A number of other punishments helped Inter become the No.1 force, and they closed the noughties by winning the Scudetto in 2007, 2008 and 2009. It has certainly been a rollercoaster ride for Italy’s most successful club Juventus, and Carlo Garganese selects his best Bianconeri XI from the past decade… Formation: 4-4-2 GIANLUIGI BUFFON (2001- ) - By the time Buffon retires, it's quite possible that he will be recognised as the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the game. Arriving in 2001 from Parma for a world-record shot-stopper’s fee of €52 million, Buffon has more than paid this back, and he won the Scudetto in his first season at the club, before adding another three titles (two of which were revoked due to Calciopoli). Six times Serie A goalkeeper of the Year, three times UEFA best goalkeeper, and winner of the Silver Ball in 2006 says it all for this glovesman. LILIAN THURAM (2001-06) - A contender along with Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta for the world’s best defender of the past decade, as well as arguably the greatest French stopper of all time. Thuram also joined Juventus from Parma in 2001 for a big transfer fee, and during his five years at the club he played both at right back and his favoured centre back role. An indomitable rock at the back, Thuram was fast, strong, unbeatable in the air, and superb tactically – he was the perfect defensive package. His most memorable performance was in a 2003 Champions League extra time quarter final victory at Camp Nou against Barcelona, a display often described as the ‘perfect performance’. FABIO CANNAVARO (2004-06 & 2009- ) - Although a 35-year-old Cannavaro has just returned to Juventus this summer, he will be best remembered for his two-year spell in Turin between 2004 and 2006, where he won back-to-back league titles that were eventually revoked. One of Luciano Moggi’s best buys, and Inter’s most peculiar sales, Cannavaro actually joined Juventus in part-exchange for reserve goalkeeper Fabian Carini. The Neapolitan soon rediscovered his form with the Bianconeri, forming an water-tight defensive triangle with former Parma team-mates Thuram and Buffon. The best defender in the world during his final season at Juve, as proved by his heroics at the 2006 World Cup for Juventus, which helped him win the Ballon d'Or. PAOLO MONTERO (1996-2005) - One of the toughest defenders in Calcio history, Montero holds the record for the most red cards received in Serie A. Despite his poor disciplinary record, the Uruguayan was also a world class defender during most of his Juventus career. Montero was man-made for the Italian game due to his excellent reading of the game, and professionalism. Knew every trick in the book, and was the natural heir to Claudio Gentile. If Montero didn’t get the ball, he would get the man. Unlucky to have lost three Champions League finals for Juve, one of them in 2003. GIANLUCA PESSOTTO (1995-2006) - One of the most under-rated defenders of his generation, Pessotto rarely made the headlines in the press (aside from his near-death experience during the Calciopoli crisis) but he was a fine full back, with the versatility to play on the right or left of defence and midfield. A very dogged marker, who held the defensive line, Pessotto may not have been the most gifted technically, but it is difficult to think of many occasions when the current Juve team manager was beaten by his man. Many world class wingers failed to go past Pessotto. MAURO CAMORANESI (2002- ) - Camoranesi was a virtual unknown, and nearly 26, when he joined Juventus from little Verona in 2002. Whoever scouted the Argentine-born Italian wideman certainly deserves huge praise, as Camoranesi has been an influential member of the midfield over the past seven years, even if he has suffered from injury problems recently. Creative and skilful, the ex-Cruz Azul man impressed so much on the right that he helped give Marcello Lippi the idea to convert Gianluca Zambrotta into a full-back. EDGAR DAVIDS (1996-2004) - A candidate for the best defensive midfielder of his generation, most footballers would name Davids as their most feared opponent. The Dutchman really lived up to his nickname as ‘The Pitbull’, as he hunted down adversaries, tore the ball of them with crunching tackles before launching lightning attacks. Davids had a ferocious style of play, and he brought so much to Juventus up until his final season in 2004 when he fell out of favour before having a superb six-month loan spell at Barcelona. It could be argued that Juventus still haven’t really replaced him, as Patrick Vieira and Emerson were both slightly disappointing, while Momo Sissoko still needs to improve certain facets of his game. PAVEL NEDVED (2001-2009) - Arrived as a direct replacement for Zinedine Zidane in 2001, with Juventus paying Lazio €41 million for his services. No one could have predicted that Nedved would actually have a better career in Turin than his French predecessor. The Czech Republic star was the driving force of the Bianconeri almost up until his expected retirement this summer, and during his peak he was perhaps the most complete midfielder in Europe. The long-haired schemer’s best year was in 2002-03 when he won the Ballon d’Or after he almost single-handedly took Juventus to the Champions League Final, only to sadly miss the Manchester showpiece through suspension. Best remembered for his thunderous goals against Barcelona in the quarter final and Real Madrid in the semis. GIANLUCA ZAMBROTTA (1999-2006) - Don’t let the 2009 Confederations Cup deceive you on what an outstanding career it has been for Zambrotta. Many people forget that until 2002-03, Zambrotta was a wide midfielder, a role he excelled in until he was converted into a full-back by Marcello Lippi in 2002-03. Between 2004 and 2006, Zambrotta was the top left back in the world, a marauding machine down the flank, with pace, intelligence and a great cross. The former Bari man was also very mean defensively, performing many perfectly-timed sliding tackles. ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO (1993- ) - Juventus’ all-time appearance maker and top-scorer, it comes as no surprise that Del Piero is the first outfield name on the team-sheet for Team of the Decade. Despite being threatened by a number of reinforcements such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Adrian Mutu, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Amauri, The Golden Boy has continued to be the Bianconeri’s main forward into his mid-thirties, scoring and creating goals with consummate ease. Many of Del Piero’s most memorable moments have come in the Champions League, often against Real Madrid. He scored a superb goal against the Blancos in that 2003 semi-final, and was applauded off the Santiago Bernabeu pitch last season. Italian Footballer of the Year and top scorer in 2007-08. DAVID TREZEGUET (2000- ) - With the exception of last term when he suffered terribly with injuries, Trezeguet’s goalscoring record with Juventus this decade has been simply astonishing, season after season. The Frenchman, who joined from Monaco in 2000, hit 15, 32, 13, 22, 14, 29, 15 and 20 goals in the first eight campaigns, and was both top-scorer and Serie A Footballer of the Year in 2002. Trezeguet, who was so impressive in his first year that he forced the sale of Pippo Inzaghi, struck up a telepathic understanding with Del Piero in attack. Likely to leave Juventus this summer. BUFFON THURAM - CANNAVARO - MONTERO - PESSOTTO CAMORANESI - DAVIDS - NEDVED - ZAMBROTTA TREZEGUET - DEL PIERO Do you agree with those who made it into the Juventus Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think... SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Juventus
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Real Madrid

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. REAL MADRID By Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com It has been a decade beyond any kind of simple summary for Real Madrid. The short-sighted perception is that it has been a disaster - until you count up the two Champions Leagues, four Liga titles, three Supercopas, an Intercontinental Cup and a European Super Cup. You would struggle to call that a failure, but it is then that you take into account that the biggest prize of all those, the Champions League, was last captured over seven years ago, and there have since been five consecutive second round exits in Europe's premier club competition. Maybe it is short-sighted to judge teams so rigidly on their Champions League performance; but Madrid, as record nine-time winners, know as well as anyone the prestige and significance of every game played on the grand European stage. Their failure has been the result of an institutional inability to put together a great team. There were the Galacticos, who won the lion's share of this decade's trophies in spectacular style, but their capitulation was a set-back and though domestic success was to follow, it was nothing compared to the men that dominate this XI, a vast majority of the greatest players of the last decade - never mind just at Real Madrid - the men whom Florentino Perez is now looking to recreate in this decade to come: the Galacticos. Formation: 4-4-2 IKER CASILLAS (1999 -) - Already considered the club's greatest ever goalkeeper at 28, the man they call San Iker is likely to go down as Spain's best ever and right up there with the all-time greats by the time he retires. He's not always orthodox, but nearly always outstanding. Since his match-winning role off the bench in the 2002 Champions League final, the Mostoles native has been the club's most consistently excellent performer, bar none. From such a young age, he assumed a kind of leadership role at the back, saving the team during the good times as well as even looking the best player on the pitch in the heaviest defeats. His loyalty to the club has been exemplery, as he has, despite rumoured interest from many clubs, signalled his intention to see out his entire career at the Bernabeu. MICHEL SALGADO (1999 -) - Now considered a shadow of his former self, we can't forget that Michel Salgado was, for many years, one of the best right-backs in the world, though perhaps often overlooked in light of the unrelenting media focus on the Galacticos. Signed from Celta Vigo for €11m, aged just 23, Salgado was relentless up and down the flank for seven seasons, before age finally began to catch up with him, though he has nevertheless picked up some deserved silverware in his twilight years. It is suspected he may see out the last year of his contract at the club before retiring, unless he is asked to leave as Florentino Perez does, as he puts it, "three summers of transfer activity in one". Though the heart would want Michel to stay, the head may see time on his Madrid career called to an end, with an endless list of trophies to show for it. SERGIO RAMOS (2005 -) - Considered by many the successor to Salgado, Sergio Ramos is considered one of the few pleasant memories from the latter days of Florentino Perez's first Galacticos era. Signing young and Spanish put the club back in the right direction, and though it has been a chaotic era at the Bernabeu, and a young, hot-headed and often erratic Ramos has captured that as well as anyone, the unbelievable physical and technical raw talent possessed by the defender, still just 23, bodes well for the future. Though primarily a right-back, he was a key component of the 2007 Liga winning team from the centre, is a tough tackler, quite incredible in the air, lightning fast and a highly impressive crosser of the ball. Two Liga titles are sure to be just the beginning for Sergio, a fans' favourite, as he already assumes a leadership position within the club. FERNANDO HIERRO (1989-2003) - The first retired player to make it into the team. Few will want to remember the way in which he was exited from the club towards the end of his career, which is what makes it likely Salgado will now suffer the same fate at the hands of the same president. He was succeeded, in shirt number, by Sergio Ramos, but surely no one can replace the presence of Fernando Hierro. It may be a sign of the lack of a masterful mainstay at the centre of defence since his departure that Hierro, playing just three latter years in this decade, still makes it into the team, but that cannot allow us to underestimate his significance from beginning to end of his 14-year stay at the Bernabeu. He was a towering presence at the back, an astonishing goal-threat, in particular from set-pieces, and a galvanizing influence on one of the greatest teams of all time. You can't ask for much more from a defender. ROBERTO CARLOS (1996-2007) - Paolo Maldini is one thing, and Roberto Carlos is another. In the greatest world team of the decade, which is coming soon, justice won't be done unless we're allowed two left-backs. Roberto Carlos at his peak typified the perfect modern full-back. Lightning fast, superhuman stamina, an uncompromising tackler, willing runner and occasional, outstanding goal-threat. His cheerful and positive demeanour lightened up even the darkest days for Madridismo, as he starred during the best and worst times of the decade, before eventually leaving on something of a sour note during Ramon Calderon's regime, having not been anywhere near adequately replaced since. DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007) - Speaking of sour endings under Ramon Calderon's regime without an adequate replacement, is anyone here familiar with a certain David Beckham? Albeit, that Cristiano Ronaldo gentleman has now arrived on the scene to fill the right flank, but Beckham's role was underappreciated and in truth, Madrid didn't know what they had till it was gone. Beckham's time at the Bernabeu is synonymous with the fall of the Galacticos, but it wasn't really because he was one star too many, it was more because of the players that were foolishly allowed to leave to make way for his arrival. He, as a player, was a consistent performer, putting in all the work that was asked of him and when he was dropped by Fabio Capello, a decision that sparked his departure, he then worked his way back into the team and played that starring role the fans had been waiting to see for four years, being the key player with his crosses and free kicks setting up the goals that won the title - Madrid's first after three years previous without. CLAUDE MAKELELE (2000-2003) - In just three years, Claude Makelele did for Real Madrid's midfield something that nobody since has been able to emulate. His departure, not Beckham's arrival, signalled the real disaster at the Bernabeu. He held together the Madrid midfield full of flair and fame as the defensive midfielder, a position he played so well that it became known in some quarters, and to this day, as the Makelele position. The diminutive midfielder was with the Merengues at the height of the excellence, at the very beginning of the decade, winning two Ligas, two Supercopas, a Champions League, an Intercontinental Cup and a UEFA Super Cup. ZINEDINE ZIDANE (2001-2006) - Possibly the greatest player of the last decade, or even the last two decades. Therefore, he is a given for the French national team of the decade, the Liga team of the decade and of course, the Real Madrid team of the decade. On paper, his time at the Bernabeu had a worse return of silverware than most others in this XI, but his performances surpassed perhaps all but one or two of them. He was the undisputed creative genius of the team, with playmaking skills beyond those of Xavi and the shot from distance, though often a concealed weapon, as searing as that of Steven Gerrard and ball skills as majestic as Ronaldinho in his prime. When Zizou was in possession, an 'Olé!' was never far away. He was the club's and the world's most expensive signing, a record only just broken by Cristiano Ronaldo. His time brought every major trophy on offer, and an endless highlight reel of champagne football that will never be forgotten by football fans all across the globe, ending with an emotional retirement in 2006 without the silverware it deserved. Now, back with the club as an advisor and ambassador working as an unpaid volunteer, Zidane is looking to inspire similar levels of greatness from the next generation of Galacticos. LUIS FIGO (2000-2005) - Mr. Galactico himself, Florentino's first signing, the mercurial, exceptionally skilled and highly controversial Portuguese winger. Figo was signed for a world record fee to be surpassed by Zidane a year later, and delivered in style for his five fantastic years in the Spanish capital. Former Barca or not, Figo took no time picking up his two Ligas, Champions League and various other trophies, playing a starring role in all, with exceptional play from either wing culminating in bags of goals and assists. In half a decade he accomplished what many never could in an entire one. Outshone by Zidane, perhaps, but it cannot be forgotten that Figo, recently retired after finishing his career with Inter, is one of the greatest wingers of all time. RONALDO (2002-2007) - Without meaning to overuse or denigrate the attribution of the term 'greatest of all time', now we've arrived at Ronaldo, what else can be said? Injuries have hampered the Phenomenon's career from start to finish, yet three or four major set-backs haven't stopped him still scoring hat-tricks back in his native Brazil. His time at Madrid proved his finest. Nothing will match the single, pre-injury season he had at Barcelona prior to the 1998 World Cup, but over five years at Madrid, Ronnie managed a level of consistency and uninterrupted game time - not to mention goal return - that puts him in the record books with the very best of them. Had he been more fortunate in his early days, it's unthinkable what he may have achieved. Tragically, the greatest striker since Diego Maradona never even won the Champions League, with even his mid-season arrival at Milan cup-tying him in 2007 and ruling him out of playing a part in their triumph that season. A Galactico who left quietly and under a cloud, but nevertheless as incredible as any of his team-mates. RAUL (1994 -) - Just looking at the career years next to the name tells you everything you need to know about Raul. He has lived with the best defensive midfielder, best winger, best creative midfielder, best striker, best left-back and perhaps best goalkeeper in the world of the last decade. He's seen them all come and go - not without his own drop in form - but over the course of a decade, has forged an incredible legend. He scored in both the triumphant Champions League finals of which he was part, is the all-time leading scorer in that competition, Madrid's all-time leading scorer, Spain's all-time leading scorer (and outfield appearance maker), climbing the all-time La Liga goalscorers chart and much, much more. Critics have suggested that he has been preserving his place within the squad by discouraging other major transfers, but to his credit, even during his worst form he at least put in all the effort that many of his team-mates had given up doing, when the Galacticos went into a tailspin. He has perhaps been played when he shouldn't have, and the influx of stars did compromise his ability to play in his preferred position, but the fact remains, courtesy of his 24 goals in 45 appearances last season, if you put him up front, he will, by any means necessary, score goals. You could not find a more fitting representative of Madrid's tumultuous but ultimately unforgettable and prestigious ten years within football. CASILLAS SALGADO SERGIO RAMOS HIERRO ROBERTO CARLOS BECKHAM MAKELELE ZIDANE FIGO RONALDO RAUL SEE THE OTHER TEAMS OF THE DECADE HERE: http://www.goal.com/en/news/2517/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade/2009/07/09/1372870/goalcom-teams-of-the-decade
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/13/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Real Madrid
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Italy

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. ITALY By Carlo Garganese, Goal.com The first ten years of the new millennium were certainly mixed with great emotions for the Italy national team. The Azzurri won their fourth World Cup at Germany 2006, the country’s first in 24 years, with Ghana, United States, Czech Republic, Australia, Ukraine, Germany and France dispatched on the path to glory. Italy came agonizingly close to winning Euro 2000; leading 1-0 in the final against France, Sylvain Wiltord equalised in the fourth minute of injury time, before David Trezeguet blasted home the Golden Goal in extra time. La Nazionale crashed out amidst huge controversy at World Cup 2002 and Euro 2004. Finally, at Euro 2008, an ageing Italy limped through to the quarter finals before losing on penalties in the quarter finals against eventual winners Spain. Carlo Garganese selects his best Italy XI from the past decade… Formation: 3-5-2 GIANLUIGI BUFFON (1997- ) - After making his Italy debut in the snow of Russia in 1997 at the age of 19, Buffon would have played at Euro 2000 but was ruled out through injury. He has starred at every major international tournament since, and was a major protagonist at the 2006 World Cup conceding just two goals – a freak own goal and contentious penalty – as Italy won the trophy. Buffon is currently just five short of 100 caps, and he will surely be his country’s all-time appearance holder when he retires. With perfect positioning, imperious decision-making, and outstanding pedigree in all departments except on penalties, Buffon may eventually be remembered as the greatest goalkeeper of all time. GIANLUCA ZAMBROTTA (1999- ) - Debuting in 1999, Zambrotta has been an Italy regular for a decade now. He began his national career as a right midfielder-cum-wingback, a role he occupied at both Euro 2000 and World Cup 2002. In the former he was solid as Italy finished runners-up, although he missed the final after being sent off in the epic semi win over hosts Holland. In Korea-and-Japan, he suffered a serious injury during the notorious second round exit. After switching to full back for his club, he interpreted the same role for his country. Between 2004 and 2006, Zambrotta was arguably the best full back in the world, and he was immense as Italy earned their fourth star in Germany, bombing up and down the right flank, and scoring a long-range effort in the quarter final against Ukraine. ALESSANDRO NESTA (1996-2006) - Nesta is just another in a long-line of world class Italian centre backs, following on from the likes of Gaetano Scirea, Claudio Gentile, Franco Baresi and Alessandro Costacurta. The Rome-native was certainly the classiest defender of his generation, combining pace, strength, aerial prowess and tactical knowhow, with a magnificent reading of the game and the ability to bring the ball out of defence and instigate attacks. A contender for the best defender of the past 10 years, along with Lilian Thuram and Fabio Cannavaro, Nesta was almost impenetrable at Euro 2000, but he was unlucky with injuries at many of his other major tournaments, including in 2006 when he didn’t play past the third group game. This convinced Nesta to retire from internationals on 78 caps. FABIO CANNAVARO (1997- ) - Was there a better centre back partnership during the noughties than Cannavaro and Nesta? The two stoppers go together like a horse and carriage, to quote a line from a certain Frank Sinatra song. The pair complimented each other perfectly, forming the backbone of the Italy defence for four major international tournaments. Cannavaro was at his peak during the 2006 World Cup when he was undoubtedly the player of the tournament, an unbreakable ‘Berlin Wall’ who was the symbol of Italy’s success. Cannavaro had to play without Nesta throughout the entire knockouts, but was so imperious that he even turned Marco Materazzi into a top-class performer. Following the shootout win over France, captain Cannavaro lifted the World Cup on the occasion of his 100th cap, and he has since gone on to reach Paolo Maldini’s games record. PAOLO MALDINI (1988-2002) - Having finally retired this summer after an unrivalled 25-year career, Maldini will go down in the history books as one of the greatest players of all time, and certainly the greatest left back. For Italy, Maldini won 126 caps, a number that has just recently been equalled by Cannavaro. The Milan legend played just two tournaments during the noughties before retiring from internationals – Euro 2000 and World Cup 2002. In the former, he played as an unorthodox left wing-back, and came so close to captaining his side to glory. Two years later, Maldini’s Italy career ended on a low, as he was outjumped by Ahn Jung Hwan for the hosts’ winning goal during one of Calcio’s darkest hours. Maldini resisted calls from Marcello Lippi to play at World Cup 2006, and thus missed out on the one big prize that eluded him during his career. FABIO GROSSO (2003- ) - A late bloomer, Grosso was still at modest Palermo when the 2006 World Cup arrived, but went on to be the Azzurri’s unlikely hero in Germany. The full back won the hotly-disputed last minute penalty in the second round win over Australia, scored the famous and decisive 118th minute curler in the semi-final epic against hosts Germany, before slotting home the winning spot-kick in the final shootout victory against France. In the proceeding three years, Grosso has been the Italy regular at left back, and has rarely played a bad game, being one of his country’s best performers both at Euro 2008 and the 2009 Confederations Cup. AANDREA PIRLO (2002- ) - The best deep-lying playmaker of the decade, it is testament to Pirlo’s outstanding ability that he excelled during a physical, athletic era that did not really suit his style of play. Despite starring for Milan since at least 2002, Pirlo did not actually become an Italy regular until Marcello Lippi took charge, as Giovanni Trapattoni bizarrely preferred Cristiano Zanetti and Simone Perrotta at the ill-fated Euro 2004. Pirlo would be a major protagonist, though, in Germany two years later, scoring Italy’s first goal in the opener against Ghana, and supplying three assists during the tournament, including the one in the final for Marco Materazzi. Also played well at Euro 2008, and many people cite his suspension against Spain as a reason for Italy’s quarter final exit. A masterful passer of the ball, with the ability to create chances and spot through passes that most others did not know existed. RINO GATTUSO (2000- ) - The perfect partner for Pirlo for both Milan and Italy, while the former Brescia star was the creator, Gattuso was the destroyer. Ringhio was the pit-bull of the Azzurri midfield, and a crucial element of the 2006 World Cup success, charging around the pitch with fire in his belly, and closing down opponents. Italy have very rarely possessed a British-type bulldog like Gattuso over the years, and he became a real favourite with tifosi due to his never-say-die attitude, grit, and determination to die for the cause. Although his legs have perhaps started to go during the past 18 months, culminating in an under-par Euro 2008, Gattuso’s influence on Italy this decade cannot be underestimated, and he will forever be remembered for his passionate ‘slap’ on Marcello Lippi in the third group game win over Czech Republic in Germany. FRANCESCO TOTTI (1998-2006) - The idea that Francesco Totti always disappointed for his country is one of Calcio’s darkest myths. At Euro 2000, the Roma idol was some people’s Player of the Tournament. Totti scored twice, also chipping his famous ‘spoon-kick’ in the semi shootout win over hosts Holland. In the final itself, which Italy lost dramatically, Totti was the undoubted man-of-the-match, executing a genius backheel in the build-up to Marco Delvecchio’s opener. At the 2002 World Cup he provided numerous assists for goals that both stood and were wrongly disallowed before being incorrectly sent off against South Korea. A half-fit Totti still provided more assists than anyone else as Italy won the 2006 World Cup, also executing a crucial last-gasp second round penalty against Australia, although he blotched his copybook by spitting at Denmark’s Christian Poulsen at Euro 2004. CHRISTIAN VIERI (1997-2005) - Standing at well over six feet, Vieri combined height and aerial expertise, with a devastating mix of pace, power, and a crushing left foot. During his peak from the late 1990s up until 2003, excluding an injured Ronaldo, Vieri was probably the best striker in the world. A bully of a frontman who scared the living daylights out of defenders, Vieri added four goals at World Cup 2002 to the five he registered four years earlier in France. His career took a downturn after 2004, playing poorly at that year’s Euros, and then missing the 2006 World Cup with injury. Despite this, Italy have never really replaced him, and as we speak there is no world class Azzurri forward in his mould. PIPPO INZAGHI (1997-2007) - The day that Pippo Inzaghi retires will be a sad one for Calcio. SuperPippo may have no skill, technique, strength or blistering pace, but he is a true genius of a penalty box striker. It is debatable if there has ever been an attacker with better movement, anticipation and instincts than Inzaghi (perhaps only Gerd Muller). A prolific goalscorer for every team he has ever played for, even more so when you consider he took no free kicks and few penalties, Inzaghi struck 25 times in just 57 appearances for La Nazionale, fifth in the all-time list. He excelled at Euro 2000, scoring twice. At World Cup 2002 he had a number of strikes wrongly disallowed for non-existent offside positions, while he made just one substitute appearance at Germany 2006 against the Czechs, and of course he scored. A legend. BUFFON CANNAVARO - NESTA - MALDINI ZAMBROTTA GROSSO GATTUSO - PIRLO TOTTI INZAGHI - VIERI Do you agree with those who made it into the Azzurri Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/20/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Italy
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: England

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. ENGLAND By Graham Lister, Goal.com The noughties - like the '70s, '80s and '90s - were hardly a vintage decade for the England national team, being a familiar tale of too much bark and not enough bite, although the unusually focused current World Cup qualifying campaign shows much promise. The 112 England games since the turn of the millennium have produced 64 wins and 22 defeats, but ranged in quality from the stirring victories in Munich (5-1, 2001) and Zagreb (4-1, 2008) to the pratfall in Copenhagen (0-4, 2005) and the vapid defeats at Wembley both old (0-1 v Germany, 2000) and new (2-3 v Croatia, 2007). Of 62 competitive games played in this period, only 17 were in the final stages of either the World Cup or the European Championship, reflecting failure to qualify for Euro 2008 and an all-too-brief appearance at Euro 2000. On the global stage, England reached World Cup quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006, but lost both. Those defeats, one in a shoot-out, represented the peak of the Three Lions' achievement in the noughties: more foothills than summit. Along the way, 97 different players were used by six different coaches; and while the likes of Michael Ricketts and Seth Johnson would struggle to make team of the day, never mind the decade, there have been others who've set English pulses racing. Several have featured prominently in the teams of current coach Fabio Capello. His 15 games in charge (12 wins) have brought a new sense of discipline and professionalism to the squad, and seem finally to have banished the curse of arrogance, whereby the team seemed to expect things to happen simply because of who were on the pitch. This best England XI from the past decade includes several who could ensure the noughties end on a relative high … Formation: 4-4-2 DAVID SEAMAN (1989-2002) - The days when England boasted a steady production line of top-class goalkeepers are sadly distant, and since David Seaman won the last of his 75 caps in October 2002, a worthy successor has not yet been found. Seaman may have endured the odd embarrassment - notably against Ronaldinho at Shizuoka in the 2002 World Cup - but 'Safe Hands' was a reassuring presence behind the back-four, offering greater reliability and fewer errors than all the subsequent England number ones. GARY NEVILLE (1995-2007) - One half of the latter-day version of the Charlton brothers - though he and Phil occupy a considerably lower place in the nation's affections - Gary Neville had the tenacity to become a solid selection for a succession of England coaches. The England squad’s shop steward was consistent enough to be first-choice right-back for more than ten years, despite the ravages of injury, and even earned a surprise recall to the England squad from Capello for two World Cup qualifiers, without actually playing in either game. RIO FERDINAND (1998 - ) - Ferdinand has largely rid his game of the lapses in concentration that punctuated his early career, evolving into a stylish and accomplished defender more comfortable on the ball than most centre-backs. The suspension incurred because of the forgotten drugs test did his international career no favours; but after his return Rio showed a maturity that was rewarded with temporary captaincy. JOHN TERRY (2003 - ) - Made skipper by Steve McClaren, Terry retained the armband after Capello had taken a long hard look at the candidates. It was a sound decision as he is the natural successor to Tony Adams, a leader whose game is based on drive and commitment. Terry was the only Englishman named in the 2006 World Cup’s all-star squad. Sol Campbell was a strong contender for this position, but Terry edged it because of his captaincy and better goal-scoring record. ASHLEY COLE (2001 - ) - For reasons to do more with personality than performance, Cole may not win many popularity contests; he was mercilessly booed by England fans after his howler gifted Kazakhstan a goal in the Three Lions' 5-1 Wembley victory last October. Yet he has proved himself to be England's best left-back of the last decade by some distance. The defensive side of Cole's game has improved significantly at no cost to his attacking instincts, and 73 caps tells its own story of consistency. DAVID BECKHAM (1997 - ) - Golden Balls has metamorphosed from precocious talent to petulant liability to national hero to veteran holder of 112 caps. The journey has included accepting and relinquishing the captaincy, plunging the country into trauma with a broken metatarsal, being discarded then reinstated by McClaren, and winning his place in Capello's squad. Through it all Beckham has been the supreme supplier of the perfectly weighted pass. His finest hour was scoring the stunning last-gasp free-kick against Greece that clinched England's participation in the 2002 Word Cup. Despite all the baggage, he is still inspired by the Three Lions. FRANK LAMPARD (2000 - ) - Lampard's selection is contentious, not least because it is at the expense of Paul Scholes; but also because his performances for England often failed to match his outstanding club form, earning him the crowd's ire. Somewhat unjustly he seemed to epitomise the perception that England players were more ego than effort, yet his record stands scrutiny: 17 goals and a raft of assists in 71 appearances. Under Capello's clearer tactical thinking, the intelligent Lampard has responded well. STEVEN GERRARD (2000 - ) - In many ways Gerrard's England career (74 caps, 14 goals) has been as frustrating as Lampard's, and one of the burning questions of the decade was ‘can these two play together and, if so, how do you get the best out of them?’ Capello is getting closer to answering it effectively than his predecessors did, which is good as it would be folly to omit the world class Gerrard from any team for which he was eligible. JOE COLE (2001 - ) - One of the most natural English talents of the last decade, Joe Cole's international career was stunted by inconsistent selection, muddled tactical plans, and injury. But his boundless enthusiasm, speed, trickery and ability to sting the opposition with the unexpected made him more valuable to the team as the decade progressed. He offers balance on the left in what was for so long England's problem position. MICHAEL OWEN (1998 - ?) - His last England appearance was as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat against France in March 2008; but his recent change of club may reinvigorate Owen's career and earn him a recall, as a fit Owen guarantees goals. Even if he doesn’t add to his current haul of 89 caps and is therefore unable to improve on his 40 England goals (which place him fourth on the all-time list), Owen deserves his place in this team for his consistently reliable poaching instincts - never better exemplified than when he hit a hat-trick against Germany in Munich. WAYNE ROONEY (2003 - ) - Prodigiously talented, and with the power and technique to unnerve most defences when playing to his strengths, Rooney has been and remains a formidable weapon in England's armoury. He threatened to run riot single-handedly at Euro 2004 until struck down by the curse of the busted metatarsal; and 10 goals in his last seven internationals under Capello represents the sort of form to make even hardened cynics dare to believe... SEAMAN G. NEVILLE FERDINAND TERRY A. COLE BECKHAM LAMPARD GERRARD J. COLE OWEN ROONEY Do you agree with those who made it into the England Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/20/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: England
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Brazil

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. BRAZIL By Gregory Sica, Goal.com There's no question that Brazil are both the most popular and most successful national side in the entire world. Having won a record five World Cups, still today they continue to win major titles (the last of these being the Confederations Cup last month). Brazil are currently ranked no.1 in the FIFA World Rankings, and are the favourites going into next year's World Cup in South Africa. Over the last decade Brazil have possessed an abundance of talented players, like no other nation in the world. The country continues to produce world-class players and this is reflected by the achievements of the Selecao. After the disappointment of the 2006 World Cup, in which Brazil were surprisingly eliminated in the quarter-finals by France, Dunga was hired as their new boss and the 1994 World Cup winning captain made drastic changes to the side, by bringing in fresh meat and overlooking accomplished superstars like Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo and Cafu. Although all of the above players will remain in the Brazilian history books for eternity, Dunga's new way of thinking has been of great benefit to the national team, and after a relatively slow start they have returned to being the strongest team in the world. Gregory Sica selects his best Brazil XI from the past decade. Formation: 4-4-1-1 Goalkeeper: MARCOS – (1999-2005) - Marcos will always be remembered for being Brazil's first-choice goalkeeper as they lifted their fifth World Cup in 2002. The goalkeeper kept four clean sheets in seven matches, but lost his place in the team after the tournament. Although he was recalled to the Selecao for the 2005 Confederations Cup, he only made one appearance, and in October 2006 he announced his international retirement. One of few players to do such a thing, Marcos has remained loyal to Palmeiras throughout his entire career, even if he had attracted the attention of several top European clubs, including Arsenal. Defence: MAICON – (2003- ) - Only since the appointment of Dunga has Maicon cemented his position as the first-choice right-back of the Brazilian national team. Maicon is arguably the best player in his position in the world right now, and he has demonstrated this both with Brazil and Inter Milan. Ever since Cafu's national team retirement in 2006 Brazil have been looking for his replacement, and not only has Maicon succeeded the 2002 World Cup winning captain, but he has proven to be of even greater significance for Brazil. Maicon is solid with his marking and is particularly dangerous when moving forward to the attack. LUCIO – (2000- ) - The Brazil captain is an irreplaceable figure in the Brazil defence, and his strength and determination have been of great benefit to the Selecao. During the 2002 World Cup he played all 630 minutes of the tournament as Brazil won the title. Four years later he featured for Brazil as they were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Lucio set a FIFA record by not committing a single foul in 386 minutes of the tournament. More recently the defender helped Brazil win the Confederations Cup last month, by scoring a header in the 3-2 victory over the United States in the final. EDMILSON – (2000-2007) - Brazil have not been blessed with too many top class defenders this decade, and it is for this reason that Edmilson makes it into the line-up. A cultured defender/midfielder for Barcelona, Edmilson played his part in the 2002 World Cup triumph, playing in the centre of a back-three and scoring an excellent goal along the way against Costa Rica. Edmilson preferred attacking to defending, despite his position, but when fit and on-form he was nevertheless a very under-rated player. ROBERTO CARLOS – (1992-2006) - Recognised around the entire globe for his trademark free-kicks, with perhaps the greatest being a spectacular 35-metre swerving effort that fooled French goalkeeper Fabian Barthez when playing for his Brazil in the Tournoi de France in 1997, Roberto Carlos is a legend in his own right. Since making his national team debut in 1992, the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan left-back found wide success with the Selecao. After finishing as a runner-up to France in the 1998 World Cup he played a key role as Brazil lifted the 2002 World Cup. As well as this, with Brazil he claimed two Copa America titles and the Confederations Cup. But after the elimination to France in the 2006 World Cup, Roberto Carlos announced his international retirement. Midfield: CAFU – (1990-2006 ) - Cafu will go down in history as one of the greatest full backs of all time, and certainly the best right wing back of his generation. The former Sao Paulo, Roma and Milan star appeared in four World Cups, lifting the trophy twice in 1994 and 2002, the latter as captain in South Korea & Japan. The stereotypical Brazilian fullback who would atttack at will down the flank, Cafu was blessed with everlasting stamina, great tecnhical ability, and a superb cross. He also had great leadership qualities, and will forever be remembered as one of the fairest players in the game, someone who always played with a smile on his face, win or lose. With 142 caps, Cafu is Brazil's highest appearance maker. GILBERTO SILVA – (2001- ) - Despite his low-profile, Gilberto Silva has become an irreplaceable figure in the Brazilian national team. Despite being relatively unknown before the 2002 World Cup, the defensive midfielder earned himself a place in the team and performed at a very high level as Brazil won the tournament for a fifth time. Often Gilberto's work goes unnoticed, but it has been of great importance for the success of the side. Gilberto is often overshadowed by Brazil's more famous players, but he is a very reliable player, and rarely loses his position in the team. With the arrival of Dunga, Gilberto has continued to be an important member, even if he plays his club football in Greece with Panathinaikos. KAKA – (2002- ) - One of the most gifted players to have ever worn the prized yellow and green shirt of the Selecao, Kaka has been very consistent since becoming an integral part of the Brazilian national team. Although he was part of the Brazil squad that won the 2002 World Cup, Kaka was a bench player and only played 25 minutes. In his official debut as a starter in a World Cup, four years later, Kaka scored a brilliant goal to give his side a 1-0 victory over Croatia. But even if he was one of Brazil's best players, his team bowed out at the quarter-final stage of the tournament. The FIFA World Player of the Year for 2007 was voted the best player of Brazil's triumphant Confederations Cup campaign of 2009, having scored twice in Brazil's opener against Egypt. His recent transfer to Real Madrid is a reward for all the hard work he has put in over the years. RIVALDO – (1993-2003) - Out of the media spotlight for several years now, but when in his prime Rivaldo was one of the most exciting players on the planet. The former Barcelona, AC Milan and Deportivo La Coruna superstar made 74 appearances for Brazil between 1993–2003 in which he scored 34 goals. During this time he became one of the most important players of the side and he won a number of titles including the 2002 World Cup, the Copa America and the Confederations Cup. Rivaldo is well-known for his bicycle kicks, having scored a number of incredible goals in this manner. But after helping Brazil to their fifth World Cup title, Rivaldo decided to move to Olympiacos of Greece, and although he won three league championships and two Greek Cups with the side, his national team days were now well and truly over. RONALDINHO – (1999- ) - Ronaldinho's national team career has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. He earned his first cap for Brazil in 1999 and went on to become an essential player of the squad. He made a telling contribution for the national team, helping them win several titles including the World Cup, the Copa America and the Confederations Cup. With his club side Barcelona he was equally impressive, helping them to two successive Spanish titles, the UEFA Champions League, and two Spanish Super Cups. But after a highly disappointing 2006 World Cup Ronaldinho has seemed to lose his touch. Nowadays he has little influence on matches, and his trickery is nowhere to be seen anymore. Due to this he has lost his place with Brazil and AC Milan. Even so, everyone is awaiting the revival of the superstar. Attack: RONALDO – (1994- ) - One of the greatest strikers to have ever graced a football field, Ronaldo will remain in the history books for eternity. The three-time FIFA World Player of the Year is a living legend, and although he won several titles during a distinguished career in Europe, his greatest achievements came with his national team. With Brazil he won several titles, including the World Cup twice, the Copa America twice, and the Confederations Cup. After recovering from a serious knee injury, Ronaldo starred as Brazil won their fifth World Cup in 2002. He won the Golden Shoe for finishing as the highest scorer of the tournament with eight goals, including two goals in the final against Germany. Although Brazil were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the following World Cup in Germany, Ronaldo found the back of the net three times to become the highest scorer in the history of the World Cup with fifteen goals. But since then, and with the appointment of Dunga, Ronaldo hasn't appeared for the national team again. However, since agreeing to return to Brazilian football with Corinthians last December, Ronaldo has been in sensational form (he recently scored a hat-trick against Fluminense), and it won't be any surprise if he makes the squad for the World Cup in South Africa next year. MARCOS MAICON - LUCIO - EDMILSON - ROBERTO CARLOS CAFU - GILBERTO SILVA - KAKA - RIVALDO RONALDINHO RONALDO Do you agree with those who made it into the Brazil Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/20/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Brazil
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: France

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. FRANCE By Robin Bairner, Goal.com At the turn of the millennium, French football was experiencing something of a golden age. Having won the World Cup in 1998, David Trezeguet broke Italian hearts in the European Championships of 2000 to secure les Bleus’ second continental crown. Inevitably, such a high could not continue, and there was to be acute disappointment in the Far East as miserable 2002 World Cup saw France fail to even pick up a solitary point, although this debacle was sandwiched between two Confederations Cup successes. A couple of years later, their European crown was lost in Greece. Then came the controversial era of Raymond Domenech, who continues to lead the French side since taking the job in 2004, which has seen some soaring highs – the World Cup final of 2006, where Italy took revenge on penalties, an obvious peak – but there have also been some deep troughs, with last summer’s European Championships a miserable campaign that meant the end of the road for several of France’s stars. Robin Bairner selects his top French XI of the last ten years, unsurprisingly drawn largely from the successful side in the early years of the decade… Formation: 4-2-3-1 FABIAN BARTHEZ (1994-2006) - Goalkeepers are rarely simple characters to understand, and Barthez is no exception. France’s most capped goalkeeper is also their most decorated, having kicked off the millennium by aiding their push to win gold in the European Championships in Belgium and the Netherlands. He retained the No. 1 jersey throughout much of the early part of decade, retiring only after the 2006 World Cup final, in which he could not be France’s penalty hero. Barthez will be remembered as a quick-reflexed showman, who won 87 caps in all. WILLY SAGNOL (2000-2008) - A victim of Lilian Thuram’s versatility and athleticism at right-back, Willy Sagnol had to wait until the new millennium to make his international bow. Indeed, it would take Sagnol until 2004 to fully establish himself in the starting XI. Once in the team, Sagnol proved to be a rock in France’s iconic blue jerseys, saving many of his best performances for the World Cup of 2006. A contender for man of the match in the final, the Bayern Munich star nearly provided the match-winning goal, however, Gianluigi Buffon’s excellence denied him. MARCEL DESAILLY (1993-2004) - Born in Accra, Ghana, Marcel Desailly is now widely recognised as one of the key stalwarts in the French defence that was so formidable at the turn of the millennium. Formed a powerful central defensive partnership with the great Laurent Blanc and the equally revered Lilian Thuram. A classy centre-back, Desailly held the record of caps for his country when he retired from international duty in 2004, boasting an incredible 116 appearances. Strong in the air and with a fine sense of positioning, Desailly was a dominant force in the centre of the French rearguard in a distinguished international career. He is a member of the club that won two Confederations Cups and the European Championship. LILIAN THURAM (1994-2008) - When Thuram made his debut in the mid-1990s, French football was at a low, having missed out on qualification for the USA World Cup in 1994. However, his career was to span the entire duration of France’s golden era, and he would prove a major pivot in the team throughout, becoming the country’s record appearance maker in the process, turning out 142 times. A defensive machine, Thuram was athletic, strong and superb in the tackle – not to mention versatile enough to play centre-back or right-back. Sadly, his career at international level came to an inglorious end in Euro 2008, where he looked frail and slow. BIXENTE LIZARAZU (1992-2004) - Although Eric Abidal and Patrice Evra have been reliable presences in the left-back berth for les Bleus, neither can compete with Lizarazu when it comes to performances with their nation. He was a vital cog in a strong French defence, in which he featured 97 times, playing in their victorious European Championship and Confederations Cup campaigns. Quick and eager to push on, the Basque-born star was also highly accomplished in the defensive sphere of the game and is widely considered to be the best ever left-back produced in the country. PATRICK VIEIRA (1997- ) - Just edging out Didier Deschamps – the European Championships winning captain of 2000 – to one of the midfield berths is Patrick Vieira, who has ascended to the rank of French captain after the retirement of Zinedine Zidane. A real icon of French football over the last decade, the energetic midfielder was part of the successful Euro 2000 clique but grew ever more influential in the side as he gathered experience. An ever-present in the 2006 World Cup run, Vieira’s influence is only now starting to diminish because of the injuries his body has suffered in recent months. CLAUDE MAKELELE (1995-2008) - Zaire-born Claude Makelele was arguably the first ever anchoring midfielder to be recognised as a true footballing superstar, and as such, his name has become to donate a midfielder that sweeps efficiently in front of his defence. Surprisingly perhaps, Makelele only won 77 caps for les Bleus in an international career that was interrupted by a voluntary retirement in the middle of the decade. The type of player more noticed when he’s absent, France acutely felt the effects of his loss and he quickly returned to the squad, playing a vital role in their World Cup 2006 run. FRANCK RIBERY (2005- ) - One of the few players in this XI to have made their international bows after the turn of the millennium, Franck Ribery is now France’s established superstar on whom so much expectation is placed. A wonderfully evasive winger who is versatile enough to play on either side of the park, much has been expected of the Bayern Munich man the retirement of Zinedine Zidane. Quick and creative, Ribery is France’s creative spark at the present time, and he also provides a key goal scoring outlet, striking in successive World Cup qualifiers last spring to dismiss the challenge of stubborn Lithuania. He is the heartbeat of the team at present. ZINEDINE ZIDANE (1994-2006) - It’s impossible to put into words what this man has meant to French, and indeed world football, since he first rose to the fore. A talisman for whichever side he played for, ‘Zizou’ was equally effective in the national setup, and though his most memorable game – scoring twice against Brazil in the ’98 World Cup final – was in the last decade, he has still produced an armful of moments that make him France’s standout man over the noughties. Although his international career ended in a heart-breaking World Cup final defeat against Italy, a game in which he was infamously sent-off, it had been his influence that got France there in the first place. THIERRY HENRY (1997- ) - The only constant in the French team throughout the whole of the decade, Thierry Henry’s contribution to les Bleus’ cause is easy to underestimate. Often maligned due to his inability to produce his very best club for at international level, ‘Titi’ has still managed to overhaul Michel Platini’s long standing record of international goal scored, now standing on a formidable 48. His commitment to France cannot be questioned either – he has made 111 showings in Bleus, a tally that ranks third in the all-time ratings. DAVID TREZEGUET (1998-2008) - An explosive goal scoring talent, the international career of David Trezeguet finished controversially as Raymond Domenech and he came to an impasse that was resolved by the player quitting the international scene. In truth, ‘Trez’ had rarely produced his best under Domenech, although few could question his credentials as an international goal-getter. Struck the net 34 times in 71 showings – a formidable record at such an advanced level. Of course, his most vital effort was a golden goal winner against Italy in the Euro 2000 final – a strike that laid the foundations of a successful career with les Bleus. BARTHEZ SAGNOL THURAM DESAILLY LIZARAZU VIEIRA MAKELELE RIBERY ZIDANE HENRY TREZEGUET Do you agree with those who made it into the France Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/21/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: France
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Argentina

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. ARGENTINA By Gregory Sica, Goal.com Well into the new millennium now and Argentina still have nothing to show. For years Argentina have produced some of the finest players in the game, and although at times they play some of the most attractive football in the world, they have failed to claim any silverware. For the amount of potential they possess Argentina are perhaps the most underachieving team in the world. In the 2002 World Cup they were booted out of the competition in the group stage, and four years later, in Germany, they were eliminated in the quarter-finals. Argentina came into both tournaments as one of the favourites, but couldn't deliver the goods. Despite having won a record 14 Copa America titles, Argentina lost out to Brazil in the final of the past two competitions. Whether it is a curse of some sort, or just a lack of fighting spirit, Argentina don't seem to be good enough to win a title of any value. But even if the national team have found little luck, several stars have managed to showcase their skill with the national team. Los Albicelestes continue to be loaded with an abundance of talent, and if they manage to gel in the future they could be unstoppable. Time will tell... Gregory Sica selects his best Argentina XI from the past decade. Formation: 3-4-1-2 Goalkeeper: ROBERTO ABBONDANZIERI (2004- ) - A relatively late boomer after making his national debut at the age of 32 in 2004, Abbondanzieri has perhaps been Argentina's most consistent from a crop of rather disappointing goalkeepers. His good form meant he was Argentina's first choice in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and he did well, until he was injured in the quarter-finals with the hosts and missed the proceeding penalty shoot-out, in which Argentina went on to lose. Injuries seem to be his problem, as he lost his place in the current World Cup qualifiers, after suffering a knock during the game with Paraguay. Since then he hasn't made another appearance. Defence: JAVIER ZANETTI (1994- ) - "El Pupi" is the most capped player in Argentine football history, and his track record speaks for itself. A veteran of two World Cups, Zanetti was rather surprisingly excluded from the 2006 World Cup by Jose Pekerman. However, he is an integral part of the current Argentine national team and has great possibilities of participating in his third World Cup next year. The Inter legend may be close to the end of his career at 35, but he continues to turn on the style for both club and country. Despite also competing in the Copa America four times, the most recent in 2007, Zanetti has never won a title of any significance with Argentina. With Inter, however, he has won nine titles, including four consecutive Scudettos. ROBERTO AYALA (1994-2007) - Ayala was without doubt Argentina's most reliable defender since the turn of the century. He made his debut way back in 1994 and announced his retirement in 2007, after Argentina were losing finalists of the 2007 Copa America in Venezuela. His 115 caps make him the second most capped player in the history of Argentine football. Having participated in four Copa America championships and three World Cups, Ayala has proved to be a hard-man in defence who occasionally found the back of the net with headers. Although 36 years of age, Diego Maradona still has him in mind for the Argentine national team, looking ahead to the World Cup of South Africa. WALTER SAMUEL (1999- ) - Despite their embarrassment of riches in midfield and attack, heading into next summer's World Cup in South Africa, Walter Samuel is arguably the only top-class centre back that Argentina will be able to rely on. Aside from a short, difficult spell at Real Madrid, 'The Wall' has been one of the best stoppers in Europe this past decade, and while he has not always shown his best for his country, he still makes this team. Strangely left at home for the 2006 World Cup, Samuel has won 53 caps for Argentina, and was a runner-up at the 2005 Confederations Cup. Midfield: JAVIER MASCHERANO (2003-) - The current captain of Los Albicelestes, Mascherano is a gifted player who has cemented his position in the national team after a number of impressive displays. The Liverpool midfielder participated in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and helped Argentina claim the gold medal in both the Olympic Games of 2004 and 2008. Diego Maradona believes his influence on the side could improve their chances of winning their first World Cup since 1986. Linked with a high-profile move to Barcelona, a future transfer could consolidate his status as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world JUAN SEBASTIAN VERON (1996- ) - Since making his Argentina debut back in 1996 Veron has been in and out of the national team scene. He took part in two World Cups, but was controversially excluded from the squad that reached the quarter-finals in Germany. After having found wide success during ten years in Europe, Veron returned to his beloved Estudiantes, and his outstanding form soon earned him another national team call-up after three years. He took part in the 2007 Copa America, and has featured in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, although sparingly. Veron's radar-like passing and incredible deadball accuracy means he continues to be an important player for Argentina. JUAN ROMAN RIQUELME (1999-2009) - Riquelme is one of the most talented playmakers in the game, but also one of the most controversial. Argentina's game plan had been centred around him during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but an early elimination led to heavy criticism. The player was recalled to the national side for the Copa America the following year and starred as his team reached the final. His exceptional form for Boca Juniors cemented his place in the national team for the following World Cup qualifiers, and he started off brilliantly. But as the campaign progressed, and with the appointment of Diego Maradona, Riquelme quit the national team for the second time last March. In recent weeks there had been talk that he could return to the side, but Riquelme reaffirmed that his days with the national team are well and truly over. ARIEL ORTEGA (1993-2003) - Ortega is well known for being the replacement of Diego Maradona at the 1994 World Cup, and from then he became an integral part of the national team. "El Burrito" is blessed with incredible dribbling skills, and his tricky playing style led him to a number of Argentina call-ups. Having featured in three World Cups, the last being in Korea/Japan in 2002, Ortega was a key member of the side. However, unfortunately he is best known for headbutting Dutch goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar in the 1998 World Cup. Ortega was sent off and Argentina were eliminated from the tournament after a 2-1 defeat. Having recovered from a serious alcohol addiction, in recent months Maradona stated that if Ortega regains his form with River Plate he could reward him with another national team call-up. LIONEL MESSI (2004-) - Blessed with incredible talent, Messi is not only the greatest player to have emerged from the nation in the last decade, but one of the greatest in the history of the national team. "La Pulga" is renowned around the globe for his incredible skill, but although he made his senior national team debut in 2005 he has yet to reach his peak. In that match he was sent off within minutes of entering the field against Hungary. He was presented with limited opportunities in the 2006 World Cup, but still managed to find the back of the net against Serbia and Montenegro. The following year he was part of the Argentina side that ended as losing finalists of the Copa America to Brazil. But Messi was voted as the best young player of the tournament. Last year he played a key role as Argentina won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Attack: GABRIEL BATISTUTA (1991- 2003) - Unfortunately for Argentina, they have suffered since the retirement of "Batigol". Batistuta was one of the greatest strikers in Argentine football history, and he won a number of titles with his country, but all before the turn of the century. The former Fiorentina legend participated in three World Cups, scoring a total of 10 goals in 12 games, a very impressive ratio. Often he was called upon for Argentina's inspiration, but this wasn't only for his goals but for his influence on the game and leadership skills. If Argentina could still count with his services with their current squad they would surely be serious contenders for the next World Cup. HERNAN CRESPO (1995- ) - Crespo had great consistency during his time with Argentina, but a lack of playing time with Inter and the emergence of younger stars has led to his exclusion. Since injuring himself while in the process of firing in a penalty kick against Colombia in the Copa America of 2007, Crespo has been overlooked. But he still hopes to return to the national team in the near future. With 35 goals for Los Albicelestes, Crespo is the second highest scorer in the history of the national team behind Batistuta, a player who he played second fiddle to in the early stages of his career. Despite his track record Crespo is unlikely to participate in what would be a fourth World Cup finals in South Africa. ABBONDANZIERI ZANETTI - AYALA - SAMUEL VERON - MASCHERANO - RIQUELME - ORTEGA MESSI BATISTUTA - CRESPO Do you agree with those who made it into the Argentina Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/21/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Argentina
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Germany

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. GERMANY By Mathew Burt, Goal.com The German national team remains one of the top nations in world football and are always there or thereabouts when it comes to the final stages of a World Cup or a European Championship. Efficiency, organisation, call it what you will, but Germany always seem to cruise through the qualifying tournaments with consummate ease and then enter tournament mode when it comes to the Finals stage. The Germans started the decade poorly with a dismal performance at Euro 2000 going out at the first round stage, but then rallied to finish as runners-up to Brazil at the 2002 World Cup. Euro 2004 Portugal was a big disappointment with another first round exit and then they finished third in the 2006 World Cup on home soil. Their latest tournament outing saw them finish second to Spain at Euro 2008 held in neighbouring Austria/Switzerland. Goalkeeper: OLIVER KAHN (1994-2006) - Although he lost out to Jens Lehmann for the number one spot in the Germany team for the 2006 World Cup on home soil, I still rate Oliver Kahn as the best goalkeeper during the decade in question. The Bayern legend amassed 86 caps for his country and was the outstanding performer at the 2002 World Cup in Japan/ South Korea. He won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, the Lev Yashin Award, and was voted into the All-Star team on the back of his World Cup displays. Defenders: ARNE FRIEDRICH (2002-present) - The Hertha Berlin defender is usually deployed at right-back for the ‘Nationalelf’ but is versatile enough to be able to play at centre-back or even in a more advanced midfield role. He made his debut in 2002 and has been a permanent fixture in the side ever since. He played extremely well at the World Cup in 2006 and was also involved when Germany finished third in both the Confederations Cup in 2005 and Euro 2008. JENS NOWOTNY (1997-2006) - Now retired, the former Bayer Leverkusen centre-back was a key figure in Germany’s defence for nearly ten years. He was part of the German squad at both Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, making five appearances in total. In 2006, he was called up for the German World Cup squad after two years of absence from international football. At the age of 32, Juergen Klinsmann wanted his experience, but he made just one appearance at the tournament, playing all 90 minutes in the third-place play-off against Portugal. PER MERTESACKER (2004-present) - The six foot six inch centre back was handed his debut by Juergen Klinsmann in 2004 at the age of just 19 making him one of Germany’s youngest ever debutants. However, he quickly established himself as a regular and remains the first choice centre-back for his country. He played at both the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008. His performance at the World Cup earned him a €5 million move to Werder Bremen from Hannover. PHILIPP LAHM (2004-present) - The 25-year-old Lahm is considered one of the best left-backs in the world right now. Handed his debut by Rudi Voeller just a mere six months after making his Bundesliga and he was voted ‘Man of the Match’ for his display against Croatia. He played at Euro 2004 and scored the opening goal for Germany at the 2006 World Cup. He was the only German to play every minute of every game at the finals and was voted into the All Star Team. He then went on to play at Euro 2008 and scored the winning goal for Germany in their semi-final with Turkey. Midfielders: BERND SCHNEIDER (1999-2008) - ‘The White Brazilian’ as he was known represented his country with great aplomb for nearly ten years collecting 81 caps along the way. He made his debut during the 1999 Confederations Cup tournament and between 2002 and 2006 he was a permanent fixture in the German midfield playing in two World Cup tournaments (2002 and 2006) as well as Euro 2004. Injury alone ruled him out of Euro 2008. TORSTEN FRINGS (2001-present) - All-action Frings has been putting in the crunching tackles acting as the midfield enforcer for Germany since 2001 when he made his international debut against France. He will probably be best remembered though for the suspension he received for his role in the 2006 World Cup brawl with Argentina. His punch on Julio Cruz led to a ban, which ruled him out of Germany’s crunch semi-final with Italy. MICHAEL BALLACK (1999-present) - The current German captain has also been their best performer over the past decade. He is the one true world-class player from the last ten years and it is he Germany turn to to inspire them. He made his debut in 1999 and has played in all of Germany’s major finals appearances. A booking received in the 2002 World Cup semi-final for a tactical foul cruelly ruled him out of the final. He did however captain Germany throughout the 2006 World Cup on home soil. Since June 2005, Germany have not lost a game in which Ballack scores. BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER (2004-present) - ‘Schweini’ seems to have been around the German international set-up for ages. He made his debut in 2004 and made it into the Euro 2004 squad. He earned lots of praise in a tournament that saw Germany fail to qualify from their group. At the age of 22, he had already played 41 matches for the German national team, a record for any German player at the time. His sending off against Croatia at Euro 2008 was a low-point in his career, but Schweinsteiger will surely mature even more and be a fixture in the German midfield for years to come. Strikers: LUKAS PODOLSKI (2004-present) - Podolski is somewhat of an enigma - decidedly average for his club, but seemingly unstoppable at international level. He became the first second-division player since 1975 to break into the national team when Rudi Voeller handed him his debut in June 2004 against Hungary. He was voted the ‘Best Young Player’ at the 2006 World Cup finals on the back of his three goals for Germany. He won the Silver Boot at Euro 2008 with three goals and was also voted into the ‘Team of the Tournament’. He has scored 33 times in 64 appearances for Germany. At the age of 24, he is already his Germany’s ninth top scorer of all-time. MIROSLAV KLOSE (2001-present) - Like Podolski, Miroslav Klose is another Polish-born player, who has made his international name with Germany. Klose scored on his debut in 2001 as a substitute against Albania and has been a reliable source of goals ever since for the ‘Nationalelf’. He has 44 goals in 88 games meaning he scores a goal for Germany every two games, which at international level is some achievement. Five goals at the 2002 World Cup gave him a joint share of the Silver Shoe with Brazilian Rivaldo, and he went one better in 2006 when his five goals earned him the Golden Shoe. He remains Germany’s first-choice striker. KAHN FRIEDRICH - NOWOTNY – MERTESACKER - LAHM SSCNEIDER – FRINGS – BALLACK- SCHWEINSTEIGER PODOLSKI – KLOSE Do you agree with those who made it into the Germany Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/22/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Germany
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Holland

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. HOLLAND By Stefan Coerts, Goal.com Dutch international football during the past 10 years has certainly been eventful. From Euro 2000 to Euro’08, Holland has always been among the tournament favourites in the past decade. However, the Oranje haven’t won a major trophy since Euro’88, when they beat the USSR in Germany. They came close to reaching the final in 2000, but were eventually miraculously eliminated by Italy in the semi-finals. Another opponent the Dutch don’t especially like is Portugal. The Southern Europeans prevented Holland from qualifying for the World Cup in 2002 and ended their title dreams in 2004 and 2006, too. Holland might have had some tricky times but they certainly have had a number of world class players since 2000. Formation: 4-3-1-2 Goalkeeper: EDWIN VAN DER SAR (1995-2008 ) - The Manchester United goalie made his official Oranje debut in 1995 in the 1-0 loss against Belarus. Van der Sar showed shaky hands on more than one occasion in the match and many expected the shot stopper to have played his one and only game for Holland. However, ‘the Iceman’ went on to become Oranje’s most capped international with 130 international appearances. Van der Sar had his finest moments for Oranje at Euro’04, when he helped his team to the semi-finals by saving a spot kick in the game against Sweden. The glovesman was keen to help Holland to European success in 2008, but couldn’t prevent Russia in the quarter finals and announced his international retirement after the tournament. Defence: JOHN HEITINGA (2004-) - Heitinga was already considered a future Dutch international the moment he broke into Ajax’s senior side in 2001 and made his first international appearance only three years later. Holland aren’t exactly known for their defensive strength, but Heitinga is one of the few class acts the Dutch have at the back. The former Ajax player has successfully succeeded Michael Reiziger as right back in the past couple of years, even though he prefers to act as centre back. Heitinga is a certainty in Bert van Marwijk’s Holland squad for South Africa 2010. JAAP STAM (1996-2004 ) - Towering defender Jaap Stam retired from international football in the summer of 2004 after Holland’s semi-final elimination against Portugal, but the Dutch still haven’t found a good enough replacement for the legendary centre back. Stam had his best years at Manchester United, but also impressed at clubs such as PSV, Lazio and Milan. ‘The bald slayer’ is one of those players who will be remembered forever by football fans all around the world, despite never winning any trophies with his country. FRANK DE BOER (1990-2004) - The defensive part of the De Boer twins was the leader of the Dutch defence for several years. Frank de Boer made up for his lack of speed with his tenacity and great vision and made more than 100 appearances for Oranje. The left footed defender will not particularly be remembered for his defensive skills though. De Boer was one of the Dutch players who missed his spot kick in the Euro 2000 semi-finals against Italy, after having already missed from twelve yards in regular time. The former centre back is currently employed as youth coach at Ajax. GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST (1996-) - One of the most under-rated defenders of his generation, Van Bronckhorst rarely makes the headlines in the press. However, it is difficult to think of many occasions when the current Feyenoord skipper was beaten by his man. Van Bronckhorst was one of the key men in Oranje’s 3-0 thrashing of Italy at Euro’08 and was involved in two of Holland’s three goals. ‘Gio’ will travel to South Africa next year in a last attempt to win silverware with the Netherlands. Midfield: WESLEY SNEIJDER (2003- ) - The pint sized playmaker is one of the best midfielders around and has already made more than 50 international appearances despite his relative young age. Sneijder rose to prominence for Oranje in 2004, when he led the Dutch to an impressive 6-0 win against Scotland in the Euro ’04 qualification play-offs. The 25-year-old midfielder is known for his excellent set pieces and long range strikes and could be one of the stars of the 2010 World Cup. PHILLIP COCU (1996-2006) - Cocu made 101 international appearances for Holland, despite the fact that he only made his debut at the age of 25. The versatile player acted as a defender, a midfielder and even as a forward for the Dutch national side and developed into an indispensable player. Nevertheless, Cocu was unable to help Oranje to success and retired from international football after the 1-0 defeat against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup. ARJEN ROBBEN (2003-) - The former Groningen, PSV and Chelsea attacker is without a doubt the best winger Holland has had since the retirement of Marc Overmars. Robben’s silky dribbles, fantastic solo efforts and dangerous crosses from the left wing have caused defences from all over the world all kinds of trouble. The Real Madrid player was one of the stars of the tournament at both Euro’04 and the 2006 WC and has the potential to be one of the star players again next year in South Africa. Robben does need to work on his fitness though, as he has been injured too often in the past couple of seasons. RAFAEL VAN DER VAART (2001-) - Van der Vaart was only 18-years-old when he made his first international appearance for Oranje and the attacking midfielder has developed into a regular in the Holland squad ever since. The 26-year-old has already made 65 appearances for The Netherlands and is widely expected to make it to the club of 100 in the future. ‘VDV’ hasn’t yet become the world-class player he promised to be in his early years, but there’s no doubt that he’s one of the most talented Dutch players around at the moment. Attack: RUUD VAN NISTELROOY (1998-2008 ) - ‘Van the man’ broke into the Holland squad in 1998 to partner Patrick Kluivert up-front and the two were considered a new dream duo. However, Van Nistelrooy missed out on Euro 2000 due to a serious knee injury and his partnership with Kluivert never became the big success many expected it to be. The prolific hitman had his finest moment for Oranje at Euro ’04, where Van Nistelrooy scored four goals and helped the Dutch to the semi-finals. The former Mancunian found the net 33 times in 64 international appearances. PATRICK KLUIVERT (1994-2004 ) - It’s been a while since Kluivert shone for the Dutch national side, but he has still made it into this team following his outstanding performances at Euro 2000. The former Barcelona striker picked up the Golden Boot by scoring five goals in as many matches and was one of the star players for the Dutch back then. Kluivert has failed to make such an impact ever since due to a string of injuries. However, he’s still Oranje’s all time top scorer with 40 goals in 79 matches and has scored more goals for Holland than the legendary Johan Cruijff. VAN DER SAR HEITINGA - STAM – F. DE BOER – VAN BRONCKHORST SNEIJDER – COCU – ROBBEN VAN DER VAART KLUIVERT – VAN NISTELROOY Do you agree with those who made it into the Holland Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/22/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Holland
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Portugal

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. PORTUGAL By Luís Mira, Goal.com This decade has been one of the best in the history of Portugal, who have participated in every Euro and World Cup competition. After missing out on the 1998 World Cup, Portugal were a big hit at Euro 2000, sending both England and Germany out of the tournament at the group stages, and defeating Turkey at the quarter-finals before meeting France, whom they lost to following a controversial penalty after an Abel Xavier handball. Portugal were considered one of the favourites for the 2002 World Cup after their impressive campaign in Belgium and the Netherlands, but they surprisingly crashed out of the tournament in the groups following defeats to the USA and South Korea. After the tournament, Antonio Oliveira resigned as coach, being replaced by Luiz Felipe Scolari. With 'Big Phil', things changed for Portugal, who reached the final of Euro 2004, held in their country, after defeating the likes of Spain and England. Despite being big favourites for the final against Greece, a 1-0 defeat ruined their dream of lifting the trophy at home. It was the end of an era in Portuguese football: several players of the "Golden Generation" had decided to retire from international football and, domestically, many had left Champions League winners FC Porto to play abroad. At the 2006 World Cup, Portugal sent England and Holland packing once again, only to suffer a defeat to France following a penalty, whereas at Euro 2008, they exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage after losing 3-2 to Germany. Things do not look good for Portugal and their head coach, Carlos Queiroz, with the side on the verge of missing out on the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. After losing many players that had been crucial for the team's successes, Portugal are finding it very hard to produce adequate replacements for some positions. Formation: 4-5-1 RICARDO (2001-present) - The former Sporting goalkeeper, sadly famous for closing his eyes in crossing situations, has played an important role in his national team's success story this decade. He may be weak in dealing with crosses, but he provided one of this decade's most beautiful football moments, when he defended Darius Vassell's penalty after taking his gloves off, and then scored the deciding penalty to send Portugal to the semi-finals of Euro 2004. At the 2006 World Cup, he would once again prove decisive, defending three penalties in the shoot-out against England to send Sven-Goran Eriksson's side packing. BOSINGWA (2007-present) - Bosingwa's introduction into Portugal's duties happened at a time when the national team had two other options available: Paulo Ferreira and Miguel. With the latter unable to impose himself under Luiz Felipe Scolari and the former plagued by injuries, Bosingwa found his space in the squad in 2007, and his attacking attributes, combined with his defensive coolness, have been a breath of fresh air for the Tugas. He played very well at Euro 2008 and it appears that he will grab the right-back position for many years. RUI JORGE (1994-2003) - On the left side of the defense, though, Portugal have been the polar opposite, struggling to find a quality solution ever since Rui Jorge decided to retire. The former Porto and Sporting defender, who retired from football three years ago, was an important member of the squad at Euro 2000 and World Cup 2002, before losing his place to Nuno Valente at Euro 2004, when he was a 31-year-old footballer. Competent in defensive tasks and qualified to support the attack, Rui Jorge is still missed today at Portugal, who currently have no solid option to occupy this position. JORGE ANDRADE (2001-present) - One of the best centre-backs Portugal have had this decade, Jorge Andrade's presence in the heart of the defense has been really missed. He played his first match at senior level for the country in 2001, and became a regular choice until 2006, when a serious injury ruled him out of the World Cup. Although he featured in the qualifiers for Euro 2008, another injury kept him out of the final competition. Currently without a club after seeing his contract with Juventus being cancelled, it is unknown whether 31-year-old Jorge Andrade will ever return to action at a high level. However, his contribution to the national team is undeniable, and his partnership with Ricardo Carvalho is one still worth remembering. RICARDO CARVALHO (2003-present) - The Chelsea defender was one of the many players introduced by Scolari, with Carvalho's first call-up being just in 2003, when he was having a great season with Porto. The 31-year-old has been a regular option ever since, playing for Portugal at Euro 2004 and 2008 and the 2006 World Cup. In six years, Carvalho has made 53 appearances, and he remains the team's most experienced defender following Jorge Andrade's injury problems. The ex-Porto man, who is also Portugal's vice-captain, has saved his side's keepers from trouble many times and he will certainly remain in the starting XI for some more years. COSTINHA (1998-2006) - Costinha was lucky enough to arrive at the Portugal national team at a time when Paulo Sousa's career was already nosediving because of his constant injuries. An important member of the squad at Euro 2000, he was omitted from the side's plans at the 2002 World Cup, being called up for Euro 2004 after a great Champions League-winning season with Porto. Despite being without a club in the build-up to the 2006 World Cup, he was included in Scolari's plans for the tournament because of his importance in the squad, having been a regular choice in Germany. He may not have been an eye-catching midfielder, but his presence ahead of the defence was noticeable on many occasions and he certainly did his job as a holding piece. CRISTIANO RONALDO (2003-present) - What to say of that which has been exhaustively talked about for the past years? Cristiano Ronaldo, introduced into Portugal's senior squad in 2003 by the hand of Scolari in a friendly against Kazakhstan, has become such an influential member of the team that it appears to be revolving around him. His technique, dribbling and creativity have given Portugal plenty of reasons to brag about and he has not reached his peak just yet. At the age of 24, Ronaldo has already netted 22 goals for his country, and appears to be en route to succeed Pauleta as Portugal's top scorer. LUIS FIGO (1991-2006) - One of the best Portuguese footballers to ever grace the stage, Luis Figo began his senior international career as an 18-year-old in 1991 against Luxembourg, shortly after helping his side win the FIFA U-20 World Cup. An instrumental piece of the so-called "Golden Generation", Figo was deeply involved in Portugal's success story at Euro 2000 and 2004, having announced his retirement from international football after the competition hosted in his native country. However, he would reverse his decision, helping Portugal reach the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup. A genius in every way, Figo always seemed to be one of the few willing to sacrifice all for the cause during the 15 years he played for country, becoming Portugal's most-capped player. RUI COSTA (1993-2004) - Another shining member of the "Golden Generation", Rui Costa was practically just as important as Figo during his 11 years of duty for his country. His senior international debut came in 1993 in a friendly with Switzerland, three years before he helped Portugal qualify for Euro 1996 with an outstanding goal from outside the area. At Euro 2000, he was a key member of the side that reached the semi-finals of the competition, and four years later, after losing his place in the starting XI to Deco, he came on as a substitute to score on two occasions. Despite being close friends with Figo, he did not follow the former Inter man in returning to international action after Euro 2004. Rui Costa, the third most-capped player of Portugal and their fifth-highest scorer in history, was acknowledged for his perfect passing, which, combined with his constant runs from midfield, made him one of the best providers in the business of the decade. DECO (2003-present) - As a Brazilian-born player, the introduction of Deco into Portugal's team plans was anything but quiet within the Portuguese people, but everyone quickly forgot about nationality issues when he scored a goal against Brazil on his debut. Since then, he has shown the reason why he was called 'The Magician' during his time with Porto, guiding the team's attack with his impressive passing skills. He has been able to fill Rui Costa's shoes as Portugal's playmaker, although his recent slump in form has also been felt while playing for the national team. PAULETA (1997-2006) - As the saying goes (one should be made at least), Portugal have not produced a decent striker since Eusebio. And, as such, the Tugas have been forced to make do with striking options that are not exactly worldclass material. Pauleta has been the best of this decade and by the looks of it, he will continue being remembered as the best front-man Portugal have produced in recent times. A great scorer in qualifiers, Pauleta would always struggle to find the net when he was at the big competitions. Nonetheless, he is still Portugal's best scorer in history, and that alone makes his presence on this roster a must. RICARDO BOSINGWA - RICARDO CARVALHO - JORGE ANDRADE - RUI JORGE COSTINHA LUIS FIGO - DECO - RUI COSTA - CRISTIANO RONALDO PAULETA Do you agree with those who made it into the Portugal Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/22/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Portugal
Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Spain

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. SPAIN By Cyrus C. Malek, Goal.com As recently as two years ago, a Spanish Team of the Decade would have been filled with players of exceptional talent, but ultimately ones who never truly lived up to their potential on the international stage. Throughout their memorable history, the Spanish national squad has infamously been known as the best national squad that never won a major trophy — habitually winning their group stage matches before falling in the quarter-finals of World Cup after World Cup. But today, when we speak of La Furia Roja, we think of a side that not only wins, but also wins with style — a side that reigns atop the world (at least according to FIFA rankings) as the best national team. After a 40-year trophy drought, the Spanish national side broke their reputation for underachieving and forged through the knockout stages of the 2008 European Championships to claim the title. Led by then-coach Luis Aragones, the win served as a catharsis for a national squad teeming with some of the elite players of the world — many of whom are also some of the youngest players on the international stage. Now, under new coach Vicente Del Bosque, the Spanish squad only looks as if it is getting stronger, beating some of the best sides in European football in international friendlies and World Cup qualifying matches. This summer, in a tune-up for next summer’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Spain looked unstoppable, dominating possession throughout matches and knocking the ball around the pitch with crisp passing and movement. But despite their superb style of play, La Roja faltered against a surprisingly resilient and underrated United States squad in the Confederations Cup semi-finals. The loss, however, was mostly dismissed as an aberration, as injuries and chances that are normally slotted home caught up with the team — a touch of humility after a year of seemingly invincible play. So as we approach World Cup 2010 with the Spanish Team of the Decade in mind, we do so knowing full well that we may soon be calling today’s Spain squad the Spanish Team of the Ages. IKER CASILLAS (2000 - ) - Highly touted as the best goalkeeper in the world, 'Saint Iker' now wears the captain’s armband for La Roja. Leading his team to European Championship success in 2008, Casillas was instrumental in helping Spain progress through the quarter-final stage, saving two critical penalties in a shootout with Italy. In October 2008, Casillas and deputy stopper Pepe Reina broke the national record for the most minutes without conceding a goal. The pair went unbeaten for 710 minutes, longer than the legendary Andoni Zubizarreta and Paco Buyo. MICHEL SALGADO (1998 - 2006) - Now considered a shadow of his former self, Michel Salgado was, for many years, one of the best right-backs in the world. Born in Galicia and frequently representing the autonomous Galician team, Salgado won the first of his 53 caps for Spain in 1998, in an infamous 3-2 Euro 2000 qualifying loss in Cyprus. He continued to serve his country as part of his nation's squads at Euro 2000 and the 2006 World Cup, starting in the former and serving as a backup to Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos in the latter. Unfortunately, Michel missed out on the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, unable to compete due to last minute injuries. SERGIO RAMOS (2005 - ) - Sergio Ramos broke into Spain’s senior national side at only 18-years-old, making him the youngest player to play for the national team in the last 55 years until the record was again broken by Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas. After an impressive debut, the dynamic young Ramos was awarded a place in the team mainly due to the absence of club team-mate Michel Salgado. He was later announced as part of the Spain World Cup squad in 2006, and eventually replaced Salgado as Spain's first-choice right-back. His marauding runs down the right flank and penchant for attack make him one of the best right-backs in the world, but he is also a versatile defender, able to slot into central defence as well. CARLES PUYOL (2000 - ) - A rock in the Spanish back line, Puyol won his first international cap in 2000 against the Netherlands, and has remained a regular fixture in defence ever since. He has since represented his country at the 2000 Olympics, 2002 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2004, 2006 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2008. In winning the 2008 European Championships, Puyol started throughout the vast majority of the competition, snuffing out opposing chances; the Spanish defence only conceded two goals in five games as La Roja progressed to an eventual final win against Germany. Serving as vice captain of the Spanish national team, Puyol is an integral figure in defence. XAVI HERNANDEZ (2000 - ) - Xavi made his senior debut in the same match as Barcelona team-mate Carles Puyol and has since been a regular fixture in the Spanish squad. As the architect of the Spanish attack, he is responsible for much of the creation in midfield and is constantly looking to slot passes through for the strikers. During Euro 2008, Xavi played a vital role in Spain's successful campaign. Partnering fellow Barca team-mate Andres Iniesta in the midfield, he was the fulcrum between the defence and the forward line, regularly supplying crucial assists. In the final against Germany, he slid a well-timed pass to Fernando Torres, who converted the winning goal. He is now a crucial member of the Spanish national squad and his importance to the team was summed up as he was selected as the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2008. XABI ALONSO (2003 - ) - While he is well known for his performances at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso was actually called up to the Spanish national squad for his exceptional play with Real Sociedad in 2003. Alonso was praised for his role in the Basque outfit’s success, receiving the Best Spanish Player award by Spanish sports magazine Don Balon. His performances earned him national repute as Inaki Saez, coach of the Spanish national team at the time, called him up to La Seleccion. After Alonso’s international debut, Saez praised the Basque midfielder, saying, “He has a fantastic range of accurate passing and sees football with an extraordinary clarity.” Alonso is now a mainstay in central midfield, specialising in long switches of play through his pinpoint accurate passing and long rifling shots that frequently test opposing keepers. MARCOS SENNA (2006 - ) - Born in Brazil, Marcos Senna was granted Spanish citizenship in early 2006, thus becoming part of the Spanish squad for the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008. His performances in Spain’s title winning European Championship campaign earned him the plaudits of some pundits and journalists, who considered Senna as their player of the tournament. A solid presence on the pitch, Senna is the defensive bulldog in the Spanish midfield, pressed with the task of recovering possession and providing link-up play between the back line and the attacking midfield. The Brazilian-born Spaniard also holds a thundering shot in his boots and does not hesitate in trying his hand at a long-range effort from time to time. ANDRES INIESTA (2006 - ) - Iniesta won his first cap for Spain when he was brought on at half-time in a friendly against Russia and was subsequently called up to the Spanish national squad for the 2006 World Cup. Known for his mazy runs through midfield, Iniesta became a pivotal player in the Spanish midfield and along the left flank, becoming instrumental in helping Spain qualify for Euro 2008. Still very new to La Roja, Iniesta is fast becoming a match-altering player for Spain, having developed a seamless partnership with Barcelona team-mate Xavi Hernandez that will benefit both club and country for years to come (provided he can successfully ward off injury). FERNANDO TORRES (2003 - ) - Torres made his debut for the senior Spanish national team in 2003, playing in a friendly against Portugal, and scored his first goal against Italy in 2004. Serving his country from a very young age, El Nino was selected for Euro 2004 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup (in which he scored three goals, tying David Villa for the top scorer in the Spanish squad for the tournament). Torres’ biggest goal to date with La Roja has certainly been his strike in the Euro 2008 final against Germany — a match Spain won 1-0 to take the championship. Torres made his 60th appearance for Spain in a World Cup qualifying match against Turkey earlier this year, becoming the youngest player to reach this milestone. His contributions to the Spanish squad continue to be remarkable - in this summer’s Confederations Cup, Torres scored the fastest hat-trick ever by a Spanish player taking just 17 minutes to do so. RAUL (1996 - ) - Known simply as Raul, he is likely Spain’s most prolific player in history and with 44 international goals is La Roja’s leading scorer. Earning his first senior cap in 1996, Raul has participated in three World Cups from 1998 to 2006, along with Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, scoring at least one goal in each of the three World Cup competitions and leading as captain of the team throughout. But following a shock 3-2 defeat against Northern Ireland, Luis Aragones controversially dropped Raul from the national squad, preferring David Villa and Fernando Torres instead. Raul is still available for a call up, since he has yet to formally announce his international retirement, and Vicente Del Bosque has said there is still a chance the player could again be called into the national side. But time is not on the aging legend’s side. DAVID VILLA (2005 - ) - Making his international debut in 2005, David Villa scored his first goal for La Seleccion in a World Cup qualifying match later in the year. The striker has not looked back since, scoring goals at will for La Roja, becoming so lethal in front of the net that ‘El Guaje’ managed to oust legend Raul from the Spanish national squad. Assuming the former captain’s No. 7 shirt, Villa has delivered goals by the handful for La Roja — some of them crucial in helping Spain advance through the 2006 World Cup group stages and the 2008 European Championships. Villa’s eye for goal has only gotten more keen. This past year, a consistent goal scoring rate saw Villa break the Spanish record of ten goals in one year, previously held by Raul since 1999, by scoring 12 goals. The next target in El Guaje’s sights is Raul’s record 44 international goals. Villa has 25 at the moment, but with only 49 appearances with La Roja, the mark is certainly attainable. CASILLAS SALGADO – SERGIO RAMOS - PUYOL XAVI – XABI ALONSO — MARCOS SENNA – INIESTA TORRES - RAUL - VILLA Do you agree with those who made it into the Spanish Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your ideal XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/22/2009 12:00:00 AM Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Spain
Goal.com World Team Of The Decade 2000-2010

As we approach another new decade, Goal.com is looking back on 10 years of fabulous football by selecting the best teams of the noughties from around the world. Our editors and journalists from all over the globe have come together to choose the best XI from the top clubs, countries, leagues and regions. THE WORLD Goal.com Team Selecting Goal.com World Team Of The Decade was no easy task, with there having been so many world class players over the past 10 years. This can be clearly illustrated by some of the champions who failed to make our starting XI - the likes of Iker Casillas, Oliver Kahn, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Rio Ferdinand, Javier Zanetti, Andrea Pirlo, Rino Gattuso, Xavi, Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard, Pavel Nedved, Francesco Totti, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Andriy Shevchenko, Samuel Eto'o - and two other South American superstars whose omissions will certainly spark debate. In choosing our team we looked at the quality and quantity of each player. How many years was he at the top for? Edgar Davids, for example, was perhaps the best defensive midfielder in the world from 2000-2002, but then he began to lose his way, as did Patrick Vieira from around 2005. How did the player perform on the big stage, in the big tournaments and the games that really matter. It is all well and good scoring hat-tricks against Derby, Reggina and Almeria, but did the player cut it against Manchester United, Milan and Barcelona in the Champions League latter stages, and against Brazil, Italy and France in the World Cup knockouts? The true class of a player is judged on how he does in the big matches - thus it comes as no surprise that Zinedine Zidane makes our team as the Frenchman rarely failed to produce his best in the big semi-finals, finals and showpieces. How many trophies and medals did the player win? While we did not discount those who failed to pick up any silverware, in football it is the winning that counts. By the same token, what was the player's record at international level? Some have been stars domestically, like Alessandro Del Piero and Raul, but have never really made a major impact on a World Cup or Euros. It is inevitable that some will disagree with the World Team Of The Decade - even some of our editors almost came to blows when deciding who should be selected at left back out of Paolo Maldini and Roberto Carlos - this is the beauty of football. For this reason, we will be arranging a special LIVE! Debate at some point this week (details to be revealed soon) where Goal.com's top editors will explain their decisions for not only World Team of the Decade, but every Team of the Decade in the series. Formation: 4-1-3-2 GIANLUIGI BUFFON (Parma, Juventus & Italy) - The best goalkeeper of his generation by quite some distance, there is every chance that Buffon could go down in history as the greatest shot-stopper of all time. A major protagonist during Italy's 2006 World Cup success, Buffon became the most expensive goalkeeper in the world in 2001 when he transferred from Parma to Juventus for €52 million. He won four Scudetti with the Bianconeri, although two of these were revoked due to Calciopoli. A true match-winner for club-and-country, and perfect in almost every goalkeeping department, aside from saving penalties - possibly his only weakness. LILIAN THURAM (Parma, Juventus, Barcelona & France) - Quite probably the best French stopper of all time, Thuram was the perfect defensive specimen. Possessing lightning speed and bull-like strength, Thuram was tactically intelligent, a superb tackler and a real leader. Won multiple honours with Juventus and France, including Euro 2000, excelling both at right back and in his favoured centre back role. As he hit his mid-thirties he endured a couple of mixed seasons with Barcelona, as well as an under-par Euro 2008, but this could not overshadow the achievements that had arrived before. FABIO CANNAVARO (Parma, Inter, Juventus, Real Madrid & Italy) - A defence with Buffon and Thuram would not be complete without Cannavaro too - the trio formed a legendary triangle at both Parma and Juventus. Cannavaro, another true leader with an uncanny ability to read the game and make interceptions, was at the peak of his powers in 2006 when he produced possibly the best string of defensive performances that any World Cup has ever seen, captaining Italy to glory. The ageing Neapolitan had an up-and-down spell at Real Madrid, but still won two Spanish league titles to add to the two (revoked) Scudetti he won with Juventus, the club he has now returned to. ALESSANDRO NESTA (Lazio, Milan & Italy) - Certainly the most naturally talented defender of this decade, when Nesta was fully fit there was no one better. Unbeatable in almost every department, Nesta won every major team honour in the game in the noughties apart from Euro 2000, a trophy he was seconds away from winning. Milan's two Champions League crowns in 2003 and 2007 can be largely attributed to Nesta, who was immaculate in the final wins over Juventus and Liverpool respectively. Has struggled with injuries recently, and missed all of Italy's knockout games at Germany 2006, pushing him to eventually retire from internationals. The telepathic Nesta and Cannavaro are one of the greatest centre back duo's international football has ever seen. PAOLO MALDINI (Milan & Italy) - The left back slot was the toughest position to pick a winner in, with Paolo Maldini and Roberto Carlos fighting it out, but the Italian just wins. The Milan captain had already been playing 15 years before the start of this decade, most of them at a world class level, and he continued these outstanding performances until at least 2007, when he lifted the Champions League for the second time in the noughties, one month short of his 39th birthday. That year he was named Champions league Defender of the Year, a symbol of his incredible longevity. Maldini led his hometown to eight trophies this decade, including another Scudetto and Club World Cup. The all-time Serie A, Milan and Italy appearance holder retired at the age of nearly 41 this May, having been his side's best defender of the season. Should have won Euro 2000 with Italy also, but heartbreakingly missed out in the final in dramatic circumstances. CLAUDE MAKELELE (Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG & France) - Makelele did not make either the Premier League or La Liga Teams of the Decade, but that was purely down to the fact that he split most of the last ten years between the two different leagues. When combined, along with his exploits for France, there can surely be no doubt that Makelele was the best defensive midfielder of the decade, certainly the most consistent. The Zaire-born star's ability to shield the backline, break-up attacks and win the ball off the opposition was a lesson to all youngsters, and he contributed so much to the success of every team he played for, winning two La Ligas, two Premier Leagues and a Champions League. Runner-up at the 2006 World Cup with France. LUIS FIGO (Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter & Portugal) - Edging out Kaka, Figo was one of the Real Madrid Galacticos following his infamous switch from Barcelona in 2000, and soon helped the Blancos to two La Liga titles and the Champions League in 2002. Along with fellow superstars Roberto Carlos, Zidane, Raul and Ronaldo - Figo helped produce a quality of football that only Carlo Ancelotti's Milan matched this decade. After he lost a yard of pace, Figo successfully transformed himself into less of an orthodox winger - as he made use of his skill, close ball control and intelligence - and what was supposed to be a career swansong with Inter ended up yielding four Serie A titles. For Portugal, Figo was the leader of his country, and he was outstanding at Euro 2000 as they lost a controversial Golden Goal semi-final to France. At Euro 2004, Figo had to suffer the heartbreak of a final defeat in his own country to minnows Greece, while at the age of 33, the legend was still going strong as he took Portugal to another semi-final at the 2006 World Cup, before retiring on a record 127 international caps. ZINEDINE ZIDANE (Juventus, Real Madrid, & France) - Often described as the best footballer since Diego Maradona, no player this decade or last could caress a ball like Zidane. The French-Algerian oozed class in everything he did, with his technique, skill, dribbling, set-pieces, and general all-round playmaking. He was France's main man for the best part of 10 years, and this decade he won Euro 2000, before dragging his country to the final of the 2006 World Cup at the age of 34. The ultimate big-game performer, Zidane ran the show when it really mattered, and who can forget how he humiliated World Cup holders Brazil in the quarter final in Germany, despite many saying before the game that he was old and past-it. Zidane was responsible for possibly the most memorable moment of the noughties - that stunning volleyed winner for Real Madrid in the 2002 Champions League final. He was also culpable for the most infamous moment of the decade, if not football history, when he head-butted Italy's Marco Materazzi in the last game of his career in the World Cup final in Berlin. Every genius has a dark side, and this sad final step of a legendary journey was the sign of Zidane's genius. RONALDINHO (Gremio, PSG, Barcelona, Milan & Brazil) - While many of the legends on this list were consistently brilliant throughout most of the decade, Ronaldinho was perhaps only top-of-the-tree for around two-to-three years. However, what the buck-toothed-wonder produced and achieved between 2003 and 2006 was so brilliant that it was impossible to ignore him. At his peak with Barcelona, Ronaldinho was the closest thing we have seen to unplayable since the time of Diego Maradona, and everyone will remember when he single-handedly crushed Real Madrid in El 2005-06 Clasico, earning a standing-ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu. In full flight, how could you stop Ronaldinho? Ronnie won two La Liga titles, a Champions League and a World Cup with Brazil, as well as the Ballon d'Or. RONALDO (Inter, Real Madrid, Milan, Corinthians & Brazil) - The greatest first striker since at least the time of Marco Van Basten, one wonders just how good Ronaldo could have been were it not for injury and weight troubles this decade. Despite all these problems, Ronaldo still comfortably does enough to make the World Team of the Decade, a tribute to the 'Phenomenon' that his nickname rightfully labels him as. After tragically missing out on the Scudetto with Inter in 2002, a half-fit Ronaldo who had barely played for three years went to that summer's World Cup and scored eight goals as Brazil won the cup. At Real Madrid he fired home 83 goals in just 127 appearances between 2002 and 2007, winning two La Liga titles. Do not be surprised if Ronaldo goes to a fifth straight World Cup next year. THIERRY HENRY (Arsenal, Barcelona & France) - Arsenal's greatest goalscorer of all-time, France's greatest goalscorer of all time, Arsenal's best forward in history, one of France's best forwards in history - this only goes part of the way in describing Henry's influence this decade. A lightning-paced striker, who was unstoppable when cutting in from the left, Henry scored 226 goals in just 370 games for Arsenal, and was their main man in the legendary Invincibles season of 2003-04 when The Gunners went the entire campaign without losing a league game. Two Premier League titles, as well as a treble of Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey in an outstanding second season at Barcelona last term - Henry has now won every major honour in the game, barring the Club World Cup he can win this December. Henry was also a star at Euro 2000 at the beginning of the decade, scoring three goals as Les Bleus won the tournament. BUFFON THURAM - CANNAVARO – NESTA - MALDINI MAKELELE FIGO – ZIDANE - RONALDINHO RONALDO - HENRY Do you agree with those who made it into the World Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Jonas Schwartz jonas 7/27/2009 12:00:00 AM Goal.com World Team Of The Decade 2000-2010

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Arsenal

Team of the decade 2000-2010: AC Milan

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Barcelona

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Liverpool

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Inter

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Bayern Munich

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Mexico

Team of the decade 2000-2010: USA

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Premier League

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Bundesliga

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Scottish Premier League

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Asia

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Africa

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Australia

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Roma

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Chelsea

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Lazio

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Valencia

Team of the decade 2000-2010: La Liga

Team of the decade 2000-2010: Serie A

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Manchester United

Real Madness in Madrid

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Juventus

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Real Madrid

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Italy

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: England

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Brazil

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: France

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Argentina

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Germany

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Holland

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Portugal

Team Of The Decade 2000-2010: Spain

Goal.com World Team Of The Decade 2000-2010