Pauleta (Portugal)

Blessed with exquisite control, formidable aerial ability and excellent movement, Azores-born striker Pauleta has left an indelible mark on the history of Portuguese football as the national team’s highest-ever goalscorer. Pedro Miguel Carreiro Resendes, better known as Pauleta is a born goalgetter, breaking records and goalkeeper’s hearts the length and breadth of a well-travelled career. In the words of Vahid Halihodzic, his former coach at Paris Saint-Germain: “He’s a real fighter, very strong and completely unpredictable.”

Petr Cech (Czech Republic)

Despite his relative youth, Petr Cech already boasts an extensive medal collection, and is widely considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The Czech Republic number one is now keen to bolster that reputation at the World Cup. His rock-solid consistency for Chelsea in the Premiership and the Champions League meant it was hardly a surprise when he was named World Goalkeeper of the Year in late 2005. He followed that up with the 2005 Czech Player of the Year accolade in late February and celebrated another title success with Chelsea in April.