Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)

Andres Iniesta (Spain)

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Mesut Ozil (Germany)

Arjen Robben (Netherlands)

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)

Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)

David Villa (Spain)

Xavi Hernandez (Spain)

The nominees for the young player award are Thomas Müller (Germany), Giovanni dos Santos (Mexico) and Andre Ayew (Ghana).

Who gets your vote? Leave your comments below!

Whilst he did not score, Messi looked extremely lively and could have netted a hat-trick if it were not for a number of extraordinary saves from Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama who thoroughly deserved his man of the match award.

Although the early signs are that the World Footballer of the Year could take this World Cup by storm, Argentina looked out of shape at the back and should really have been punished for some sloppy defending. Playing Jonas Gutierrez at right back was a strange decision by Argentina coach Diego Maradona. The Newcastle United winger looked very uncomfortable throughout. Against better opposition Argentina could have conceded two or three goals.

For Messi to win the golden boot, Argentina need to improve their defending and progress to the latter stages of the competition, otherwise there is the risk that Messi will not have enough games to score the goals required. However, judging from his fine attempts on goal against Nigeria, and the form we have seen him produce for Barcelona in recent seasons, he could easily stake a claim for the golden boot within two or three matches.

‘The greatest footballer on the planet’

Messi will have taken encouragement from a shambolic defensive display by Greece who were lucky to only concede two against South Korea on Saturday lunchtime. And he will certainly be looking to fill his boots against Greece a week on Tuesday.

The good news is that the odds of Messi winning the golden boot have not changed since the beginning of the tournament and so early skeptics (myself included) have not missed out on any value. He is priced at 12/1. This is outstanding value and is surely worth a cheeky fiver.

At the end of the day Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer on the planet, who has just had the greatest season of his life, and looks to be playing in his favoured, free-roaming role in an Argentina side where he is surrounded by world class players. Despite the defensive worries which may see them take a slightly early exit from the competition, odds of 12/1 for a man who scored 30 goals in 35 starts this domestic season, and four against a none-to-shabby Arsenal side just nine weeks ago should be snapped up without a second thought (or a third thought if you count my omission of him in my overall World Cup markets post).

I am not saying it is definitely going to happen. But I am saying that you will kick yourself for not backing him if he suddenly repeats his four goal masterclass and sets this World Cup alight.

One more thing, if you have been inspired to back the humble little man to win the golden boot, do not waste any time in getting your money on. Good value like this does not usually last long.

Best of luck!

1. Cometh the Hour…

Cometh the man. The world was watching as Lionel Messi took the pitch in Johannesburg today, and the little wonder did not disappoint. Messi was at the centre of almost everything Argentina did going forward, and his personal duel with Nigeria ‘keeper Vincent Enyeama was a delight to watch. Granted, Messi did not replicate the meteoric high performances we’re used to fawning over at Barcelona, but he was Argentina’s best player today and a variety of delicious dribbling and sizzling attempts at goal were a pleasure to watch. It’s common knowledge that if Argentina are to go far this summer, Maradona will have to get the best out of the World Player of the Year. So far, so good.

2. In-Vince-ible

Arsenal were reported to have pulled out of a deal for Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, apparently unimpressed by his £2 million price tag. After witnessing him come out on top against Messi and co today (everywhere except the scoreline that is), Arsene Wenger must be kicking himself. Enyeama was in scintillating form. It takes the very best saves for a goalkeeper to capture the viewer’s imagination, but today Enyeama made three world class stops, and looked assured on almost every occasion. £2 million? An absolute bargain, but you can be sure the ‘keeper’s stock will have risen dramatically after this display. With that, so has his price tag.

3. No Gut = Glory?

I don’t like picking on a player after one match, but Jonás Gutiérrez looked uncomfortably poor at right back before he came off today despite the relatively poor opposition. It’s understandable – not many left sided winger’s are capable of putting in a shift at right back. What’s baffling is that Maradona has a dependable Nicolás Burdisso and a highly-rated Nicolás Otamendi – both natural to the position – on the bench. Nigeria’s only real threat came down the left in the first half. Coincidence? Not really, Gutiérrez was caught out several times leading to Nigerian chances. Surely Maradona will make a change for their next match against a highly organised South Korea.

4. All Eyes On Me

All eyes may have been on Leo Messi today, but all cameras were on Diego Maradona. With José Mourinho on holiday for the summer now that his future has been sorted, the media need a new controversial managerial figure to focus on, and it’s in this role that Maradona thrives. Looking incredibly dapper in a designer suit, Maradona was flashed on our screens countless times during the match today. Despite a more or less comfortable victory, the fiery Argentina was seen barking at the fourth official on numerous occasions. A highly competitive South Korea await, and with tougher fixtures ahead in Argentina’s inevitable forray into the knock-out stages, Maradona’s temper will be tested. As a result, a sneaky trip to the bookies on Diego to see red and be sent to the stands may be in order.

5. Fallen Angel

Just a quick word on Angel Di Maria, who has been predicted by many – myself included – to steal the show this summer. It wasn’t the best of World Cup births. Di Maria was anonymous for the majority of his 85 minutes on the field. Rather than the youthful exuberance of the Benfica winger, it was the masterful veteran touch of Juan Veron that dictated Argentina’s approach. With Seba pulling the strings in the middle of the pitch and Javier Mascherano patrolling behind, Messi, Tevez and Higuain were allowed to flaunt their stuff up front. Despite the solitary goal, Argentina’s attacking options will pose a lot more problems for teams later on in the tournament than they did against Nigeria today.

6. No Need For Stereotype

One thing you can be sure of, or so we’re told, is the energetic and relentless athleticism from the African nations this summer. With that cliché, I raise you another: there are no sure things in football. Nigeria looked tired, if not lazy against an Argentine side who were content to stroke the ball around the pitch and make the Super Eagles work for possession – a task that was, for the most point, beyond them. Keeping up with our watch on how teams get around the pains of the Jubilani football, Argentina kept their passes short and – more importantly – relatively low. It worked, with Maradona’s side controlling 58% of the possession today and rarely surrendering possession poorly.

7.  Threat as a Threat

One thing we noticed about Argentina today was their main weapon. Not Lionel Messi, but their potential. With a relatively straight forward 4-3-3 formation, Maradona relaxed any defensive responsibilities to his front three. Lukman Haruna rarely got forward as a result – the threat of Messi, Tevez and Higuain’s capabilities on any potential counter attack firmly outweighine the assistance Haruna could offer those ahead of him. This mentality hampered a lot of Nigeria’s attacks today, with their forwards being vastly outnumbered on the break, but it worked a treat for Argentina. It may also come off against South Korea and Greece, but with potential knock out clashes ahead where they may be underdogs against the likes of England and Spain, sticking with this approach for the whole tournament may be ill advised.

It was very much a case of ‘job done’ for Argentina following their 1-0 win over Nigeria today, but there were plenty of holes to pick for the critics.

Maradona’s men looked set to run riot after Gabriel Heinze’s header gave them a sixth minute lead but what followed was 84 minutes of mediocrity with the odd moment of individual excellence thrown in.

Talisman Lionel Messi looked threatening from the word go but the end product was never really there, and Gonzalo Higuain had a very poor night in front of goal.

Another player who was expected to shine was Angel Di Maria but the Benfica winger did little to justify all the hype that has been surrounding him as of late.

Jonas Gutierrez simply does not look comfortable at right back and his presence gives the team a very unbalanced look.

It would be unfair not to give Nigeria some credit however as they stifled their opponents throughout and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, once a target for Arsenal, was in superb form with a number of world class saves.

Indeed, the Super Eagles should have made Argentina pay for some lacklustre defending with left back Taye Taiwo going close with a low drive across goal, while substitute Kalu Uche squandered a golden opportunity to square things.

It will be interesting to see how the Argentines cope against a free flowing South Korea side when the two teams meet next Thursday, and it is most likely that the game will decide who finishes first and second in Group C.

]]> http://backpagefootball.com/international/all-a-bit-messi/feed/ 1 http://backpagefootball.com/general/world-cup-betting-overall-markets/ http://backpagefootball.com/general/world-cup-betting-overall-markets/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:45:07 +0000 Nick Higgins http://backpagefootball.com/?p=6391 It has been a long four years, and a seemingly infinite wait between the end of the domestic football season and the start of the World Cup but the world’s greatest sporting event finally kicks off in South Africa this Friday and there is not a football fan in the world who is not eagerly awaiting an entire month of practically non-stop football.

England will be followed by their mandatory troop of enthusiastic supporters in South Africa whilst pubs and bars back home will be packed to the rafters on Saturday evening when they take on the USA in the first group game. But with the unquestionable passion and undying hope of football fans across the country, can England can actually return from South Africa as World Champions?

One of the best things about the World Cup is that new betting markets spring up out of nowhere. Punters can now gamble on such things as England’s first substitution and their starting eleven against the USA (for the record, Joe Hart is not in any of the available options on SkyBet)

These new markets can seem ridiculous, but for the scrupulous gamblers they provide a delightful opportunity to find that little bit of hidden value. And there is a lot of hidden value.

Can Rooney keep his cool?

A bet that jumped off the screen and hit me square in the face is odds of 5/2 on Wayne Rooney getting booked for dissent at some point during the tournament. Now, Rooney is said to have ‘grown up’ and ‘calmed down’ but he has a proven record of letting his emotions get the better of him in big matches and was booked for dissent on Monday when England took on the Platinum All Stars in their final warm up match.

Rooney’s temperment will be closely monitored by the England staff and millions of people around the world. But with the added pressure of the world’s best defenders winding him up particularly if England reach the Quarter finals, I feel that his passion for the game is impossible to control and that, he will be booked for dissent at least once in five or six matches.

My Bet:

Rooney to be booked for dissent anytime during the tournement (@ 5/2)

The Golden Boot

A man who knows a little more about football than me, Jamie Redknapp, thinks he has spotted value in the Golden Boot top five market on SkyBet. He thinks Argentine striker Carlos Tevez will be one of the top five goalscorers in this World Cup. At first I disagreed with this tip and had reservations over how much action Tevez will see in a team that has attacking flair in abundance and a manager that is prone to the odd, strange decision. However at 10/1 there is value in this unusual bet. After all, Tevez had an extremely impressive season with Manchester City.

It remains to be seen which Argentina side turns up in South Africa this summer, but with Lionel Messi yet to produce his ‘world’s greatest footballer’ form for his country, Tevez is more likely to be one of Argentina’s main goal threats.

The golden boot outright market is packed with value, but as is always the case with this sort of bet, it is a bit like trying to catch a fly in the dark.

Usual suspects include David Villa at 8/1, Wayne Rooney at 10/1 and Fernando Torres at 12/1. But an appealing outside bet is Germany’s Miroslav Klose who, at odds of 28/1, will have to do a lot, but I suppose it is not inconceivable that he could have the tournament of his life.

For me, the best value lies in Robin Van Persie. After missing the majority of the Premiership season through injury, he looks to be more determined than ever to make up for it at the World Cup and has been quoted as saying he thinks he can be as good as Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney next season.

Since his return from injury, Van Persie has been on outstanding form for his country, meaning I am less inclined to argue with his own bold predictions of how good he can be. At 10/1 to be the World Cup’s top goalscorer, my money is on RVP to set the world alight this summer.

My Bets:

Tevez to finish in top five in Golden Boot competition (@ 10/1)

Robin Van Persie to win golden boot (@ 10/1)

The race to three goals

One of the great things about having a bet is doing a bit of research and coming to your own conclusions. After all it is your money that you will be gambling, not mine. With this in mind I would like to flag up the ‘race to three goals market’ available on SkyBet. Here you can bet on who will be the first player to score three goals at the World Cup.

Many of the bets in this market are good value including my personal choice of Robin Van Persie, who is again priced at 10/1. With a bit of work and planning by way of taking a detailed look through the fixture list, I think there is some serious money to be made in this market. So have a look and leave a comment with your tip.

So, who’s going to win it?

The million dollar question. Well, for what it’s worth, I think Spain will win the World Cup. However, at odds of 7/2 you are not going to make any significant return on a risky bet. Much better value would be to bet on the tournament winners in conjunction with the golden boot winner. For example, Spain to win the World Cup with David Villa as top goalscorer represents much better value at 16/1.

Strong fringe bets for the tournament include Germany at 14/1 and the Netherlands at 9/1 but it’s difficult to commit to backing them to actually win it. The Netherlands are always talked about as a potential force but usually fall just short of setting the world alight. Despite impressive preparations for this World Cup and my gut feeling that RVP will have a fantastic tournament. I can’t help thinking that both the Netherlands and Germany will crash out in the semi finals at the hands of a Brazil, a Spain or even an England?!

My Bet:

Spain to win the World Cup and David Villa to be top goalscorer (@ 16/1)

Throughout the World Cup I will be on a constant search for good value and will continue to post and flag up bets on matches.

In the meantime, let me know your tips by commenting on this article, in particular I want to know who you are going for in the ‘race to three goals’ market

Good Luck and enjoy!

Barcelona 4 Valladolid 0

If Barcelona and Real Madrid are seen as two well-oiled machines at full pelt, one nosing ahead of the other, then events on the final Saturday of La Liga almost resembled Wacky Races in comparison. At the foot of the table, it’s more like Countdown as the Segunda Division prepares to welcome three of the bottom five next season.

With the clock ticking towards a conclusion, Carol’s hand hovered over Xerez, Tenerife and Racing Santander. Above the dreaded dashed line, Valladolid and Malaga nervously looked over their shoulder as they each prepared to play the supporting roles in the drama set at the top.

Valencia, firmly wedged in third spot, were able to set out the barstools on Saturday night and sip sangria with a sense of satisfaction while watching Sevilla and Mallorca fight for the right to sit beneath them. In the end, at the very end, the Andalucians snatched the final Champions League place. But Valencia’s job this season was not completely over. Unai Emery’s men faced Tenerife at the Mestalla on the final day.

With their three closest rivals facing Spain’s three best clubs, Xerez and Racing must have fancied their chances. The basement boys travelled to Osasuna while the Santander side hosted Sporting Gijon.

Let’s not kid ourselves though. The real story has always been at the other end of the table. The two-horse race between the Blaugrana and Los Blancos has dominated La Liga all season and the final day was no different. All eyes were on the Camp Nou. Barca simply needed to win.

They began in nervous fashion and captain Carles Puyol needed to fashion a crucial block in order to keep the game goalless in the opening stages after an error from Victor Valdes. Valladolid forced two early corners as the champions-elect struggled to get their usual firm grip on proceedings.

The two-goal cushion soon arrived though, shortly after Malaga opened the scoring on the south coast. Pedro was the architect of the first, darting into space on the left and cutting the ball back for Luis Prieto to bundle into his own net for a fortunate opener. The Canary Islander made it two when he latched onto Lionel Messi’s through ball and slotted home expertly. The buildup play featuring Messi and Yaya Toure was exceptional.

So, all over. Not vintage Barca but, nevertheless, finito just over half an hour into the final game of the season. Real Madrid can take credit for pushing Barca as far as they did, or at least as much credit as you can give a team assembled for hundreds of millions.

The real credit has to go to Barcelona, who have seen off the significant threat of Ronaldo and co despite being without the likes of Andres Iniesta and Eric Abidal for long periods. They have also gone without Zlatan Ibrahimovic for lengthy spells, but that has often been by design through non-selection. This has especially been the case in recent weeks and Bojan’s lively displays in the closing stages of the season must pile pressure onto the underfire Swede.

Within five minutes of the restart, Rafael van der Vaart’s neat turn and finish pulled Real level at the Rosaleda. That goal put Malaga on the verge of trouble with Valencia being held by Tenerife, while Meme Tchite’s double for Racing seemed set to seal their safety and Xerez fell behind at Osasuna before rapidly equalising.

Barca strolled the second half, adding an imperious third after an hour when Messi turned home his 33rd league goal after brilliant work from Toure on the right. The mesmeric Argentinian added his second with thirteen minutes remaining to equal the record mark of 47 goals in all competitions set by the Brazilian legend Ronaldo.

FC Barcelona: worthy champions.

• Maicon (v Juventus, Serie A)

• Javi Martinez (v Almeria, La Liga)
• Nicky Maynard (v QPR, Coca Cola Championship)
• Fernando Torres (v Sunderland, Premier League)
• Danny Rose (v Arsenal, Premier League)

• Maynor Figueroa (v Stoke, Premier League)
• Bolo Zenden (v Tottenham, Premier League)
• Lionel Messi (2nd v Valencia, La Liga)

• Pedro (v Deportivo La Coruna, La Liga)
• Hugo Rodallega (v Aston Villa, Premier League)

Anyone we’ve left out, but deserving of a mention? Leave your suggestions in the comments below.

Pep Guardiola’s first failure to win a competition as Barcelona coach arrived well over a year after taking charge at the Camp Nou. It came at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville. That night, Manolo Jimenez’s men were completely outplayed by a rampant Barca and suffered a 1-0 defeat but advanced to the next round of the Copa del Rey on away goals, having triumphed 2-1 in the first leg. This time, they faced the same side now coached instead by Antonio Alvarez.

When Barca are playing well, they zip the ball around and probe constantly for openings in the opposition defence. When they desperately need a goal, they do not resort to long-ball tactics in the traditional manner of teams chasing a game. They play exactly the same way but, improbably, even quicker. The urgency Barca showed in the second half that night made for some startling football, perhaps the best they have ever played under Guardiola, despite their eventual exit from the competition.

So the Blaugrana made the trip back to Andalucia for arguably their most important game of the domestic season with much confidence. Within just five minutes, they were vindicated to a degree. Maxwell stormed forward from left-back, a clear demonstration of Barca’s attacking intentions if one was ever needed. His excellent pass found Lionel Messi, who eluded two markers in familiar fashion before lashing an angled drive away from Andres Palop into the far corner.

Barca were settled and they continued to press as Sevilla struggled to impose themselves on the champions. On paper, it looked a very tricky penultimate game of the season. In reality, it looked a damning indictment of the massive gulf between the top two sides in Spain and their nearest contenders.

The blue-and-red shirts continued to flood forward. Soon enough, Xavi’s delicate lofted through ball placed Bojan through on goal to double the visitors’ lead. In contrast, Sevilla offered no more than a single Luis Fabiano effort in the way of an answer.

After the interval, the home side improved but not to any great effect. Barca’s miniature three-pronged strikeforce soon punished them. Firstly, Bojan skipped down the left side and cleverly accelerated away from Sevilla right-back Abdoulay Konko. All the Frenchman could do to halt the youngster’s progress was to tug his shirt gratuitously. In return, Konko received his marching orders.

The third goal arrived when Pedro fired expertly into the far corner on the half-volley and it looked all over. Bojan shot wastefully wide after exceptional play from Messi down the right but it appeared insignificant as his side led by three. And with Real Madrid in the process of being held to a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu by Athletic Bilbao, the title would have been Barca’s by the end of the night had the scorelines stayed the same.

Suddenly, Barca’s backline crumbled. First Frederic Kanoute and then Fabiano took advantage to reduce the arrears to just one goal with twenty minutes remaining. On the sidelines, Guardiola was furious. The Barca coach slammed the wall of his dugout with his palm as Kanoute pulled Sevilla back into the game and this anger increased when his strike partner profited from non-existent marking at an innocuous deep free kick.

The nerves set in. Kanoute unsuccessfully claimed for what would have been a soft spot kick when Puyol looked to block him off in the area. Again, Barca needed a goal to ease the growing tension. Events at the Bernabeu were exacerbating Barca’s discomfort as Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Marcelo pulled Real four goals clear of ten-man Athletic.

He conveys such a cool and collected manner for long spells but as the game headed into injury time, Guardiola was a bundle of nervous energy. His arms were waving agitatedly. His eyes were anxious. One final long throw from Sevilla’s Lithuanian substitute Marius Stankevicius was safely repelled and Barcelona had clinched a crucial victory.

The way their players celebrated on the pitch at the final whistle, it seemed as though they had clinched the league title itself. Three points against Valladolid at the Camp Nou next weekend and that dream will become reality. Anyone betting against?

Back in the summer of 1987, a baby boy was born in Tenerife and named by his parents as Pedro Rodriguez Ledesma. Nearly twenty-three years later, at the beginning of a crucial forty five minutes of football, he strode onto the pitch at the historic Camp Nou charged with providing the attacking thrust for an off-colour Barca against the team representing the island of his birth. One of the most famous clubs in world football was battling to save its season by retaining the precious league title it had won at a canter. They needed a hero.

Barca didn’t need to put water on the pitch this time, though, as they had before their fateful recent clash with Inter Milan. The dark clouds that hung above the Camp Nou both ahead of and throughout their midweek meeting with Tenerife did it for them. And as the rain hurled down towards the rich green surface, Barca hurled themselves against the determined visitors rearguard in the early stages. The home side made two changes from the team that destroyed Villarreal at El Madrigal three days earlier, with Yaya Toure and Zlatan Ibrahimovic the star names brought in to replace Sergio Busquets and Pedro.

Despite predictable early pressure from the champions, Tenerife had the best chance of the opening ten minutes when Alejandro Alfaro, on loan from Barca’s next opponents Sevilla for a second consecutive season, fired over after Carles Puyol deflected the ball into his path. A former Sevilla player, the tireless Dani Alves, was next to go close with a cross-shot that narrowly eluded Lionel Messi at the front post and zipped across the face of goal.

Shortly after the quarter of an hour mark, Messi poked Barca ahead with a goal that owed much to both the marauding Alves and under-fire Ibrahimovic. The Brazilian lobbed a cross into the box with the outside of his right foot and the tall Swede did excellently to beat two white shirts to the high ball, nodding it down for the finest footballer in the world to expertly turn home from the tightest of angles.

It was not a typical Barcelona goal. In fact, it was more like the sort of goal that used to be commonplace back when little-and-large strike partnerships were in vogue. Nevertheless, it was a crucial early breakthrough for the Catalonians and more goals looked imminent as the Blaugrana dominated possession.

The first half was not classic Barca with both sets of players struggling to come to terms with the slippery conditions. Maxwell found himself clear through on goal, albeit at a narrow angle on the left side, but he produced neither a cross nor a shot and Ibrahimovic could not divert the loose ball towards an unguarded net.

With seven minutes until the interval, the islanders sparked celebrations both from their tiny travelling contingent and, of course, all those associated with Real Madrid. Puyol gave the ball away wastefully and a well-judged pass from Daniel Kome left Roman Martinez with just Valdes to beat for an unlikely equaliser. Pep Guardiola’s side had been sloppy throughout the first forty-five minutes, always leaving the threat of a Tenerife leveller.

Back in the summer of 1987, a baby boy was born in the Canaries and named by his parents as Pedro Rodriguez Ledesma. Nearly twenty-three years later, he strode onto the pitch at the historic Camp Nou charged with providing the attacking thrust for an off-colour Barca against the team representing the island of his birth. Gerard Pique, who had been limping in the latter stages of the first half, was the man replaced. One of the most famous names in world football were now battling to save their season by retaining the precious league title they had won at a canter.

Ahead of the previous weekend’s fixtures, many observers expected Real Madrid to dismiss Osasuna with ease and Barca to struggle away to Villarreal before swatting away Tenerife nonchalantly. Predictions this season have been fraught with danger though. Real laboured to a late home win over Jose Antonio Camacho’s plucky outfit after seeing Barca stroll to victory at El Madrigal. There was nothing nonchalant about Barca as they desperately a second goal against a side well-drilled by their coach Jose Luis Oltra.

When facing Barca, you can stop Xavi sometimes if you press in midfield and cut off his options. You can stop Ibrahimovic and Pedro and Iniesta and you can even stop Messi occasionally. Just don’t forget about the right-back. With just over an hour gone, Dani Alves roamed infield and flicked a brilliant through ball into the path of the vibrant Bojan to slam past Sergio Aragoneses. The relief around Catalonia was palpable.

Alves nearly supplied a third shortly after, slipping a measured pass for the substitute Pedro to race onto but Aragoneses flew out of his goal to narrow the Canary Islander’s angle and his shot dropped just wide. The 33-year-old Tenerife keeper then did well to turn away a goalbound Xavi free kick as Barca aimed to make the game safe.

Then the baby boy took centre stage. The visitors, needing points to stave off the threat of relegation, piled forward on the counter attack with a quarter of an hour remaining. A lone Barca player stood between Tenerife and the distinct possibility of a second equaliser. It was Pedro. The young attacker’s pace took him back into a crucial position and soon the ball was safely returned into the arms of Valdes.

Within seconds, Barca established that important two-goal cushion. Messi was allowed time in a central position thirty yards out to pick a pass for an advancing Barca player in the inside-right position. It was Pedro. The young attacker’s pace took him away from his marker and soon the ball was safely dispatched beyond the dive of Aragoneses.

There was still time for a fantastic fourth from Barca, yet again provided by Alves. Messi met the Brazilian’s superb cross with his trademark instant control and sent the ball into the corner of the net with the last kick of the game. It was the amazing Argentine’s forty-fourth goal of a season that surpasses superlatives.

The finishing line is now in sight for Barca after seeing off Tenerife and the pressure is heaped back onto Real Madrid, primarily due to the contribution of a certain young Canary Islander. Pedro Rodriguez is making a real name for himself.

There are just 39 days before the event of the year, the World Cup, kicks-off in South Africa. Continuing on our series listing the top fifty players to keep an eye out for, we finally reach the final half as names get bigger, better and more familiar.

Issue one, #50-#38 >>>
Issue two, #37-#26 >>>

25 Jesus Navas Spain
A classic winger with excellent speed and dribbling ability, Sevilla’s Jesus Navas has overcome chronic anxiety problems to make himself available for the Spanish national team this summer. Although a starting place in Vicente Del Bosque’s side is highly unlikely, Navas, who has nine goals and ten assists to his name this season, is in line to play a vital role as an impact substitute in South Africa. With players of Navas’ calibre coming off the bench, it’s no surprise that Spain are the overwhelming favourites to lift the World Cup on July 11th.

24 Wesley Sneijder Netherlands
Inter Milan’s midfield dynamo has been a fundamental part of Jose Mourinho’s bid for Scudetto and Champions League glory. After being disposed of from the latest Los Galacticos revolution at Real Madrid, the Dutchman will be lining out in his old stomping ground in May for the European Cup final. A hard working, vibrant midfield player who can score as well as create, Sneijder is a very important player in the Netherlands team.

23 Steven Pienaar South Africa
Pienaar is no doubt one of Everton’s and South Africa’s most talented players, and will be out to do his home nation proud when they host the World Cup this summer. Tricky, and a fantastic player with the ball at his feet, Pienaar is also capable of firing in a shot from anywhere, and is lethal in dead ball situations. There’s talk of him moving elsewhere this summer, and he has the perfect platform to show why clubs around Europe should be interested in him.

22 Steven Gerrard England
After a very disappointing season which saw Gerrard go another year without a medal, and another year without finally getting his hands on the Premier League title, Steven will be keen to go all the way with England. A hugely determined, inspirational player, don’t be surprised to see Gerrard pull the England side by himself in late stages of games such is his ability. A motivated player, there will only be one thing on his mind and that’s winning the trophy.

21 Franck Ribery France
Despite ending the season enveloped in scandal and innuendo, Franck Ribery is still one of France’s key players and his form will be vital if Raymond Domenech’s squad are to prove the doubters wrong in South Africa. A tricky, intelligent wide midfielder, Ribery has struggled to find his best form this season but has shown signs of returning to the top of his game of late, just in time to go to the World Cup.

20 Marek Hamsik Slovakia
Slovakian and Napoli attacker Marek Hamšík has exploded onto the scene this year in the Serie A as one of the best attacking midfielders around. A big summer with unlikely qualifiers Slovakia could set Hamsik up with a move away, possibly to a big European Cup. Marek is a vibrant, creative attacking midfield player who can score a goal or two, especially from long range. He will Slovakia’s most dazzling and talented players this summer.

19 Robin van Persie Netherlands
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie missed most of the season with an ankle injury sustained while on Dutch duty, and his absence was clear for all to see. But now that he’s back and raring to go, the front man who is arguably one of the best left footed players in the world will be up for a big summer with his nation. A tricky, vibrant forward who can score from almost anywhere on the pitch, RVP is a player you don’t take your eyes off of. He can score, create and do plenty of damage to even the best defenses.

18 Samuel Eto’o Cameroon
Inter Milan and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has embedded himself well into life in Italy after moving from Barcelona. A part for some spells on the sideline, Eto’o has notched up twelve goals in just under thirty games for Il Nerazzurri. Without doubt Cameroon’s biggest player, Eto’o on his day is a striker to fear and will be amongst the scorers this summer in his home continent.

17 Landon Donovan USA
American talisman Landon Donovon spent a very successful three months in England with Everton this season, so well in fact that there are talks he could be returning next season for another spell in the Premier League. Over the past few years the LA Galaxy attacker has been the USA’s best and most important player as they climb up the soccer ladder. A nation where football isn’t even in its top three sports, Donovon has been a remarkable spokesperson for the game in the States and all eyes will be on his side this summer as football fever hits America.

16 Yoann Gourcuff France
The France and Bordeaux star is another rising young attacking midfielder with plenty of ability and craft to do some damage at the World Cup. At just 23, Gourcuff has plenty of experience under his belt at both club and international level, and has been repeatedly linked with a big move away from Ligue Un. With this man on form, he’ll be just as important to Domenech’s side as Ribery.

15 Gonzalo Higuain Argentina
Against all adds, and millions upon millions of euros, Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain still remains Real Madrid’s most potent striker and an integral part of their squad. In such an unpredictable environment, it is unsure whether or not Higuain will be even called up by Maradona ahead of the likes of Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero, but there is no doubt he deserves a place on the plane. Gonzalo has scored a remarkable 25 La Liga goals in just 28 games this season, but his time with La Albiceleste has been limited, with only four caps and two goals. But if he plays, except a handful of goals from the unlikely Galactico.

14 Sergio Aguero Argentina
Aguero is the son-in-law of head coach Diego Maradona, and regarded as the hottest talent on the planet, Atletico Madrid’s star striker is set for a big summer in South Africa. Aguero is a deadly striker with superb movement off the ball, scoring twenty goals this season in Spain. At just 21, Sergio has gained twenty-one international caps for Argentina. The future’s bright for this man, will it explode this summer?

13 Kaka Brazil
What more could be said for the player Real Madrid spent over €50million last summer? Kaka is without doubt one of the best players on the planet. A dynamic magician who oozes guile and talent, Kaka is in line for another big summer with Brazil as they go on the prowl for an amazing sixth World Cup victory.

12 Andres Iniesta Spain
Yet another Spanish inclusion, but nobody can disregard the importance of El Ilusionista to Spain and Barcelona, be it from the start or off the bench. Iniesta has grown into one of the most talented players in the world, more then capable of holding his own in amongst the Barça superstars. A home grown talent, Iniesta is creative, extremely industrial and has an amazing knack of playing well anywhere on the field. Just as important a component to Pique at the back, Cassilas in goals or even Xavi alongside him in the centre.

11 Luis Fabiano Brazil
Some might be wondering why the Sevilla and Brazil striker is so high in our list, but with such an impressive international goal tally he might be a surprise top scorer in the competition. Fabiano was Brazil’s number one striker at the Confederations Cup last year, as they went all the way. A similar set up this year could see Fabiano amongst the high scorers, but there is no certainty the big man will be given the chance.

10 Carlos Tevez Argentina
A player that is never short of controversy, it has been a huge season for Carlito at his new home in Manchester. Nobody could have predicted such a campaign for Tevez, who introduced himself to the world with a fine World Cup in Germany back in 2006, before making a shock switch to West Ham. Tevez has netted twenty-three times this season for the blue half of Manchester, and having broken free from the chains that held him back at Old Trafford, Carlos is showing exactly what he is capable. Expect a fine World Cup from this man.

9 David Villa Spain
Arguably Europe’s most potent striker, Valencia and Spain’s David Villa has enjoyed another superb domestic season, scoring an incredible 21 goals in 30 La Liga appearances. Usually deployed in a strike partnership with Fernando Torres for the national team, his intelligence off the ball and ruthlessness on it will make him a real contender for the Golden Boot in South Africa.

8 Ronaldinho Brazil
The AC Milan forward may have hit a drop in his dazzling career, but you just can’t write off the man who was previously regarded as the best player on the planet. With his sublime trickery and skills, and ability to score amazing goals out of nothing, Ronaldinho will always be a player you just got to look out for wherever he is. Not guaranteed a spot in the starting eleven, but watch out for glimpses of the Ronnie of old this summer.

7 Xavi Spain
Barcelona’s creative maestro, Xavi is one of the most consistently brilliant players in world football. With a passing ability second to none, the Spanish midfielder has sublime vision and ability on the ball, talents which allow the players around him to flourish and fulfill their potential. For Del Bosque the equation is simple, if Xavi plays well his team plays well. This could be the tournament which finally affords Xavi the deserved recognition as one of the greatest of all time.

6 Fernando Torres Spain
Like most at Liverpool, it was a season of under performance and disappointment for Torres who spent most of the season on the injury table. But that didn’t stop him scoring a mighty fine twenty-two goals in just thirty-two games, showing how lethal a performer he can be even when not at full match fitness. Torres scored the winning goal for Spain in Euro 2008, and will be hoping to take them all the way again with another handful of goals.

5 Didier Drogba Ivory Coast
The Chelsea and Ivory Coast powerhouse has shown this season that he is one of the most clinical and most feared striker on the planet. Drogba is the captain of Ivory Coast, and will be fired up to take his nation as far as they can go, he’s certainly good enough. The Africans are more then capable of going into the knockout stages, so expect the big forward to be amongst the goals and plaudits this summer after what has been a stunning season for Didier.

4 Cesc Fabregas Spain
Arsenal talisman Cesc Fabregas isn’t even guaranteed a starting berth in the Spanish team, such is the depth of their midfield quality, but when he does Cesc usually stands out as an amazing performer, and on his day – one of the best in the world. He holds all the distributing attributes of Xavi, with a fierce attacking instinct that can lead to goals as well as assists. It is hard to believe Cesc is only 22-years-old, he’s been around so long and has matured into one of the finest midfield players on the planet. It won’t be his last World Cup, but in one where Spain are amongst the favourites to go all the way, he’s their one to watch.

3 Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal
Number three on our list is the most expensive man ever to trade hands in the world of football, Cristiano Ronaldo. The £80million man is a super-athlete with trickery you cannot imagine, and a strike of a football that no-one can match. Portugal will not be expected to go all the way, but with this man on form don’t rule them out just yet.

2 Wayne Rooney England

Many have regarded the World Cup of 2010 to be England’s best chance to reclaim the trophy the last won in 1966. A team that all over the pitch contains world class quality, and a team on it’s day could be magnificent. But what a bonus if this man could be on top form for the Three Lions, Wayne Rooney. His luck with international competitions has been absent, but after the season he just had if he could reproduce the goals and form then England will go a long way.

1 Lionel Messi Argentina

Our number one needs no explanation. The best player in the world, and arguably already one of the greatest of all time. Some people say all he needs now is a World Cup winners medal and he can be named in the same vain as his legendary coach at Argentina. With huge question marks over whether or not Argentina are stable enough to win the competition, Messi will be looked on as the man to take them all the way and cement his name in football history forever.