Yes it’s that time of the tournament again (i.e. the end) where we look back and assess what was. With the 2010 World Cup now over it is time for me to name my team of the tournament. I’ll admit I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to World Cup teams of the tournament, I’ve jotted down a best XI on the back of some grotty old receipt or used envelope for every World Cup since about 1998 if I remember rightly, meticulously drawing up a shortlist of players and then combing them down to a final eleven. Plus bench. And second team. Geek indeed. In fact, I might have a little look for my 2006 team later if I can find it.

Anyway, before this descends into a disorganised, wittering inner stream of consciousness, without further ado here is my World Cup 2010 team of the tournament. Though some positions have more candidates than others I’m going for the en vogue formation at this World Cup – a 4-2-3-1:

Iker CASILLAS (Spain)

Despite the fact Spain only conceded 2 goals all tournament I probably wouldn’t have included Spain’s ‘gran capitan’ before the final, Portugal’s Eduardo my preferred pick. But big players do it in big games, and Casillas’ pistols at dawn showdown save when Arjen Robben went clean through on goal in the final is one of my favourite World Cup memories. At the key moments Casillas was there to bail his team out, as all great goalkeepers are. Strong whenever called into action and led by example as captain. Also, I suspect, the most coveted male in Spain right now amongst ladies after his romantic post-match kiss with presenter girlfriend Sara Carbonero.

Philipp LAHM (Germany)

Bayern Munich’s dynamic full back was named Germany captain after injury ruled Michael Ballack out of the World Cup, and the 26-year-old performed admirably despite being out of position on the right hand side. His sturdy defensive play and eagerness to get forward and support attacking moves were an important component of Germany’s game and gave Thomas Müller the confidence to express himself knowing Lahm was there for cover. Wants to keep the captaincy post-World Cup – it’ll be interesting to see how that situation is dealt with when Ballack returns.

JUAN (Brazil)

I agonised for ages between Juan and his defensive partner Lúcio for this position. Juan takes it simply because of his surprise element – I already knew Lúcio was world class, but was thoroughly impressed and pleasantly surprised by the performances of the AS Roma centre back. Provided his team a solid defensive platform by way of what appeared (until the quarter finals) a formidable partnership with Lucio. Made more tackles than any other player at the tournament bar Jorge Fucile and even got his name on the scoresheet when breaking the deadlock for his team against Chile.

Arne FRIEDRICH (Germany)

Despite amassing over 70 caps for Germany, Arne Friedrich is another centre back who previously hadn’t quite had a distinguished international career. Who knows if he’d even have been a regular had Heiko Westermann been fit. Nonetheless Friedrich had a superb tournament, marshalling the backline well alongside Per Mertesacker. Another goalscoring defender, Friedrich was both resourceful and solid, and looks a good signing for VfL Wolfsburg for next season.

Fabio COENTRÃO (Portugal)

Benfica’s left midfielder-turned-defender had a brilliant World Cup, emerging as one of the finest left backs on display. Coentrão was voted Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2009/2010 by sports journalists in Portugal and the pacy left back only furthered his growing reputation in South Africa. Provided a constant outlet down the left hand side in a team that often lacked creative guile. At 22, one with a very bright future.

Bastian SCHWEINSTEIGER (Germany)

Matured into the main focal point of Germany’s team in the absence of Ballack, dictating the play from midfield and linking defence and attack wonderfully. Schweinsteiger was also impressive at World Cup 2006 and boasted over 70 caps for Germany before the tournament even began, but 2010 felt like a coming-of-age for him in national team colours. He appeared to relish the increased responsibilities. Schweinsteiger created the joint highest number of assists and covered more distance than any other player bar…

XAVI (Spain)

The player of the tournament for me. Ran more distance than anyone else, completed more passes than anyone else, created more scoring opportunities than anyone else – if Spain are a towering grandfather clock of footballing excellence then Xavi is the cog that keeps it all ticking along nicely. An absolutely wonderful player to watch and the main man in both the best FC Barcelona side in history and the best Spain side. Magnificent.

Thomas MÜLLER (Germany)

A year ago, Thomas Müller was yet to make his professional debut and hadn’t so much as been called up to Germany’s Under-21s. Now the 20-year-old has won a domestic Bundesliga double for Bayern Munich, played in a Champions League final and won the World Cup’s Best Young Player award and Golden Boot. A remarkable rise to prominence for Müller, who plays football with an intelligence and maturity far beyond his years. Cool in front of goal, creative, hard-working and full of skill, the cultured midfielder announced himself on the world stage in style in South Africa. A revelation.

Andres INIESTA (Spain)

As I was saying with Iker Casillas, big players do it on the big occasion. Pele, Maradona, Zidane, Ronaldo – players that decide World Cups receive automatic passes into footballing immortality. It is an exclusive club, but the company is illustrious. 115 minutes into a tense, nervy World Cup final, who would step up and make himself a hero in a game featuring two teams desperate to carve their name onto the trophy for the first time? Wesley Sneijder couldn’t. Arjen Robben came close, but close is not enough. Andres Iniesta could though, keeping a cool head amidst the chaos of a frantic final to calmly and emphatically write his name into history.

David VILLA (Spain)

As we are playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, there is only room for one out-and-out striker. Hence, David Villa is my third withdrawn forward. He can cut in from the left, as he did so effectively in Spain’s early games. 43 goals in 65 international appearances is an exceptional record, and Villa continued that incredible strike rate with 5 goals in 7 games in South Africa. Drifted in and out of the final, but his goals helped carry Spain there in the first place as he scored the winners in 3 separate games. At one stage it seemed he was having a goal of the tournament competition with himself, scoring excellent goals against Honduras and then Chile. An exceptional World Cup for the player one goal short of Raul’s all-time Spain goalscoring record.

Diego FORLAN (Uruguay)

It would be very unfair to paint Uruguay as a one-man team dragged singlehandedly to fourth place by Forlan, but the Atletico Madrid star certainly was their Roy of the Rovers. There whenever La Celeste needed a spark, Forlan just does not do tap-ins, scoring three quite brilliant long range goals and my personal favourite, the instinctive half-volley against Germany. Master of the Jabulani, Forlan’s five goals and all-round performances won him the Golden Ball award for player of the tournament and cemented his status as the world class striker few previously gave him credit for.

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My Second XI: Eduardo, Maxi Pereira, Lúcio, Carles Puyol, Carlos Salcido, Sami Khedira, Anthony Annan, Kevin Prince Boateng, Mesut Özil, Wesley Sneijder, Asamoah Gyan.

Luke C’s Team of the Tournament: Eduardo, Sergio Ramos, Arne Friedrich, Lúcio, Fabio Coentrão, Sergio Busquets, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Müller, Mesut Özil, David Villa, Diego Forlan.

(photo credit: Chiara CC on Flickr)