"Following on from last week's First XI goalkeepers, we have our selection of the top World Cup defenders.
While Europeans - and particularly Italians - dominate the list, it's worth remembering the contribution of South Americans to the art of defence, with the likes of Chile's Elias Figueroa and Uruguayan Jose Santamaria missing out on the list but having made their mark on the world stage.
Nilton Santos (Brazil) A star of the '54, '58 and '62 Brazil teams, this left wing back was named in the World Team of the 20th Century in 1998 as well as FIFA's 1958 World Cup All-Star Team. He took full advantage of the surprise 4-2-4 formation Brazil employed in 1954 - the European sides were sticking with 3-2-5 - and, like many of the best Brazilian full backs of recent years, he was quick, skilful and direct. He was 33 when Brazil won their first World Cup in 1958 and looked as sharp as ever when they retained the title four years later."
Read more
No comments:
Post a Comment