Lesotho Soccer World Cup 2010: World Cup Team of the Day

Claudia Wong crowns 11 heroes who played their hearts out.

England was saved from all embarrassment by Jermain Defoe, while Germany redeemed themselves by finishing top of the group.


Goalkeeper:

Rais M'Bohli (Country: Algeria, Match: Algeria 0-1 USA)
His classy goalkeeping denied USA for a full 90 minutes. The messy clash which led to the slip was unfortunate, nonetheless excellent an performance from the Algerian.

Defence:

Philipp Lahm (Country: Germany, Match: Germany 1-0 Ghana)
Lahm bossed the game from defence and made his presence felt. Covered superbly for his keeper and cleared one off the line. He was a whole brick wall to contend with.
Nadir Belhadj (Country: Algeria, Match: Algeria 0-1 USA)
The Portsmouth leftback was formidable in play and a major threat burning down the left flank.
John Mensah (Country: Ghana, Match: Ghana 0-1 Germany)
Mensah was a whole monster of a player defending against favourites Germany.
Lucas Neill (Country: Australia, Match: Australia 2-1 Serbia)
The 32-year-old was a solid rearguard for the Socceroos, his defensive skills were underpinned with consistency and steadiness.

Midfield:

Landon Donovan (Country: USA, Match: USA 1-0 Algeria)
USA's number 10 fed off the scramble leading to a massive celebration of his camp. A decent performance throughout the match with a heroic finish!
Mesut Ozil (Country: Germany, Match: Germany 1-0 Ghana)
Ozil unlocked the Ghanaian defence, dictated play, and scored the winner with an exuberant strike!
Milos Krasic (Country: Serbia, Match: Serbia 1-2 Australia)
Taking ownership of the right flank, he always had an eye for goal. He portrayed perseverance throughout the game and kept trying with countless attempts and crosses.
James Milner (Country: England, Match: England 1-0 Slovenia)
His cross swept across the Slovenian defence to meet Jermain Defoe, and also had excellent bursts of play throughout the game.

Forwards:

Jermain Defoe (Country: England, Match: England 1-0 Slovenia)
The saviour of the Three Lions, he was unmarked and took his chance well to give his side a three full points.
Brett Holman (Country: Australia, Match: Australia 2-1 Serbia)
The substitute only got air time in the second half but proved to shine. Holman contributed to the first goal and fired a fierce shot from long range for the second.

Source: ESPN