World Cup fever has hit millions of people worldwide. Italian soccer fans will have to wait until June 14 to see their reigning FIFA World Cup champion team make their debut. Today, as a global audience watched the FIFA World Cup 2010 kick off with South Africa and Mexico, women were keeping their eyes on five hot soccer players.
Guillermo Ochoa
A promising young Mexican goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochao, 24 years old, is playing in his first international tournament.
In 2004, this soccer goalie was the first choice for the U-20 and Youth national teams. He doesn’t make many errors and his long reach helps prevent being scored on. Ochoa became a regular on the national team in 2009.
Born in Guadalajara on July 13, 1985, this 6’ tall goalkeeper has one weakness. His charismatic charm has given him popularity that has distracted him in the past, although once in net, his sharp reflexes and calm stance makes him a hot soccer goaltender to watch.
Xabi Alonso
This 28 years old midfielder was born November, 25, 1981 in Tolosa, Guipúzcoa, Spain. At 6’ tall, he is a prominent figure in Vicente del Bosque's national squad. FIFA 2010 will be Alonso’s fourth major finals playing for Spain. He represented Spain at Euro 2004 and 2008 as well as the 2006 World Cup.
A deep-lying midfielder, this Spanish soccer player has great passing skills. He has been labeled as a “manipulator” of the ball and his ability to read a play is superb. He is a hot soccer player who is creative, in control, and highly skilled.
Ricardo Kaká
Born Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite in Brasilia, Brazil, this 28 year old midfielder is better known to the world by his nickname, Kaká.
This young Brazilian man has earned his position as being a talented hot soccer player winning many prestigious titles. In 2009 he was in the global spotlight when Real Madrid put together another team of Galacticos, and hired Kaká for the whopping sum of 65 million euros (almost $79 million USD), making it the third most expensive transfer in history.
Ricardo Kaká is a highly skillful soccer player with a powerful shot and amazing vision for passing.
Yoann Gourcuff
This rising hot soccer player is one to watch. Yoann Gourcuff is a tricky attacking midfielder who made his debut with the French national team in August 2008.
Born July 11, 1986, in Ploemeur, France, this almost 24 year old is a designated playmaker, a role that was never truly filled after Zidane retired in 2006.
Gourcuff started his career with FC Lorient and trained at the Pôle Espoirs Football de Ploufragan. Being a very consistent player, Yoann Gourcuff is hailed as an heir to Zinedine Zidane. He promises to become a valuable soccer player for France.
Tsepo Masilela
A list of the hottest soccer players is not complete without the host country’s best. Tsepo Masilela is a 5’9” defender who is a highly-rated attack-minded left back who has an enormous amount of stamina. His dynamic breaks into the opposition’s territory makes him one of the most accomplished players on the South African team.
Born in Witbank, South Africa on January 5, 1985, Tsepo Masilela won his first full cap in 2006 against Zambia. Masilela’s talents earned him an international debut before he signed a professional contract. This 25 year old is one to watch.
The 2010 World Cup will showcase the world’s hottest soccer players, but these young talented men promise to bring attention to their national teams.
Sources:
ESPN Soccernet World Cup 2010
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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