Legends disappoint

They are adored by the media, idolized by fans and hated by opponents around the globe. Duly, the names were touted at the top of the list of stars that would set the 2010 FIFA World Cup alight. Alas, to the disgruntlement of fans the players failed to impress in South Africa.

Rooney tops the list of the flops. Much was expected from the fiery forward ahead of the tournament on the back of an excellent season with Manchester United. The player simply did not come to the party and spent the better part of the tournament swearing at referees and opponents. The big forward was a pale shadow of the player that set the Barclays Premiership alight last season. With their talisman in dreary form, the English campaign was disastrous and it was evident the Three Lions would be aboard the British Airways back home than earlier anticipated.

Too much gel

Portuguese captain Ronaldo fared no better than his former United team mate and would like to forget this World Cup campaign in a hurry. Fans who had paid to see the one famed for stopovers do his magic on the field were left disappointed as the player only treated them to his mannerisms and insane amounts of hair gel he applied prior to every match. As such, Portugal lacked inspiration and bowed out in the second round.

Perennial favourites Brazils chances lay heavily on the shoulders of former FIFA World Footballer of the Year, Kaka. The Real Madrid forward, just like he did at the Barnebau last season, proved to be a choker. If he was not injuring other players, he was either missing the target or remonstrating with match officials. The red card he got against Ivory Coast en route to Brazils collapse in the quarterfinals rates as one of the ugliest incidents of the 32-team tournament.

Spain may have lived up to their top billing by reaching the semi-finals but with little contribution from chief striker Torres. The Liverpool man looked disinterested, out of form and out of sorts in the European champions campaign. Fellow striker David Villa proved the real deal and justified demands for his services by top European sides.

Drogba is without doubt one of the worlds most feared marksmen. He finished the leading goal scorer in the Barclays Premiership as his goals earned him a League and FA Cup Double. Ahead of the tournament, he was touted as Africas greatest hope. An injury shortly before The Elephants World Cup mission resumed, injury set in much to the collapse of the Ivorian prospects. While injury curtailed his performance, fans got solace from the historic goal against Brazil in a 3-1 loss in the group stages, the first time Brazil have conceded to African opposition at a World Cup.

Not working

Lionel Messi is the reigning World Footballer of the Year after a stunning season with Barcelona drew comparisons with legendary Argentinean, now his head coach, Diego Maradona. The diminutive one had the World Cup to assert himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He exerted himself, but whatever he did didnt seem to work. He left the tournament a frustrated man after failing to register a goal. It was no wonder Argentinas campaign could not end with Messi and company on the podium.

While questions linger over the players form, respected football analyst and former Zimbabwe national team coach, Charles Mhlauri, defends the superstars.

I think there is general misconception about football. This is not an individual sport, its a team sport, group or team tactics will win games. Talented players will normally illuminate if they are complemented by good team work. For the stars to shine, the team must have a tactical approach rich in defensive organisation and systematic organized attack. Moments of brilliance can decide games but their impact is of a lesser extent compared to team effort, said Mhlauri.