Formation: 3-4-3
Eduardo (Portugal)
An extremely confident performance from one of the goalkeepers of the tournament despite Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain. Produced a string of outstanding saves, was a calm assurance behind his back four, and even when he was finally beaten by David Villa it was at the second attempt.
Sergio Ramos (Spain)
Was locked in an intriguing battle down his side against Portugal left back Fabio Coentrao. The first half was even, but after the break the Real Madrid man caused problem after problem for his opposite number with his forays forward. Almost scored a fine goal but was foiled by Eduardo.
Juan (Brazil)
Arguably the defender of the tournament so far in South Africa. The centre-back was unbeatable during the 3-0 win over Chile, making countless interceptions and decisive tackles to shut out the normally lively Chile attack. To cap a superb defensive display, his magnificent header set Brazil on their way.
Gabriel Heinze (Argentina)
Was highlighted as a weak point in the Argentina defence prior to the World Cup, but so far the Marseille man has impressed at left back. Worked hard all night in the 4-1 thrashing of Mexico, performed a couple of great covering tackles at the back and was superb going forward to boot.
Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
It’s clear that the Bayern Munich player is still not 100 per cent fit, but that makes it all the more frightening the quality he can produce. The wing wizard produced that extra bit of quality to break the deadlock in the 2-1 win over Slovakia, cutting in from the right for a trademark 20-yard strike. Went close to a second after half time.
Ramires (Brazil)
Felipe Melo may find it difficult to get back in the Brazil team after Ramires’ dominant showing in the last 16. The Benfica man’s tackling was spot on, and his drives from midfield were magnificent, not least when he tore Chile apart before teeing up Robinho for the third goal.
Kevin Prince Boateng (Ghana)
The best player on the pitch during Ghana’s historic extra time 2-1 win over the United States. Opened the scoring with a first goal for his country, striking home from the edge of the box after one of countless pushes forward.
Has almost certainly earned himself the Young Player of the Tournament award after yet another man-of-the-match showing. Tore England to shreds during the 4-1 thrashing, locating space in the hole and creating chance after chance. His dribbling and movement left the Three Lions for dead so many times, including when he burst past Gareth Barry to set up the fourth goal for Mueller.
Thomas Mueller (Germany)
Two goals and an assist from the talented youngster is all that is required to explain why he is in Team of the Round. The starlet’s trickery and movement was too much for Ashley Cole, and he also set up Miroslav Klose for another great chance in the first half.
Carlos Tevez (Argentina)
Has been waiting to explode in South Africa, and finally did so against Mexico. His first goal may have been scandalously offside, but there was no debate about his second as he lashed home a thunderbolt from outside the area into the top corner. Explosive performance.
Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
Started the tournament a little slowly, but has now well and truly woken up. Scored the opening goal in the 2-1 win over South Korea with a deceptively difficult finish from a tight angle. Then arrived his masterpiece with ten minutes remaining, bending home a stunning winner from the edge of the box. He was lively throughout and outshone Diego Forlan.
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