WC Stars Who've Disappointed

SI Staff | Jul 6, 2010

WC Stars Who've Disappointed /

WC Stars Who've Disappointed

Franck Ribery

Ribery's club team Bayern reportedly turned down an offer from Real Madrid last summer for $100 million, such was his value at the time. However, a poor club season, tinged with off-the-field scandal and an anonymous World Cup makes that price tag look laughable now.

Nicolas Anelka

Anelka (left) had yearned for years to be France's go-to-guy at striker. However a disappointing World Cup (he had zero shots on target) ended in disgrace after he was sent home early for cursing at the coach.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz's ultra-defensive setup did Ronaldo no favors, but once again the winger failed to perform on the biggest stage.

Nemanja Vidic

Much-fancied dark horse Serbia was one of the biggest flops, and Vidic (right) looked shaky throughout, even giving away a penalty against Germany with a mindless handball.

Alexander Frei

Switzerland's all-time leading goal-scorer not only failed to make an impact for Switzerland, he was demoted from the starting lineup for some games too.

Humberto Suazo

Considered one of the keys to an explosive Chile offense, Suazo (left) had impressed in World Cup qualifying with plenty of goals. During the tournament however, he was slowed by injury and unimpressive when he did see action.

Alberto Gilardino

Gilardino (left) was ineffective, blunt and failed to add a cutting edge to an increasingly old and toothless Italian team.

Deco

Expected to be the guile and brains behind Portugal's attack, the long-time playmaker found himself marginalized and benched (supposedly due to injury) as Portugal's misfiring offense failed to score any goals except in a one-game outburst against minnows North Korea.

Fernando Torres

Spain's golden boy Torres has also yet to score, but at least has the excuse of only just having recovered from knee surgery a week before the tournament started. It's been obvious to observers that he's clearly not close to match-fit.

Harry Kewell

One of Australia's two big stars, Kewell (left) missed the Socceroos' first game through injury and then in the second game, was red-carded early on in the first half.

Marek Hamsik

Touted as the next big thing in midfield, Slovak star Marek Hamsik (right) disappointed -- failing to flash his trademark box-to-box runs and finishing.

Rafael van der Vaart

Van der Vaart (left) is exceptionally gifted but has failed to distinguish himself in games where he replaced Arjen Robben. The Dutch attack has looked far more lively when Eljero Elia and not van der Vaart plays out on the left wing.

Steven Pienaar

Bafana Bafana were relying on their captain and key playmaker Pienaar to carry the team at the World Cup. However, Pienaar appeared heavy-legged and tired throughout and just a shadow of the form he displayed at Everton.

Wayne Rooney

Rated by some pundits as arguably the best player in the world after an incredible season at Manchester United, Rooney failed to live up to expectations. Not only did he fail to score a goal, he appeared only half-fit and cantankerous throughout.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni

In what was a disappointing tournament as a whole for Africa, none was more disappointing than Nigeria. Star striker Yakubu (left) personified the dire campaign with his astonishing miss of an open goal from just three yards out.

Published Jul 6, 2010

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