We've had the bitter, angsty World Cup posts, so let's all take a breather from disappointment and anger and foul language, and learn to appreciate the finer and more beautiful aspects of the tourney.

So, this is my holiday assignment oh-so-kindly granted by Mary and Sioki. So, what they wanted me to do was to shortlist the hunkiest footballers of the World Cup, so that they can ogle and drool, and vote on the top ten or something like that. I'm not too sure either. At least I got to practice my Photoshop skills.

But anyway, I (finally) completed my task, and here are the stuff, so even though I think only the both of them will be voting, everyone who wants to vote, go to the bottom of this post, and click on COMMENTS, and 'Post A Comment'. Then, put your top eleven in order. It doesn't matter what you're voting for. It could be looks, skills, or simply just if you like the fella. You can stay anonymous or tell me your name, it doesn't matter. Just go vote, because it will be rather sad if only Mary and Siokkwan votes. -_-" Right? Right? Right.

Here goes, in alphabetical order.


Anders Svensson - Sweden. Peaked at previous World Cup. Disappeared from the EPL after Southampton got relegated.



Andrea Barzagli - Italy defender. Plays for Palermo, and was a product of their academy.



Arne Friedrich - German defender who has made his impending and solid presence on the right flank known throughout this tournament. Also the captain of his club, Hertha Berlin.



Carlos Bocanegra - USA & Fulham defender. Put in good solid performance this time round. Reliable on the flank for the States and in the centre of defense for Fulham.



David Beckham - England no. 7; Real Madrid, and now known as the ex-England captain who was once affectionately nicknamed Goldenballs by the English press. Isn't his son cute?



David Odonkor - Germany midfielder who's scarily speedy. For Siokkwan because she likes him & bald guys.



Freddie Ljungberg - Sweden; Arsenal midfielder. Widely remembered for his flaming red mohican. One of Arsenal's prolific players, and sometimes hailed as Wenger's best attainment.



Hidetoshi Nakata - Japan & currently, Bolton midfielder. Midfielder who can be called upon to bring the goals, and often cited as the East's version of David Beckham. Easily the most recognisable member of the Japanese squad.



Iker Casillas - Spain & Real's goalie. I think the only keeper in here. Reliable, and one of many capable goalkeepers Spain is lucky of having.



Joe Cole - England & Chelsea midfielder. Has been exciting down the left flank at this World Cup, and will be well remembered for that chested cracker against Sweden.



John Terry - England defender, Chelsea captain, and has the highest chance of donning the England armband after the stepping down of Becks. Also known as JT to the other English footballers. Undoubtedly England's most reliable centreback at the moment.



Kaka - Brazilian prodigy, and easily the best looking football player that Brazil has ever produced in its history on the pitch. Exciting midfielder who troubles defences at any chance.



Landon Donovan - USA. Prolific playmaker; had a spell with Bayern Munich, but has returned to his country to play club football there. My hero of the World Cup '02.



Lucas Neill - Australian and Blackburn defender. Solid and strong, known for tough tackles.



Lukas Podolski - Germany striker who netted two quickfire goals against Sweden. At only 20, he is one of the German young players who managed to make an impact in this tournament. Also plays for FC Cologne. Explosive shooting, physical strength and bursts of acceleration, he is often cited the answer to Germany's Rooney. Vote for him. He rocks.



Marcell Jansen - Germany defender. Another one of Klinsmann's youngsters. Plays on the left, but often pushes forward to attack.



Michael Ballack - Germany captain, and newly purchased Chelsea trophy. If you don't know who this guy is, you need to crawl out from under that coconut shell. Seriously.



Michael Carrick - England & Spurs midfielder, most recently linked with a move to the Red Devils. Only got one match in this World Cup, but put in a good show nonetheless.



Michael Owen - England & Newcastle striker plagued by injury. Once known as Liverpool's favourite son, but that changed after a non-fruitful move to Real Madrid.



Miroslav Klose - Germany. Currently, this World Cup's top scorer. One of Sioki's favourites so if I didn't put him in...



Philip Lahm - Germany & Bayern Munich. One of this tournament's young surprises, he has been nothing but consistent, solid and passionate. Definitely one to watch in the near future. Plus, he's damn photogenic, weih.



Rafael van der Vaart - Holland. At only 23 years of age, he has been constantly been linked to legend, Johan Cruyff. Versatile, with an adaptive style of play, he currently hones his craft at Germany's Hamburg.



Robin van Persie - Holland; Arsenal striker. Whoa. Double whoa. Stiker with a finishing instinct and creative play; sometimes compared to fellow countryman, Dennis Bergkamp.



Roque Santa Cruz - Paraguay & Bayern Munich striker. A mature player, he earned his first cap at only seventeen years of age; and is often said to be Paraguay's most talented product.



Ruud van Nistelrooy - Holland; Man Utd striker. Usually scores a bulk of the EPL's goals until the falling out with Sir Alex F. Future at Old Trafford up in the air.



Sebastian Kehl - Germany. One of the younger players who debuted at the previous World Cup, he has since made a name in the German squad for being consistent and technical. He earns his trade with Borussia Dortmund, and has been involved with certain charitable causes, including being against child prostitution.



Sabrosa Simao - Portugal. I don't like Portugal, but this fella's okay. Attacking midfielder who plays for Benfica; has long been chased by Rafael Benitez for a possible move to Liverpool.



Steven Gerrard - England midfielder; Liverpool captain. Known as Stevie G. Also needs no further introduction. An inspiration on the pitch, both vocally and physically, he led Liverpool to be the champions of Europe. Also in the running to be England's new captain.



Tranquillo Barnetta - Switzerland. Sharmin's recommendation. Young & versatile, plays at Bayer Leverkusen.



Xavier Margairaz - Switzerland & FC Zurich midfielder. Just won Zurich's Player of the Year award.



He was initially in, but fuhgeddaboutit. Ugh. Yongsui.

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So, list me your top eleven, in order, 1 being your favourite - since well, there are 11 in a team and all that. I'm waiting.