NOUGHTIES
Formation: 4-4-2GK #1 Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon was near-unstoppable at the 2006 World Cup, and that was a major factor in Italy's victory. Despite Juventus's scandal, he stayed faithful to his club and recently helped them win back-to-back titles.
DF #17 Cannavaro
Fabio Cannavaro was the foundation of the Italian defense and the national team's captain in the '00s. After being there for a great period with Parma, he led Juventus to a pair of titles, and he did the same for Real Madrid after Juve's were stripped.
DF #14 Nesta
Alessandro Nesta was one of the best defensive players in the world at the height of his powers. After elevating Lazio to new heights, he went to Milan and won the Champions League twice. A member of the '06 World Cup champs, he now plays in Montreal.
DF #6 Terry
John Terry has been captain for Chelsea in their recent run of league-and-cup-winning performances, including their 2012 Champions League title. A very accurate passer, he was England's only 2006 World Cup All-Star.
DF #5 Puyol
Born and raised in Catalonia, Carles Puyol has been the captain of Barcelona for nine years and led them to three titles at the Champions League. A strong, tenacious defender, he is one of the reasons Spain has been such a winner internationally.
MF #13 Ballack
Michael Ballack has had various degrees of success with his various clubs, including four Bundesliga titles and three times bringing always-losing Leverkusen within reach. For Germany, he led the 2002 World Cup field in assists.
MF #10 Totti
Francesco Totti can be an attacking midfielder or a second striker. His scoring and passing led Roma to a Serie A title in 2001, and he helped Italy win the 2006 World Cup with metal plates in his broken leg.
MF #8 Veron
Juan Sebastian Veron made creative contributions to Lazio as they pulled off a double in 2000, and if nothing else, he was there for titles won by Man United and by Inter. He helped Argentina go deep in the '98 World Cup.
MF #80 Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho was great at getting goals and assists at his peak. A 42-yard free kick that found the net is just one of many things he did for Brazil at the 2002 World Cup. He flourished at Barcelona, winning awards for himself and for his club.
FW #7 Shevchenko
Andriy Shevchenko first got noticed bringing Dynamo Kiev to the Champions League. His hot scoring continued with Milan as he brought them a league title and a Champions League crown. With 48 goals, he's set a standard for the young nation of Ukraine.
FW #9 Ronaldo
Ronaldo was considered the Pele of the late '90s and '00s when it came to Brazilian players. A high scorer whose health often failed him, he was a difference-maker in one way at the 2002 World Cup and in a more unfortunate way in '98.
Substitutes
FW #22 Ruud van Nistelrooy
FW #11 Raul
FW #12 Thierry Henry
MF #24 Patrick Vieira
MF #23 David Beckham
Note: All four defenders are center backs and all four midfielders are second strikers. I need to make different selections.
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