Team of the second round of group games

This is the eleven I would pick after watching all the second round of group games. [Please note in a couple of instances I have played a player on the opposite flank to his favoured position - that is because there were two stand-outs in the one position and none on the opposite flank!]

I am employing a 3-5-2 formation

Goalkeeper: Paston (New Zealand) - no goalkeeper stood out in the second round with an outstanding array of saves (like Enyeama did in the first) but it would be hard to go past Mark Paston. He faced up to World Champions Italy and pulled off around half a dozen top quality saves that ensured minnows New Zealand would earn a point. He conceded one goal in the game - unable to save a sweetly struck Iaquinta penalty.

Honourable mentions: Stojkovic marshalled his defence well in a shock victory for Serbia against Germany, and is one of few goalkeepers who can boast a German penalty save. Benaglio also had a very good game for Switzerland against Chile

Defence

Fullbacks: Salcido (Mexico) and Coentrao (Portugal) both had stunning games. Salcido had attacked France superbly, leaving them at sixes and sevens, and defended very well too. Coentrao had an equally good attacking and defending game although that was against North Korea.

Honourable mention: Ramos was quality for Spain against Honduras.

Centre-back: Nelsen (New Zealand) was captain fantastic for New Zealand against Italy. He stopped everything that Italy threw in his way including an amazing block in the dying minutes of the match. He also marshalled his fellow defence brilliantly to ensure they found no way through.

Honourable mention: Subotic defended magnificently for Serbia in their clean sheet against Germany.

Midfield

Wingers: Krasic (Serbia) tormented the German defence setting up the goal with a perfect cross and providing many more opportunities for his side. Rommedahl (Denmark) was surely his side's man of the match against Cameroon. He set up Bendtner's goal with a fantastic square ball and also scored a goal with an absolutely delightful and inch perfect finish.

Defensive midfielder: Marquez (Mexico) was extremely solid in defence against the French and set up the Mexican's first goal with a delicious long ball to Javier Hernandez.

Honourable mention: Felipe Melo had a sterling game for Brazil against the Ivory Coast.

Central/Attacking midfielders: Birsa (Slovenia) was always threatening in his match against the USA and scored a long-range stunner as well. Tiago (Portugal) was the creative hub against North Korea and topped it off with two nice goals of his own.

Honourable mentions: Jovanovic (Serbia) who finished nicely and was always creative against Germany. Montolivio was the man who looked most likely for Italy to break New Zealand down. Pulled out some good long-range efforts too.

Strikers

The 'second striker' role: Messi (Argentina) was the key man for all four goals against South Korea. He played an irresistable match. In this line up he plays behind the front man and will provide beautiful link-up play and shots.

The 'front man': Forlan (Uruguay) scored two goals against South Africa but not only that he created opportunities for his team-mates too. He was heavily involved in any good play that they produced.

Honourable mentions: Villa scored two goals for Spain against Honduras - one of which was a wonderful finish. Although he did miss a penalty. Fabiano scored two goals for Brazil against the Ivory Coast. Both were very good finishes although he appeared to handle twice before unleashing for his second goal.

Player Profile Number 1: Rafael Marquez

I am going to profile one player from each group who I believe will make a big impact on that group or indeed on the World Cup in general. I am not going to choose the likes of Messi, Rooney, Ronaldo etc - they will be someone who is perhaps less celebrated worldwide but crucial nevertheless.

My player for Group A is Rafael Marquez of Mexico.

To me it feels like Marquez has been around forever, yet he is only 31. I watched him closely at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and I have watched him play a number of times for Barcelona who he joined from Monaco in 2003 for 5 million euros (what a bargain!). He is my favourite Mexican player, a team for whom I have a soft spot that I cannot explain.

Marquez is generally a centre-back. I say generally because whilst that is his best and usual position he offers a versatility that means he has also filled in quite successfully at right-back and defensive midfield. At centre-back he reads the game so well and is calm, composed and self-assured on the tackle and distributes the ball intelligently. He has an excellent cross-field ball and is strong in the air.

He is also Mexican captain and has been for many years. He is a true leader that leads by example and he marshalls his troops very well. He has made a total of 327 appearances in the league for Atlas, Monaco and Barcelona, 57 in European competitions and has 88 international caps.

Despite being a defender Marquez has contributed important goals for whoever he has played. He is more prolific at international level for whom he has ten. Don't be surprised if he adds another during the World Cup.

Marquez is mature, utterly dependable and an all round excellent player who is even capable of the spectacular. One doesn't become a mainstay for a mesmerising team like Barcelona without being a quality player. A brilliant centre-half and a consummate professional. Good luck for the World Cup Rafa.