Photos: World Cup’s Top 20 players

The brain at the center of Barcelona’s recent successes and key to Spain’s European Championship triumph in 2008, Xavi will again conduct the Spanish orchestra at the World Cup.  (Josep Lago / Getty Images)

Without Rooney to provide the punch up front, England will go nowhere in South Africa. But fortunately for England fans, the Manchester United striker has hit peak form this season.  (Magi Haroun / EPA)

Luis Fabiano is Brazil’s and Sevilla’s main strike threat and was the top goal scorer at the 2009 Confederations Cup.  (Cristina Quicler / Getty Images)

Regarded as the world’s No. 1 goalkeeper, Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon gave up only two goals when Italy won it all in 2006.  (Vincento Pinto / Getty Images)

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres scored the winner for Spain against Germany in the Euro 2008 final and is deadly in the box.  (Tim Hales / Associated Press)

Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder has a lethal free kick and gained experience with the Netherlands at the 2006 World Cup.  (Andreas Solaro / Getty Images)

Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery boasts speed, skill and top-flight finishing ability that gives France a quick-strike threat.  (Oliver Lang / Getty Images)

Barcelona veteran Adres Iniesta’s technical skill and vision have led to England’s Rooney calling the Spanish midfielder the best in the world.  (Francois Mori / Associated Press)

Africa’s reigning player of the year, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba has size, strength and a particularly fearsome shot that makes Ivory Coast a force.  (Glyn Kirk / Getty Images)

Chelsea’s Frank Lampard is the best passer on England’s team, directing play from 18-yard box to 18-yard box. When needed, he’ll play an attacking role.  (Adrian Dennis / Getty Images)

The AC Milan “Architect” is indispensable to Italy, running the offense from his center midfield position. He was a big part of the Italian’s run to the 2006 World Cup title.  (Claudio Onorati / EPA)

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has the second-most appearances in Spanish history with 102.  (Paul White / Associated Press)

Like Messi, Tevez has an Olympic gold medal, won in Athens in 2004, but the Manchester City striker wants the biggest prize in soccer and is a big reason that Argentina is a favorite in South Africa.  (Andrew Yates / Getty Images)

Safe hands and quick reactions make Inter Milan’s Cesar the undoubted first choice for Brazil, which enters another World Cup competition as one of the favorites.  (Fabrizio Giovannozzi / Associated Press)

Samuel Eto’o of Inter Milan -- and formerly of Barcelona -- is one of the most accomplished strikers in African soccer history with 44 goals in international competition as he leads Cameroon into another World Cup competition.  (Christophe Simon / Getty Images)

Pace and a deadly shot have earned Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben championships in England, Spain and the Netherlands, which will be a contender in South Africa with the attacking midfielder leading the way.  (Matthias Schrader / Associated Press)

This will be Brazilian playmaker Kaka’s third World Cup and his final chance to make an impact on the world stage. The 2007 FIFA player of the year was on the 2002 World Cup championship team although he did not see much action.  (Alberto Martin / EPA)

The world’s most expensive player cost Real Madrid $132 million, but has been in the shadow of Rooney and Messi. Portugal hopes this will all change at the World Cup.  (Daniel Ochoa de Olza / Associated Press)

Michael Essien is the rock around which Ghana’s team is constructed. The star midfielder for Chelsea, known as the ‘Bison’ for his tough play, can push forward to lead the attack or pull back to anchor the defense.  (Carl de Souza / Getty Images)