TEAMtalk Soccers -second round World Cup review

The World Cup second round is now complete - and Rob McCarthy hands out TEAMtalk Soccer awards to Maxi Rodriguez and Ronaldo among others.

GOAL OF THE ROUND

There's no point even debating what the strike of the second round was - step forward Maxi Rodriguez and collect your gong.

An exciting clash between Mexico and Argentina looked as if it could have been heading for penalties - but thankfully the game was ended in a more dignified way when the winger trapped the ball on his chest on the right edge of the area and unleashed a spectacular left-footed volley that flew into the far corner and sparked wild celebrations in Leipzig and Buenos Aires.

Of course there were other contenders - David Beckham finally coming to the World Cup party with his splendid free-kick against Ecuador,

Maniche's goal helping Portugal win their battle, literally, with Holland and Zinedine Zidane's classy third for France against Spain - but there's no taxi for Maxi at this awards ceremony.

MAGIC MOMENT OF THE ROUND

No it's not Becks chucking up - more of a tragic moment that.

Although there could be some advertising potential there!

Now for the winner.

He may be a stone, or two, overweight and not quite the player he once was but for becoming the record goalscorer in World Cup finals history, the award has to go to Brazil striker Ronaldo.



Once again the other 'Big Ron' failed to sparkle as Carlos Alberto Pareira's men saw off Ghana in Tuesday's last-16 clash, although a lot of that was down to the performance, spirit and endeavor shown by the 'African Brazil' - if only they could finish.

The Real Madrid marksman took his goal superbly to notch up his 15th in finals and go ahead of legendary German Gerd Muller - and in Das Bomber's own backyard.

Now for the big question - did Big Ron celebrate with a Big Mac!

PLAYER OF THE ROUND

England weren't at their best again in beating Ecuador on Sunday but for me it was the return to form of Ashley Cole that stood out - particularly the moment he could well have kept us in the competition.

The Arsenal full-back was outstanding in Japan and Korea four years ago and performed admirably at Euro 2004, but so far in Germany he has lacked those lung-busting displays up and down the left flank that we all know him for as he fights his way back to full fitness - that was until Sunday's game.

Cole showed unbelievable pace to make up fully 30 yards and perfectly time a tackle to prevent Carlos Tenorio giving the South Americans an early lead - if there was an award for 'tackle of the tournament' it's surely up there. Cheryl would have been proud!

Mr Tweedy also got forward at every available opportunity to give England valuable width in what was a narrow new 4-5-1 formation against Ecuador.

King Cole is back - long live the King!

QUOTE OF THE ROUND

There were some absolute belters again in this category.

David Beckham blatantly name-dropping after grabbing England's winner against Ecuador: "Roberto Carlos texted me to score a goal for him so I am more than happy." Aaah!

Big Phil Scolari even got in on the act when talking about Luis Figo's headbutt on Mark van Bommel in the 'battle of Leipzig': "Jesus Christ said we should turn the other cheek. Unfortunately, Luis Figo is not Jesus Christ." Really!



But the award goes to Frenchman Eric Abidal ahead of the Spain game.

The defender was clearly up for the contest, but footballs that kill might be taking it too far!: "It's warfare and it's kill or be killed. Not literally of course as you can't kill with a football." Thank goodness!

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