World Cup Veterans to Watch

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
May 30, 2006

World Cup Veterans to Watch

Mohammed Al-Deayea

He won't even be starting in goal -- that task will be left to capable teammate Mabrouk Zaid. But Al-Deayea's experience is unparalleled: He's the world's all-time leader in international appearances (181 caps) and is one of two Saudis to make their fourth-straight World Cup team.

Claudio Su&#225;rez

"El Emperador" (right) was a surprise 11th-hour call-up by head coach Ricardo Lavolpe, who was impressed by Suárez's impeccable work ethic. Mexico's all-time leader in caps is getting his reward, even if it comes four years after the fact -- the defender was all but assured his third straight appearance in '02 but broke his leg in the months leading up to the Cup.

Ali Daei

The most prolific scorer in international history is older, but he hasn't lost much of his nose for the net. He has 107 goals through 134 caps and once scored four times in an Asian Cup match against South Korea in '96.

Philip Cocu

It's been eight years since powerful Holland was last in a World Cup, and the Oranje's main winger is eager to atone for what might have been: Cocu missed his penalty kick as the Netherlands bowed to Brazil in a shootout loss in the '98 semis.

Luis Figo

Amazing to think that the former European and World Player of the Year has been to only one World Cup. His encore could be his last, and the once-dominant winger is looking to put Portugal's reputation as a big-stage choke artist to rest.

Carlos Gamarra

The hard-nosed defender and Paraguayan captain is appearing in his third straight World Cup. He'll anchor a tough back line that will have to face some of the most potent attackers in the tournament.

Cafu

Brazil's captain is also his country's all-time leader in caps, and will be making his fourth consecutive World Cup appearance. A third title during Cafu's reign in the back line would tie him for most in national-team history, alongside Pelé.

Kasey Keller

The Americans' rock in goal is probably the best weapon Team USA has -- Keller didn't allow a goal through five straight matches during qualifying. He also famously shut out a Romario-led Brazilian team at the '98 Gold Cup. Even though he was left off the '94 World Cup team, this will be Keller's fourth trip.

Zinedine Zidane

Zizou became a national treasure after guiding Les Bleus to the '98 World Cup title on France's own home turf. Now he's a senior member of an aging team looking for one more shot at glory -- Zidane will retire at the conclusion of Germany '06.

Jens Lehmann

Head coach Jürgen Klinsmann's decision to start Lehmann in goal over '02 hero Oliver Kahn caused a national hysteria in the host nation -- which wasn't helped by Lehmann's ejection that ultimately doomed Arsenal in the Champions League final. But when he keeps his fiery temper in check, Lehmann can be one of the world's finest 'keepers.

World Cup Veterans to Watch