STAR STRIKERS FAIL TO SHINE IN THE OPENING WEEK

Castrol Performance data shows that the main strikers of the 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM have not hit the heights for their countries so far. None of the star names in the table below have found the net or delivered a single assist.

One of the biggest disappointments of the first set of games was Samuel Eto’o. The Cameroon striker was left isolated on the right hand side against Japan and his performance was highlighted by the fact that he had more throw-ins (3) than shots (1) in the entire 90 minutes.

Wayne Rooney did not have a single shot on target against the USA, the first time this has happened to the England striker since April 2009, in a FIFA World Cup^TM qualifier against Ukraine. Similarly, his ex-colleague at Manchester United Cristiano Ronaldo continues his barren form with Portugal. After failing to score or deliver in assist during the qualifying campaign, he struck a post early on against Ivory Coast and completed only 59% of passes, the worst ratio of any player in that game.

Didier Drogba came on during that game against Portugal but could not make the difference, failing to unleash a single shot during his 24-minute cameo.

One of the few shining lights emerging is Lionel Messi who had eight shots, including four on target against Nigeria. However, the Ballon d’Or has now failed to score in open play in his last 10 games for Argentina. His new Barcelona teammate David Villa suffered a shock defeat against Switzerland, completing a miserly 55% of passes.

Meanwhile, Kaka made a quiet entrance, helping Brazil to a narrow victory against North Korea. He found the target with his only shot of the game but failed to complete any of his six crosses.

Finally Robin van Persie, like the whole Netherlands team, was not firing on all cylinders in their opening game against Denmark. Even though it was his cross that triggered the own goal from Daniel Agger, none of his three shots tested Thomas Sorensen.

For Player comparisons – 2010 FIFA World Cup^{TM
please see attached word document}