Nothing indicates the arrival of a World Cup quite like the paraphernalia.
The sticker books, the video games and, obviously, the vuvuzelas – it’s the tat that comes with the World Cup that truly makes it the greatest tournament on Earth.
Naturally, FACT wanted to jump on the bandwagon, and frustrated by the official Top Trumps cards for South Africa 2010 (only two stats to choose from, Attack and Defence? Johan Cryuff sporting a 91 for the former while Carvalho rolls with a 98 in the latter?), we thought we’d make our own alternative set, drawing on music rather than footy.
And here, dear reader, is your first pack. Ten players from Chile, Brazil, Germany, the USA, England, Holland and host nation South Africa, and of course, a highly collectable Classic Player card in holographic ‘shiny’ form. Enjoy, and feel free to make and suggest your own Trumps in the comments section.
Name: Ricardo Villalobos & Luciano
Country: Chile
Position: Attacking Midfielders
Attack: 80
Defence: 35
Stamina: 90
Skill: 85
Strength: 20
Consistency: 55
Comparison: South Americans, unstoppable at the start of the last decade but out of favour after a few years in the wilderness. Still capable of greatness. Think: Juan Sebastian Veron.
Name: Gui Borrato
Country: Brazil
Position: Striker
Attack: 65
Defence: 20
Stamina: 40
Skill: 85
Strength: 20
Consistency: 55
Comparison: Brazilian forward, capable of beautiful stuff but a bit lightweight for the Premiership. Think: Robinho.
Name: Kyle Hall
Country: USA
Position: Winger
Attack: 80
Defence: 50
Skill: 80
Strength: 65
Consistency: 70
Comparison: American wunderkind with the stage set for him to take the tournament by storm. Or he could end up doing nothing and going to Benfica. Think: Freddy Adu.
Name: Matthew Dear
Country: USA
Position: Goalkeeper
Attack: 20
Defence: 80
Skill: 65
Strength: 80
Consistency: 90
Comparison: His self-belief can lead to mistakes, but generally solid. Adaptable, dependable, and his big hands make him a king between the sticks. Think: Brad Friedel.
Name: Aardvarck
Country: Holland
Position: Winger
Attack: 75
Defence: 30
Skill: 85
Strength: 25
Consistency: 50
Comparison: Questions remain over his fitness, but if he can stay away from the bong he can be one of the tournament’s best. Think: Arjen Robben.
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