So how does anyone defeat Spain?

Who are they?

So, in our ongoing look at the small clubs who once reigned supreme, we’ve got to ask “Who the heck are Saint-Étienne?”

As you can see from the graph above, each of the five teams has taken a different path to building its 24 man squad.

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World Cup 2010 Absentees XI

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Goalkeeper

Petr Cech. Euro 2004 semi-finalists the Czech Republic fell way short of the mark in qualifying finishing third in a relatively easy group behind Slovakia and Slovenia. Yet to return to his powers pre-head injury, the Chelsea keeper still possesses one of the safest pairs of hands in football and will be sorely missed in South Africa.

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Defenders

Ivan Cordoba. The four-time Serie A winner and 10-year Inter veteran captained his nation the last time they reached the World Cup in 1998. This time around, Colombia fell one point short of Uruguay in the race for the South American play-off berth, possibly signaling the end of Cordoba’s international career.

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Dmytro Chygrynskiy. On the back of UEFA Cup success with Shakhtar Donetsk, the giant and agile Chygrynskiy shot to fame as a €25 million signing for Barca. However, Ukraine’s failure to beat Greece in their recent Euro qualifying play-off prevents football fans from assessing one of the next generation’s star central defenders,

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Daniel Van Buyten. Having acquired 48 caps in an 8-year career with Belgium, the Bayern defender, and occasional striker, has become a linchpin for the national side. His country’s poor form in qualifying, including 6 losses in 10 games, sees Van Buyten’s versatility and goal threat relegated to the sidelines next summer.

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Thomas Vermaelen. Axnother classy Belgian defender. Vermaelen’s career began at Ajax but he shot to fame after his move to Arsenal. The tall, free-scoring Gunner has impressed at international level. Unable to prevent Belgium finishing 4th in their group, Vermaelen’s energy and dynamism would have been welcome in Africa.

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Midfielders

Luka Modric. The pint-sized midfield maestro broke his leg in an early season clash against Birmingham and his injury has coincided with a string of feeble national team results. While Crotia’s exclusion next summer bars a host of talented players from showing off their gifts, it is Modric’s flair that will be most deeply craved.

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Yossi Benayoun. In the absence of go-to-guys Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, Benayoun has provided the only spark to Liverpool’s play this season. Israel have been not so lucky as captain Yossi failed to inspire his nation to qualification success. A highly-technical player whose vision and touch would light up any tournament.

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Antonio Valencia. The United winger and Ronaldo stop-gap has grown into his role at Old Trafford with his incessant speed and attacking instinct. But he won’t be playing next summer. Ecuador were almost perfect at home losing once in 9 games but away from Quito they were awful; losing 5 and conceding 5 to Brazil and Paraguay.

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Attackers

Andrei Arshavin. A true genius of the modern game who can crack one from 20 yards into the top corner or weave through a packed penalty area and provide the killer pass. Russia’s shock loss in Slovenia sees the Euro 2008 hotshots fail to build on their recent success and prevents the world’s audience from again witnessing Arshavin’s wizardry.

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Edin Dzeko. The hugely gifted, Bosnia & Herzegovina frontman has formed a telepathic partnership with countryman Zvjezdan Misimovic at Werder Bremen. But the Dragons failure to overturn Portugal in the Euro play-offs means the highly sought after Dzeko will have to wait until Euro 2012 to announce his arrival on the international stage.

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Emmanuel Adebayor. Probably the best player missing from next summer’s festivities, say what you may about the man, but the Manchester City striker is capable of changing a game by himself. An absolute nightmare for defenders: supreme skill and crafty touch combined. The Togolese goal-grabber Adebayor may never play in a World Cup.

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Manager

Guus Hiddink. The Dutch master has a reputation as a tactical genius who can inspire players to perform far above their stock. Although Slovenia sent Hiddink’s Russia packing in a bad-tempered second-leg play-off in Maribor, rumors suggest Guus may yet make it to Africa… as coach of Argentina.

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Substitutions: Shay Given (Goalkeeper – Republic of Ireland). Yuri Zhirkov (Defender – Russia). Axel Witsel (Midfielder – Belgium). Alan Dzagoev (Midfielder – Russia). Robbie Keane (Striker – Republic of Ireland). Eduardo (Striker – Croatia). Dimitar Berbatov (Striker – Bulgaria).

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Other quirky first XIs:

England XI – World Cup 2014

Premier League “Failures” XI

Purple means the transfer was a step up for the player (based on his previous team’s league and league position.)

Grey means the transfer was a step down.

A few points of note:

While Sheikh Mansour’s reign began with a big splash by his signing of Robinho, Roman’s purchase of Glen Johnson indicated a more methodical approach to team building. Although it must be said that Roman could afford that luxury as he already had the spine of his team in place – with Carlo Cudicini, John Terry, and Frank Lampard.

Sheikh Mansour has spent a staggering £174.9m on his Man City XI, a considerable increase on Roman’s £110m Chelsea XI.

When you’re a billionaire flush with lots of cash to spend on footballers, the tiny little voice in your head must say, “Wayne Bridge looks rather tasty.”

After six years since the Abramovich takeover, Joe Cole is the only initial purchase still with the club. Only three others ever became starters over an extended period of time – Wane Bridge, Damien Duff and Claude Makelele.

It would be fair to say that Roman’s strategy was a success because Chelsea won the league in his second season. But judging Sheikh Mansour by that measure is a little unfair considering his team has a much greater gap to make up in the table.

Man City’s list is top-heavy with attackers, while Chelsea’s is dominated by midfielders.

Chelsea lineup includes six from the Premier League, five of whom are from the British Isles; Man City on the other hand has bought nine from the Premier League, including five from the British Isles.

While Chelsea mainly cherry-picked from lower teams, Man City strategically snatched players from its direct rivals including Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea itself.

Sheikh Mansour - Throwing cash at the cause

Forget about 2010 when the England team will be crap, too old, still hindered by the Lamps-Gerrard conundrum. Let’s fast forward to 2014 when the Three Lions will have a real shot at the cup…

Following the disappointment of narrowly losing to France in the final of Euro 2012, England, with boss Martin O’Neill at the helm, arrive in Brazil buoyed by a near perfect qualifying campaign and amongst the favorites to go the distance this time around.’

England go into battle armed with bright talents, quick minds and time honored experience. The chance to create legend is only a handful of victories away.

England XI - World Cup 2014

Goalkeeper:

Joe Harte (27) – Commanding prescence. Tired of playing back-up to Shay Given at Manchester City, Harte joins Tottenham and never looks back. Going on to enjoy cup success with Spurs, Harte brings experience and composure to the England goal.

Defenders:

Michael Mancienne (26) –  Cool and collective. Having made his Chelsea debut at the age of 21 and first called up to the squad by former manager Fabio Capello, Mancienne dislodges Ashley Cole at Stamford Bridge before seizing his England spot.

Micah Richards (26) – A controversial choice. Richards’ numerous brushes with the law have often overshadowed his enormous football talent. Moved to Liverpool after being frozen out by then Manchester City manager Frank Rijkaard, he provides muscle, passion and speed to the back line.

Glenn Johnson (29) – Well traveled pro. Started his career with West Ham United, Johnson spent time at Chelsea, Portsmouth and Liverpool before signing at Aston Villa and establishing himself as the most consistent right wing-back in the league.

Fabian Delph (24) – Young starlet. In the end Ken Bates couldn’t hold on and the Leeds man jumped ship for the bright lights of Manchester United. Took a while to bed into the senior squad but following high praise in the qualifiers, Delph has established himself as a first choice.

Midfielders:

Ashley Young (28) – Old head. Following several outstanding seasons at Villa, Chelsea brought Young back to London following a Premier League record 38 million pound move. And Young did not disappoint delivering back-to-back Premier League titles. One of the first names on the team sheet, Young is a model professional on and off the pitch.

Dan Gosling (24) – Tireless composure. Former Plymouth star and current Everton favorite, Gosling produced several solid displays for England during Euro 2012 and has been keeping the more experienced James Milner out of the team.

Jack Rodwell (22) – Tower of Power. Another Everton youth product, Rodwell made the climb up from the U21 squad with ease. Despite contract negotiations with the Toffees stalling amid recent interest from Newcastle, Rodwell’s performances have not suffered. He provides strength and agility in midfield.

Theo Walcott (24) – The Jewel in the crown. Walcott established himself as one of the best players in world football when he was voted European footballer of the year following Arsenal’s triumph in the Champions League. Long time vice-captain, Walcott, despite his young age, has the most England caps in the starting XI.

Forwards:

Wayne Rooney (29) – British bulldog. England captain and former Manchester United striker, Rooney’s 42 million pound move to Barcelona shocked the world of football. But, he has not disappointed. Top scorer in La Liga in his first season, Rooney’s all around play has improved since his move to the continent and he recently picked up his second Champions League medal.

Daniel Sturridge (24) - Manchester United sensation. Having made the short and controversial journey across town to Old Trafford from City, Sturridge formed a deadly partnership with Wayne Rooney before Roney’s move to Barcelona. His outstanding 0.78 goals to game ratio over two seasons with the Red Devils stand him amongst the greats in recent United history.

Subs:

Daniel Welbeck (24 – Forward), Aaron Lennon (27 – Midfielder), Steven Taylor (28 – Defender), James Milner (28 – Midfielder), Scott Loach (26 – Goalkeeper), Steven Gerrard (34 – Midfielder), Gabriel Agbonlahor (28 – Forward)

Every footballer in the world dreams of playing in the bright lights of the Premier League. Clubs pay superior wages, fans display unwavering loyalty and match day atmosphere offers a unique stage for high end football performance.

The following is THE team of hot prospects and experienced stars who arrived in the Premier League at a high price with lofty aspirations but left with reputations tarnished and careers ruined.

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Premier League 'Failures' XI

Massimo Taibi gets the nod between the sticks. Last seen holding down the substitute goalkeeper role at Ascoli in Serie B, Taibi arrived at Manchester United in 1999 for £4.4 million. Bought to provide competition for the No. 1 shirt, Taibi committed a series of howlers and hashed clearances but it is his blooper against Southampton, allowing Marian Pahars to score, that will forever live in the memory of Premier League fans.

In defence, there are several strong candidates but the captain’s armband must go to former Ajax and Holland defender Winston Bogarde. Signed under Gianluca Vialli on a free transfer for Chelsea in 2000, Bogarde went on to make 11 appearances over four seasons for the Blues. In an age when players are critized for their lack of allegiance, Bogarde displayed dogged loyalty by honoring his reported £40,000 a week contract, in the reserves. At the time of his signing, Vialli claimed he knew nothing of the transfer and the rest is history.

Rare image of Winston Bogarde in Chelsea kit

Accompanying Bogarde at the back are two former Newcastle players Jean-Alain Boumsong and Titus Bramble. French international Jean-Alain Boumsong arrived on Tyneside for £8 million in 2005 following a series of strong performances for Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premier League. He would go on to form a disastrous defensive partnership with Titus Bramble, signed three years earlier from Ipswich Town for £5 million. The two Newcastle United players were ridiculed by the fans and lambasted by the media. Phillipe Senderos, currently on loan at AC Milan, completes the back four. Senderos, signed by Arsene Wenger in winter 2002, proved to be strong and aggressive yet far too slow and clumsy. His time at Arsenal can be summed up by several long injury layoffs, short spells in the first team and slack defensive marking.

A particularly weak midfield is orchestrated by Juan Sebastian Veron. The Argentinean playmaker arrived at Manchester United in 2001 from Lazio for 28 million pounds. He showed fleeting moments of genius in Europe but was wholly ineffective in the Premier League. Chelsea bought Veron for 14 million in 2003 and he was equally unsuccessful in West London. Another Manchester United hopeful, Jordi Cruyff, son of Holland international legend Johan, signed after Euro 96, joins Veron in midfield. Jordi never established himself as a first team regular at United and played just 35 times over four seasons. Pressure brought on by the family name did little to alleviate fan and media expectations. Originally loaned out to Celta Vigo in La Liga, Jordi departed the Premier League for good at the end of the 2000/01 season.

Junichi Inamoto joined Arsenal in 2001 with hopes of unlocking the door for other Japanese talents to explore the league. Inamoto spent a season on the substitutes bench at Highbury before going out on loan to Fulham where he continued to fill half time oranges duty. He spent several unsuccessful injury plagued seasons in West London before joining West Bromwich Albion. Inamoto’s much hyped arrival in the Premier League did little to persuade club managers to actively pursue talent in the East Asian leagues.

Completing a miserable midfield foursome is former Cameroon international Eric Djemba-Djemba. A season after displaying strong performances in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, Djemba-Djemba signed at Manchester United for £3.5 million. His career at Manchester United never took off. In 18 months spent at Old Trafford, Djemba-Djemba played 20 times. He was eventually sold to Aston Villa for £1.5 million but his time spent at Villa Park was equally ineffective. Last seen playing for Odense BK in the Danish League, Djemba-Djemba was brought to the Premier League to fill the boots of Roy Keane but he couldn’t even dislodge Steven Davis and Gavin McCann in the Aston Villa midfield.

Two ex-Dynamo Kiev players form a hugely celebrated and highly fruitless partnership in attack. In summer 2000, Sergei Rebrov signed for Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £11 million. Arriving on the back of formidable form for Kiev, Rebrov drowned in the Premier League. He was frozen out at Spurs under then manager Glenn Hoddle and spent several periods on loan at Fenerbahce. His last attempt to crack the Premier League came in a brief spell with West Ham where he scored only one goal in 27 appearances.

Andrei Shevchenko - Golden Boy turned Blue

Rebrov’s strike partner at Kiev, Andrei Shevchenko, the most expensive player on the team, arrived at Chelsea in a deal worth £30 million. A favorite of owner Roman Abramovich, Sheva never recaptured the form that won him the 2004 European Footballer of the Year award. He spent much of his time in England pining for Italy, arguing with his managers and modeling for Armani. Scorer of nine goals in 47 appearances, Shevchenko is considered by many to be the most expensive flop in the history of the English game.

The Premier League “Failures” XI is truly a team of unfulfilled dreams and wasted money. Each player contributes to his cause in unique fashion. When compiling the team there were many great names that unfortunately missed out. Special mention must go to Diego Forlan at Manchester United, Roque Junior at Leeds and Kleberson at Manchester United. All three suffered horrendous form during their prime years in the Premier League but didn’t make the final cut. Football is forever in search of the next big thing, only time will tell if that next ‘Dimitar Berbatov’ or ‘Fernando Torres’ will have the ability to break into the “Failures” XI team.