FIFA announces Dream Team XI

FIFA has announced the result of their ultimate Dream Team poll, which was voted for by on-line fans.

The team includes three Brazillians, two Frenchman, two Italians, one Russian, one Dutchman, one German and an Argentinian.

Wing-back Roberto Carlos - who will face Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England in Friday’s quarter-final clash in Shizuoka - was a surprise inclusion among a glittering array of talent which includes the brilliant Pele and former striker Romario.

Pele, who is arguably the greatest ever player, was still unable to top the poll with Argentinian legend Diego Maradona pushing him into second place.

French midfielder Zinedine Zidane and Italy’s veteran defender Paolo Maldini, who have both returned home early after crashing out, were also named in the team.

Russian goalkeeper Lev Yashin was also a surprise inclusion, beating top names such as Denmark’s Peter Schmeichel, Italy’s Dino Zoff and England’s Gordon Banks.

The choice of Italian playmaker Roberto Baggio was also arguable as he got in ahead of Lothar Matthaeus, Ruud Gullit, Zico and Bobbie Charlton.

But there was no shock as former Dutch star Johan Cruyff, Frenchman Michel Platini and German legend Franz Beckenbauer were named in the XI.