With each team having played at least one game in the World Cup at this point, here is a review of the Studs and Duds thus far in the 2006 World Cup.

STUDS

Forward- David Villa (Spain)

Spain has long been considered one of the most overrated teams in the world, but Villa is hoping to change that and so far he’s done a nice job. Villa scored 2 goals against a very good Ukraine team that has probably assured Spain of advancing barring a major collapse. Villa has a powerful leg that should be able to find the net at least once more before the end of group play. Villa already has scored 22 points in the fantasy world, so if you haven’t already make sure to pick this guy up.

Forward- Miroslav Klose (Germany)

Klose is known as one of the best players in Germany and certainly proved that through his two-goal effort in a blowout victory for Germany against Costa Rica. Klose is able to get a lot of shots on goal, which accounts for a ton of points in Fantasy World Cup. Klose was scoreless against rival Poland, but with Germany all but guaranteed to advance, Klose will continue to get his chances and more often than not he is going to capitalize on them.

Midfielder- Tomas Rosicky (Czech Republic)

Rosicky went to town on a hapless United States team on Monday, scoring two goals that led to a 3-0 shutout of the Americans. Rosicky is one of the best scoring midfielders in the World Cup and should go to town against Ghana. Czech Republic also is likely to advance within this tournament so he has good long-term potential.

Midfielder- Tim Cahill (Australia)

Cahill came out of nowhere to lead a stunning comeback victory over Japan for the Aussies. Cahill scored two goals for Australia, which accounts for about 16 points in the Yahoo Fantasy FIFA World Cup game. Cahill has clearly emerged as the #1 threat for Australia making him an interesting option. Next up for Australia is perennial powerhouse Brazil, which is a sure loss, but as long as Australia can advance to the knockout round Cahill will continue to be a fantasy stud.

DUDS

Forward- Ronaldo (Brazil)

Gone are the glory days of 1998 and 2002 for Brazilian star Ronaldo. Ronaldo a.k.a “El Gordo” is slow and fat and doesn’t seem capable of producing much in this World Cup. Ronaldo was unable to get involved in most of the game play against Croatia, as Kaka and Adriano emerged as the main go-to-guys for Brazil. Ronaldo will continue to start for Brazil, but the question is for how much longer? The better option is to pick up Robinho as he’ll likely become the starter before the end of group play.

Forward- Thierry Henry (France)

Thierry Henry is arguably one of the best players in the world, but yet here he sits on the Dud list. Henry has dominated in the past for his club team Arsenal, but has struggled mightily in trying to lead “Les Bleus” to victory. The fact that neither Henry nor the entire France team has scored a goal since the 1998 World Cup is a bit unnerving for most owners that have Henry in their fantasy leagues. Henry got plenty of opportunities against Switzerland on Tuesday, but until the renowned goal scorer actually scores a goal in the World Cup he’ll remain a dud.

Midfielder- Landon Donovan (USA)

Landon Donovan has gone from Wonder boy of the 2002 World Cup to the Big Chump of the 2006 World Cup. Donovan was way too tentative against Czech Republic on Monday and in the end it resulted in his team getting blown out. Donovan has not been able to get any shots off and does not figure to do much on Saturday against Italy. It is a long shot at best for USA to advance at this point making it not worth it to keep Donovan on your roster.

Defender- Oguchi Onyewu (USA)

Onyewu is another example of a player that had a lot of hype heading into the World Cup and at this point has flat out been a dud. Onyewu was out of the flow of things for most of the game and made a crucial mistake when he headed the ball right to Tomas Rosicky, who then kicked it in for an easy goal from about 35 yards out. Added onto the fact that he played miserable he also got himself a yellow card, which accounts for negative points in Fantasy World Cup. One more yellow card will mean that Onyewu is suspended for one game, which would essentially mean he’s done for the World Cup.

Sleepers

Here are some sleepers to possibly keep an eye out for later on in the World Cup:

Forward- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo is known as one of the biggest prima donnas in all of soccer, but he also is one of the most talented players. Ronaldo loves to play with flair and is sometimes criticized for trying to be fancy. The facts are he is always a threat to score and is sure to get a couple of goals over the course of the tournament.

Forward- Luca Toni (Italy)

Luca Toni is the main man for the Azzuri and had four shots on goal against Ghana alone. He was unable to score, but he has certainly proven in the past that he can score at will.

Midfielder- Michael Essien (Ghana)

Michael Essien is the most expensive player in all of Africa as evident by being sold by Lyon for about 45 million Euros. He got a little banged up against Italy, but should be as good as new against Czech Republic. If anyone is going to score for this Ghana team, it is going to be Essien.