Standing 1.93m tall and weighing 85kg, Sami Hyypia is an imposing presence. But that is not the only reason he is loved by Liverpool supporters. The Finn is particularly highly regarded for his loyalty to the club. He made his debut as a central defender for the Reds more than nine years ago in July 1999. Since then he has made over 400 domestic and European appearances for Liverpool and collected a number of titles and trophies, including the Champions League (2005), the UEFA Cup (2001), the European Super Cup (2001 and 2005) and the FA Cup (2001 and 2006), as well as being voted Finland’s Footballer of the Year on six occasions. Hyypia, now 34, has played nearly 100 times for his country since making his international debut over 16 years ago. Yet despite enjoying a dream career, the shy and retiring Hyypia is not entirely satisfied, “I’ve never played for Finland at a major tournament, be it the European Championship or the World Cup. That’s something I’d like to change,” he explains. The 2010 FiFA World Cup™ in South Africa is virtually the only opportunity he has left. “It’s an ambitious target,” says Hyypia, “but not an impossible one.”

World-class striker has been described as a headstrong character. During the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ in Germany the Togo national team threatened to boycott the group game against Switzerland due to a dispute with the Togolese football association over bonus payments. Adebayor is said to have been one of the ringleaders. Though Togo contested the game in the end, the players have allegedly not been paid. Adebayor had intended to discuss the issue with association president Tata Aviessi Adagio de Mass at the recent 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualifier in Zambia. However, the association boss did not travel to Zambia as planned due to a family bereavement. Adebayor did not make the journey either, and without their star striker Togo lost the game 1-0.