Position: Forward
Born: 17.02.82
Club: Internazionale

It seems at every World Cup a new Brazilian establishes themselves as one of the finest players on the planet. Four years ago it was Ronaldinho, and this time round it could be Adriano.

An agile and powerful forward, Adriano is already perceived as one of most dangerous strikers in world football.

And he seems to relish major tournaments, finishing top scorer in the 2004 Copa America. Indeed, his seven goals, including two in the final, led to him being named player of the tournament.

He repeated the dose in last year's Confederations Cup, finishing as top scorer with five goals.

After loan stints at Parma and Fiorentina, Adriano is now a crucial member of the Inter team, helping them to a Copa Italia win last June.

Having scored six goals in qualification, Adriano looks set to confirm his status among the game's elite this summer.