Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 08.09.83
Club: Nacional

Diego Benaglio is Switzerland's third-choice goalkeeper but at the start of the season his chances of even that 'inactive' World Cup berth seemed remote.

The 22-year-old has a bright future ahead of him but until his move to Nacional in Portugal's Super Liga, Benaglio was languishing down the pecking order at Stuttgart behind the likes of Timo Hildebrand and Dirk Heinen.

But some breathtaking displays for the tiny Madeira-based club not only helped them defy the odds and qualify for next season's UEFA Cup but also ensure his passage to Germany 2006.

Although Benaglio will watch from the bench this summer, he has time on his side and with Pascal Zuberbuhler approaching retirement, a first-team chance may not be far away.