Budweiser Man of the Match: Claude MAKELELE (FRA)

13 June 2006

Claude Makelele was a rock in the midfield for France in their scoreless draw with Switzerland, earning him the Budweiser Man of the Match award. While France failed to find the back of the Swiss net, Makelele repeatedly repelled Switzerland's advances toward his own team's goal.

“He was defending well in front of his two central defenders,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Alvin Corneal. “He was winning the ball and making sure that he was giving it to a team-mate and also thinking about the best way to organise the play of his team."

Makelele was particularly impressive for his ability to play in both phases of the game. "He's been an example of fighting and creativity," concluded Corneal.