Soccer studs 3.0

As the World Cup round of 16 begins, here's a look at some more sexy players who have drawn the world's — and this reporter's — attention.

The Star's No. 1 favourite soccer stud Didier Drogba is back — broken arm and all. And while women around the world fantasized about signing his cast, he wowed World Cup crowds when he played for the Ivory Coast against Portugal in the first round. It seems his prowess both on and off the field was unharmed by his injury. Rock on Drogba!

Also making the list of soccer studs revisited, after the first round of play:

Ledley King, a defender for England, is a 29-year-old soccer hottie who is captain of his home club Tottenham. Described as a talented defender, he is said to have poise and calmness on the field and "isn't afraid to put his head where it hurts," according to ESPN soccernet.com. His long-standing knee injury keeps him from training daily but many believe he is worth having around both on and off the field.

Sebastien Bassong is another defender winning hearts and minds on the soccer field. Bassong plays for Cameroon. The 23-year-old was born in Paris and has that, as the French say, "Je ne sais quoi." His "heart beats for Cameroon," however. "No one should doubt my commitment," he is reported to have said. Or for that matter, no one should doubt his place among some of the World Cup's sexiest players.

Robinho, the 26-year-old who plays for Brazil, is a strong forward. From the time he was very young, Robinho has had the eyes of the world on him. Picked as a talent by the legendary Pele when Robinho was very young, this Brazilian forward is described as having superb ball control. In the Copa America 2007 he was the top scorer who helped Brazil win the championship. Not only good looking, he is also a talented player and has won the hearts of many fans, both female and male.

Clemente Rodriguez, the Argentinean defender, won a gold medal with Argentina in the 2004 Athens Olympics. The 28-year-old is one of our choices for soccer studs of the World Cup. It's the total package when it comes to this player.

Thomas Sorensen, the 34-year-old who plays for Denmark, is a candidate for the World Cup's hottest goalkeeper. There was talk an injury suffered in April might put his participation in the World Cup in doubt. But Sorensen has come back and is in net, where he should be, much to the thrill of his fans. And his good looks and athletic skills put him on everyone's list of World Cup players to fantasize about.

Lucas Neill, Australia's captain, is a hottie from Down Under who is not only easy on the eyes, but can also handle himself on the field. The 32-year-old defender is a sound tackler who reads the game well. His style on the field is described by ESPN soccernet.com as "consistent, composed, calm, and reliable." He has a scholarship program in Australia where he awards youngsters from Manly, a part of Syndey where he played soccer, an opportunity to train with British clubs.

Compiled by Debra Black

Read version 2.0 and Meet the soccer studs of the World Cup