World Cup Final - Spain vs Netherlands

Spain's captain Iker Casillas (C) lifts the World Cup trophy after the 2010 World Cup final soccer match between Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010.   (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

Iker Casillas, captain of Spain, celebrates the late goal by Andres Iniesta during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Final match between Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010 in  (Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Spain's Andres Iniesta celebrates his goal during the 2010 World Cup final soccer match against Netherlands on July 11, 2010.   (REUTERS/Jerry Lampen)

Netherlands' John Heitinga (C) receives a red card from referee Howard Webb of England after a foul on Spain's Andres Iniesta during the 2010 World Cup final soccer match on July 11, 2010.  (REUTERS/Jerry Lampen)

Netherlands' Giovanni van Bronckhorst (L) puts the captain's armband on Rafael van der Vaart as he is substituted during the 2010 World Cup final soccer match against Spain on July 11, 2010.  (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)

Spain's Andres Iniesta, right, competes for the ball with Netherlands' John Heitinga, center, and Netherlands' Mark van Bommel, left, during the World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010.  (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas (bottom) saves Netherlands' Arjen Robben's shot at goal during their 2010 World Cup final soccer match on July 11, 2010.   (REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci)

 

Spain's soccer fans react as they watch a public screening of the World Cup 2010 final soccer match between Spain and the Netherlands in downtown Madrid July 11, 2010. (REUTERS/Andrea Comas)

Netherlands' Giovanni van Bronckhorst is shown the yellow card by referee Howard Webb of England during their 2010 World Cup final soccer match against Spain at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg July 11, 2010.    (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

pain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, left, makes a save above Netherlands' Robin van Persie, right, and Spain's Carles Puyol, bottom, during the World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010.  (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Netherlands' Arjen Robben, left, competes for the ball with Spain's Carles Puyol, right, during the World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010.  (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Spain's Xabi Alonso (L) gets a boot in his chest by Netherlands' Nigel de Jong as they fight for the ball during their 2010 World Cup final soccer match on July 11, 2010.      (REUTERS/David Gray)

Spain's Sergio Ramos, left, and Netherlands' Giovanni van Bronckhorst fight for the ball during the World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010.  (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)

Spain's Carles Puyol, left, competes for the ball with Netherlands' Gregory van der Wiel, right, during the World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010.  (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

An unidentified man tries to place a hat on the World Cup trophy before the World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010.   (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

An unidentified man is restrained by security after he tried to place a hat on the World Cup trophy before the World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

World Cup Action - Germany vs Uruguay

  Germany wins 3-2 in World Cup third place football match over Uruguay.

Germany's Stefan Kiessling, left, and Uruguay's Edigio Arevalo Rios vie for the ball during the World Cup third-place soccer match between Germany and Uruguay  July 10, 2010.  (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)

Uruguay's Luis Suarez, right, is challenged by Germany's Arne Friedrich during the World Cup third-place soccer match between Germany and Uruguay July 10, 2010.  (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Uruguay's defender Diego Godin falls down during the 2010 World Cup third place match Uruguay vs Germany on July 10, 2010.   (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

 

Uruguay's striker Luis Suarez (R) fights for the ball with Germany's defender Dennis Aogo during the 2010 World Cup third place football match between Uruguay and Germany on July 10, 2010. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

A soccer fan smiles under a shower installed to keep fans cool before a screening of the 2010 World Cup third-place play-off soccer match between Germany and Uruguay at the 'Fan mile' public viewing area in Berlin July 10, 2010. (REUTERS/Alex Domanski)

 Diego Godin of Uruguay shows his dejection at the final whistle following the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Third Place Play-off match between Uruguay and Germany on July 10, 2010.  (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Germany's midfielder Sami Khedira (R) celebrates with Germany's defender Per Mertesacker after scoring his team's third goal during the 2010 World Cup third place football match Uruguay vs. Germany on July 10, 2010.   (CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

World Cup Action - Day 17 - Mexico vs Argentina

Argentina's Gabriel Heinze, left, competes for the ball with Mexico's Ricardo Osorio, right, during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 27, 2010.  (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Argentina's Martin Demichelis and Mexico's Guillermo Franco (R) fights for the ball against during the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 27, 2010. (REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado)

Argentina's Javier Pastore, top, jumps over Mexico's Gerardo Torrado during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 27, 2010. Argentina won 3-1. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

 

Argentina's Javier Mascherano (L) fights for the ball with Mexico's Rafael Marquez during their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 27, 2010.    (REUTERS/Jerry Lampen)

  Mexico's Gerardo Torrado (L) fights for the ball with Argentina's Carlos Tevez during a 2010 World Cup second round soccer match at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 27, 2010. (REUTERS/Jerry Lampen)

Mexico's Ricardo Osorio (R) fights for the ball with Argentina's Lionel Messi during their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 27, 2010. (REUTERS/Jerry Lampen)

 

Argentina's coach Diego Maradona reacts during their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Mexico at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 27, 2010.  ( REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian)

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

World Cup Action - France vs. South Africa

Latest action photos -  France vs South Africa at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

South Africa's goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs makes a save against France (Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters)

South Africa goalie Moeneeb Jodephs, left, and French players, from left, Djibril Cisse and Abou Diaby react to a teammates' red card early in their match against South Africa. (REUTERS/Charles Platiau)

Bongani Khumalo celebrates his goal against France as the French players react (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

France's Djibril Cisse, center, competes for the ball with South Africa's Steven Pienaar, front, and South Africa's Lucas Thwala, back, during the World Cup group A soccer match between France and South Africa on June  22, 2010.  (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

France's Gael Clichy (R) runs off with the ball from South Africa's Steven Pienaar during their 2010 World Cup Group A soccer match on June 22, 2010. (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)

South Africa's goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs reacts after teammate Bongani Khumalo (unseen) scored their first goal during their 2010 World Cup Group A soccer match on June 22, 2010.  (REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado)

France's Franck Ribery (L) challenges South Africa's Steven Pienaar during the 2010 World Cup Group A soccer match on June 22, 2010. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva) 

Referee Oscar Ruiz of Colombia shows the red card to France's Yoann Gourcuff (C) for a foul on South Africa's MacBeth Sibaya (on ground) during the 2010 World Cup Group A soccer match on June 22, 2010.  (REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko)

A fan cheers before the 2010 World Cup Group A soccer match between France and South Africa on June 22, 2010.  (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)

World Cup Action - Day 8

  Images of latest matches from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

United States' Jozy Altidore, right, vies with Slovenia's Bostjan Cesar  during the World Cup group C soccer match between Slovenia and the United States on June 18, 2010.  (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Slovenia's striker Milivoje Novakovic (L) fights for the ball with US defender Steve Cherundolo during their Group C first round 2010 World Cup football match on June 18, 2010.   (AFP PHOTO / PEDRO UGARTE)

Slovenia's Robert Koren, left, controls the ball as United States' Landon Donovan falls during the World Cup group C soccer match between Slovenia and the United States on Friday, June 18, 2010.  (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Serbia's goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic makes a save during a 2010 World Cup Group D soccer match against Germany on June 18, 2010.  (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)

Serbia's Dejan Stankovic, right, challenges Germany's Mesut Oezil, left, during the World Cup group D soccer match between Germany and Serbia on June 18, 2010.  (AP Photo/Gero Breloer)

United States' Robbie Findley, left, vies with Slovenia's Marko Suler during the World Cup group C soccer match between Slovenia and the United States on June 18, 2010.  (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Michael Bradley of the United States shouts at referee Koman Coulibaly during the World Cup South Africa Group C match between Slovenia and USA  on June 18, 2010. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Serbia's goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic celebrates with the ball under his jersey at the end the Group D first round 2010 World Cup football match Germany vs Serbia on June 18, 2010.  (AFP PHOTO / LIU JIN)

A fan, wearing a mask of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, waits for the start of the 2010 World Cup Group C soccer match between England and Algeria on June 18, 2010. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Caramba! Spain loses to the Swiss!

Swiss fans celebrate after Switzerland bet Spain 1-0 during the World Cup group H soccer match between Spain and Switzerland at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010.  (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) 

Spain's David Villa crashes into Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio during the World Cup group H soccer match between Spain and Switzerland at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010.  (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)  

Spain's Sergio Ramos, left, vies for the ball with Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio during the World Cup group H soccer match between Spain and Switzerland at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010.  (AP Photo/Roberto Candia) 

Switzerland's Blaise Nkufo, left, and Spain's Carles Puyol jump for the ball during the World Cup group H soccer match between Spain and Switzerland at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010.  (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza) 

Spain's Xavi Hernandez, left, and Switzerland's Gokhan Inler, right, fight for the ball during the World Cup group H soccer match between Spain and Switzerland at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010.  (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza) 

Spain's Gerard Pique is treated during the World Cup group H soccer match between Spain and Switzerland at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010.  (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

Spain's Xavi Hernandez, left, listens to English referee Howard Webb, right, during the World Cup group H soccer match between Spain and Switzerland at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010.  (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)  

Switzerland's Gelson Fernandes, top, shoots to score past Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, center with back to camera, during the World Cup group H soccer match between Spain and Switzerland at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010.  (AP Photo/Roberto Candia) 

Switzerland's Gelson Fernandes, top left, scores past Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, on the ground at center, during the World Cup group H soccer match between Spain and Switzerland at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010.  (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Switzerland's Gelson Fernandes, right, celebrates after scoring the opening gaol during the World Cup group H soccer match between Spain and Switzerland at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010.  (AP Photo/Roberto Candia)  

Spain's David Villa reacts during the World Cup group H soccer match between Spain and Switzerland at the stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010.  (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)