7. Sven-Goran Eriksson

Sven-Goran Eriksson needs no introduction to English football fans.

The Swede will always be remembered on these isles for his boring football, philandering ways and huge wage packet.

But, quite how Ivory Coast were persuaded to part with £2 million to secure Eriksson for one month's work, nobody knows.

Leaving aside the ethical question as to whether a poor under-developed country should be forking out such huge sums for a football manager, Eriksson again failed to deliver, recording just one win as the Elephants slumped out in the first round.

6. Fernando Torres

Two years ago Fernando Torres's neat chip in the European Championship final gave La Roja their first major piece of silverware in 44 years.

It made the Liverpool striker a hero back in his homeland and, after knocking in 22 goals for a struggling Reds side last season, many people had Torres down as a strong candidate for this summer's Golden Boot.

But, El Nino has failed to find the back of the net once in Spain's run to the final, continuing his miserable streak of not having scored a competitive goal in Spanish colours since last summer's Confederations Cup.

5. Italy

It would be unfair to single out any one Italian player as the fall guy for the Azzurri's embarrassing first-round World Cup exit.

Quite simply, every single Italian that had a part in their country's abysmal performance in South Africa must shoulder the blame.

So here at Fans' Own we're willing to make an exception to the format of our individual player lists and put the whole Italian squad in as entry number five.

Not since France's shambolic defence of their crown in 2002 has a football power disappointed in such abundance.

But, for the rest of the world at least, it was highly amusing to see the once all-mighty world champions humbled so brilliantly by the sheep farmers of New Zealand.

4. Samuel Eto'o

Even before a Jabulani ball had been kicked, Samuel Eto'o was already plotting a route into my Top 7 flops list.

The World Cup was about to arrive in Africa for the first time, the big kick-off was only days away and the 29-year-old was a striker in his prime, having won the treble with Inter last season.

But, following a spat with former Indomitable Lions legend Roger Milla, Eto'o threatened not to bother showing up at all.

"Is it worth me going to the World Cup?" Eto'o pondered before eventually taking to the field against Japan in Cameroon's opening game. Well, to answer that question from you Sammy, no it wasn't.

Cameroon flopped out three straight defeats and, while the lumbering, sulking forward exited with two goals to his name, for Cameroon's all-time leading scorer, much more was expected.

3. Nicolas Anelka

Finally, it seemed, Nicolas Anelka had found his true home.

After a long career of club-hopping his way round Europe infuriating players, coaches and fans alike with his arrogance and petulance, Anelka finished last season with a smile.

The man previously known as Le Sulk played an integral role in Chelsea's Premier League winning-season doing so without a training ground spat or manager fall-out in sight.

Of course it was all too good to be true and, just two games into France's shambolic World Cup, Anelka was sent home for aiming a foul-mouthed volley of abuse at head coach Raymond Domenech. 

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Love him or absolutely despise him, Cristiano Ronaldo is unquestionably a talented footballer.

After breaking record upon record during a six-year spell at Manchester United, the Portuguese wing wizard continued his goal-scoring exploits at Real bagging 33 goals in 35 games last season.

But, in South Africa, the Ron's magic sadly deserted him.

At times it seemed that the Portugal captain was engaged in a private spooned-shot challenge with Frank Lampard and, with just one goal to show for all his efforts, Ronaldo's time in South Africa will be remembered for him gobbing a ball of spit at a camerman, rather than his on-field talents. 

1. Wayne Rooney (England)

Take one of several England players' names and drop them on this list and there could be few complaints.

Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Frank Lampard all put in woeful performances as England again flopped out of the World Cup in typically desperate style.

But, by far and away the biggest disappointment must surely be Wayne Rooney.

What became of the all-conquering striker who banged in goals for fun at Old Trafford last season, it's still a mystery.

Not only did Wayne fail to score once this summer, but his all-round general performance looked more befitting of a FC United player rather than one that had just been awarded the Premier League player of the year.

Still, least he didn't get sent-off, I suppose.