Solid Rock: The 10 Best Defenders at the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Its almost here, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is approaching every passing second.

There have been lots of praise for the attacking players that will feature at the tournament this summer, but as they say: "defense wins championships".

Therefore, lets take a look at the 10 best defenders that will strut their stuff come July 11...

Walter Samuel

Walter Samuel could be a match winner defensively, he compliments attack with his extra-ordinary defense and Inter Milan benefited from it by winning the treble.

With the likes of Carlos Tevez, Diego Milito, Aguero and Higuain in attack, Argentina need every ounce of Samuel's ability to make thar last ditch tackle, block shots, contest headers and break up attacks with his great awareness.

John Terry

The last man standing in the supposed "dynamic duo", John Terry needs to use his experience to really help England fulfill their "favorites" tag.

John Terry is rated as one of the World's best defenders and rightfully so. He has been there and done that, winning 10 trophies in his time at Chelsea.

He has the ability to pop up for the odd goal, which complements his amazing defensive abilities.

Nemanja Vidic

Serbia had a stunning World Cup qualifying campaign because of Vidic's organization at the back.

At club level he has been stellar for Manchester United, forming a solid backline.

Serbia are dark horses for the title and Vidic needs to play lock-down defense.

Giorgio Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini didn't have a good campaign with Juventus, but who cares?

The young defender is slowly establishing himself as on of the best in the business and Italy need his defensive qualities if they want to retain the title.

Fabio Cannavaro

The other part to the Italy's defense puzzle, Cannavaro, is a veteran who captained his side to victory in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Cannavaro is a football legend, he has to live up to expectations with his great defensive ability that consists of amazing tackling and aerial ability.

This might be his last World Cup and he will want it to be a memorable one.

Lucio

Intensity, aggressiveness and passion could describe Lucio on the field.

He was the defender that partnered Walter Samuel in defense for Inter Milan, winning the treble in the process.

Lucio is also a 2002 FIFA World Cup winner and will have to man the back line perfectly if Brazil are to win the tournament.

Maicon

Another Brazilian and another treble winner with Inter Milan.

Maicon deserves all the praise he gets, he makes overlapping runs to help out in offense, he performs a decent job in defense and scores also.

Maicon loves to show his abilities and when giving the chance he could win a game from his right back position.

Pepe

Pepe's injury last season was probably why Real Madrid finished the season trophy-less, even with all their star players, that is how good Pepe is.

If he returns to full fitness, Portugal can go from Second Round exit to dark horses.

With Bruno Alvez as his defensive partner, Portugal's defense is underrated.

Gerard Pique

The young Spaniard grew from Manchester United's odd Carling Cup appearances to Barcelona and Spain's marshal.

Pique helped Barcelona win a record six trophies last season and at 23 years, he has been there and done that at club level.

Pique might be one the best players in the World when it comes to breaking up attacks and intercepting passes.

Spain want to shed their "underachievers' tag?
It all starts by playing defense.

Carles Puyol

Carles Puyol is just too good, his hair might be annoying but that doesn't take anything from his ability to do his work.

Carles Puyol is a rugged tackler, a last ditch-specialist, he has the knack to be at the right time to stop every possible attack.

Puyol was part of Spain's Euro 2008 win and will love to repeat success.