2010 FIFA World Cup: The Biggest Stars Who Have Failed To Shine Thus Far

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The World Cup has seen two rounds of great football to this point.

Generally, this tournament is a place where the world's biggest stars show their caliber and just what they are made of.

Some have done well in the early stages. David Villa and Leo Messi's dazzling play comes to mind.

But unfortunately, some stars just forgot their pedigree at the entrance of the tournament.

Here's a list of the few high profile flops.

Wayne Rooney

Maybe Rooney got too enthusiastic in the Nike's "Write the Future" ad campaign where he was knighted by the Queen and did big things for England.

So far, he has done nothing for the Three Lions and has failed to get a shot on target. His poor play is shocking, especially after every pundit out there said he was the one who would take England to the next level.

He scored 26 goals in the English Premier League for Manchester United and needs that kind of form badly.

Frank Ribery

He also starred in the commercial with Nike, but he was tackled by Rooney. And it's safe to say he has gotten tackled by everyone he's faced in South Africa.

He is not the offensive player who he should be, with failed crosses, bad passes, and hasn't so much as made an opposing goalkeeper sweat.

France was held scoreless until a hapless 2-1 defeat to South Africa that ended les Blues' controversy-filled Cup.

Alberto Gilardino

Like all other Italian players, Gilardino has failed to come through in South Africa.

He was so crucial during qualifiers for Italy, but has failed to emulate that good form.

Due to lack of production from the strikers, Italy have only managed two goals, one from a corner and one from the penalty spot.

Frank Lampard

Lampard is a 20 goals and 10 assists per season player for Chelsea. This World Cup has been a rough ride for the English side, and maybe Lampard is a reason for that.

He has lacked creativity and intelligence on and off the ball and doesn't even get to the advanced scoring positions he is used to.

Nicolas Anelka

Yes, "Le Sulk" has been sent home for criticizing his coach for using explicit words.

He really didn't have any impact in both games and was subbed at half for the second.

He has been expelled from the French camp and has played his last game for the World Cup, leaving without even getting off the mark.

Fernando Torres

It is a good excuse to say that Torres is still getting back to full fitness. But when you look at the chances he has missed and how he has carried himself on the field, he is just not the Torres we know.