A date to remember

Loretta:

There are those who watch football for the game, and those who place bets and watch it for money. There are also those who watch football -- the World Cup in particular -- solely for the array of good-looking men from all over the world, all in one place. Another category (where I fall) remains: Those who watch football for the game, but still appreciate the dashing good looks, tight jerseys (especially when they’re exchanged after a match) and field full of testosterone that makes the hottest men even hotter.

Here’s the list of the 2010 FIFA World Cup’s 10 Sexiest Footballers, and where, should the chance ever arise, we’d go on a date in Singapore. In all FIFA fairness, the selection of men you are about to encounter come from all continents (Africa, Asia, Americas, Australasia and Europe), positions (Forward, Midfield, Defence) and rounds reached (Quarter Finals and below).

Roque Santa Cruz – Forward (Paraguay)

Voted sexiest player of the 2006 World Cup by German newspaper Die Welt and magazine Kicker, Roque Santa Cruz has only improved with age in the past four years. Having played with Bayern Munich, Blackburn Rovers and now Manchester City, Santa Cruz has earned his place as Paraguay’s leading star, and stolen his way into the tournament’s top lookers.

Dream date:

In line with his just-gets-better-with-age look, Santa Cruz and I would spend a romantic evening at a wine-tasting session. The best place for this would be The Wine Company @ Dempsey. Described on their website as “walking into a cellar door in a winery in South  Africa”, it would be 2010 World Cup all over again -- just with more wine and less pressure. 

Photo Source: Facebook

Kaká – Midfielder (Brazil)

This boy from Brazil’s good looks matches his deep spiritualism: It is reported that Kaká is a big fan of Jesus; his favourite book is the bible and his favourite music is gospel. Brazil’s 2002 World Cup win saw Kaká revealing a shirt he was wearing under his jersey that read I Belong to Jesus. With a field full of players, it’s hard not to love a saint.

Dream Date:

For our date, I would bring Kaká on a tour of all the churches in Singapore. Our last stop would be Cathedral of the Good Shepard in the city; this would be followed by a drink at nearby CHIJMES, the chic wine & dine haven which was once a convent.

Photo Source: Facebook

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar – Forward (The Netherlands)

26-year-old KJ Huntelaar has been called The Hunter, a name certainly given for his predatory instincts in the penalty box and sniper-like accuracy. Dangerous presence aside, however, this Hunter has the face, height and build of a supermodel.

Dream Date:

For our date, we would explore the Night Safari, where Huntelaar could roam with his fellow predatory, magnificent beasts.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

John Mensah – Defender (Ghana)

Regarded as one of the best defenders in the entire African continent, John Mensah has that rare combination of strength -- which has earned him the nickname Rock of Gibraltar -- and tactical intelligence on the field. All that and the best-looking player on the team? Mr. Mensah is quite a catch.

Dream Date:

While Mensah is a formidable defender on any field, being injury-prone and fighting to be fit enough for games might be his one weakness. To keep things slow and easy, I bring him for an enjoyable low-impact round on the Singapore Flyer -- dinner for two would be served as well, but easy on the candles.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Iker Casillas – Goalkeeper (Spain)

He’s one of the best goalies in the world and Manchester is in a pre-league derby to show for it; both Manchester United and Manchester City have their eyes on Casillas. With those quintessentially dark Spanish features, he’s got plenty of other eyes on him as well.

Dream Date:

The Real Madrid goalie now says he’d have to be kicked out from his club before considering a move but we’ve all heard this refrain before. In anticipation, it’s best to get Casillas -- who has always played in Spain -- acquainted with the ways of the English. A couple of pints and some Fish & Chips at Penny Black, an English pub at Boat Quay, are in order.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Didier Drogba – Forward (Ivory Coast)

Drogba’s chiseled face and droolworthy body secure him a spot on the list. It’s also hard not to fall for a guy who looks tough outwardly but is really a big softie on the inside; Drogba recently pledged a generous sum to build a hospital in his hometown.

Dream Date:

My dream date with Drogba would be a simple one. I’d show him around my neighbourhood before heading to my place for a home-cooked meal (I’d cook) and wine (his choice). We’d talk about his noble efforts, his family, the hospital and what life back home was like for him. He’d introduce me to some Ivory Coast music and I’d introduce him to my parents; my dad is a huge Chelsea fan.

Photo Source: Facebook

Makoto Hasebe – Midfielder (Japan)

Winning awards in the J-League since 2004, the stylish Makoto Hasebe now plays for German side Wolfsburg -- he made history as the first Japanese to play for the Wolves, marking his debut in 2008. More recently, Hasebe led the Japanese team in an impressive attempt towards making history in the World Cup.

Dream Date:

As history seems to be a recurring theme in Hasebe’s achievements and attempts, and since he’s Asian, I would bring him to the Asian Civilisations Museum for a full day of learning. He would learn all about pan-Asian cultures and civilisations, I would learn every inch of his charmingly boyish face.

Photo Source: Facebook

Carlos Bocanegra – Defender (USA)

Going from strength to strength throughout his career and crossing continents from the USA to England to France, this ex-Fulham journeyman shines with his impressive versatility. Centre-back, left- back and defensive midfield may be his most frequent positions, but Bocanegra is no stranger to the art of goal-scoring either.

Dream Date:

Given his multi-talented, master-of-all-trades ways, Bocanegra and I would explore the exciting world of Little India, where you can find anything you seek, from fabrics to electronics, temples to bars.

Photo Source: Facebook

Shane Smeltz – Forward (New Zealand)

Besides impressive results in his time spent with New Zealand and Australian clubs, Shane Smeltz has also appeared for AFC Wimbledon, Halifax Town and Mansfield Town in England. He now scores goals for Gold Coast United and holds the record for most goals scored in a season for the A-League.

Dream Date:

Probably the deadliest striker in his continent, the time might be right for this 28-year-old Kiwi to venture to bigger clubs on distant shores. For a greater perspective, I’d bring Smeltz to Marina Bay SkyPark, a 194 metre high platform with the best view of Singapore (and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia). These great heights should make Smeltz realise that his gorgeous face and record-breaking skills can, and should, be shared with the rest of the world.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Cristiano Ronaldo – Forward (Portugal)

Some say Ronaldo is the best talent football has ever seen and Portugal’s messiah. Others say he’s overpaid, over-in-love-with-himself and overrated. Whichever way the argument goes, as far as this list is concerned, the boy’s a looker. There certainly isn’t any doubt about that.

Dream Date:

Being the party boy that we all know he is, a date with Ronaldo would have to take place in Singapore’s hottest nightclub. Given his extremely deep pockets -- and to ensure that there are fewer fanatical females to fend off -- the perfect night with Ronaldo would be in the VIP Lounge in Zouk. There would be music, there would be dancing -- and there would be lots and lots of the most expensive champagne the bar has to offer. A designated waiter would work, too.

With her first clear memory of the world cup as recent as 1998 when she was just 10, Loretta has eagerly awaited every FIFA World Cup since. While she still shudders at the recollection of 2006’s England-Portugal Quarter Final, the (relatively) long-term supporter hopes, prays and imagines only good things for both her teams.