Soccer: Nelsen, Paston in top ten

Ryan Nelsen and Mark Paston have been picked for four of the top 10 performances at the World Cup.

The Guardian posted its performance rankings overnight, putting Nelsen's performance against Italy as the third-best in the World Cup so far.

He was also placed fifth for his play against Paraguay.
Paston was ranked seventh and tenth for his performances against Paraguay and Italy, respectively.

New Zealand drew its three matches at the World Cup, securing its first-ever point and coming home undefeated.

Its 1-1 draw against previous world champions Italy was applauded worldwide. Some in New Zealand, including former All Black great Michael Jones, have called the All Whites' World Cup run the country's greatest sporting achievement.

At the top of the Guardian's best performances list is Japan's Keisuke Honda, who led his team to victory against Denmark with a phenomenal free kick.

Uruguay's Diego Forlan came second.

Meanwhile, England's Wayne Rooney has been picked for the worst performance at the World Cup.

- NZ HERALD STAFF