In anticipation of the World Cup, The Independent will be running down the key people and factors to keep an eye out for in South Africa with our World Cup Watch series.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
During his last couple of seasons at Manchester United, Ronaldo became the undisputed free-kick taker at Old Trafford. And he's continued as the favoured dead-ball specialist since moving to Real Madrid, despite a wealth of options. Ronaldo's technique is almost unique in that he appears to kick down on the ball, creating an unpredictable swerve almost impossible for goalkeepers to track. The speed of his free-kicks also allow for some long-range action.