Precocious talents primed to set the World Cup alight

Denilson

(Brazil)

Age 20. Speedy left-footed player whom coach Mario Zagallo says is the nearest thing in the squad to an old-fashioned winger. Claimed his place in the team during last year's Copa America. Made his first team debut at Sao Paulo at the age of 17 and will join Spain's Real Betis for a world- record fee after the tournament.

Hidetoshi Nakata

(Japan)

Age 21. Japan's star player, Nakata has everything - balance, vision, excellent control and a stinging shot. A versatile performer who is cool under pressure. A potential star of the finals.

Joseph-Desire Job

(Cameroon)

Age 20. A midfielder with excellent touch and vision. Made a big impact with Lyon in his first season in the French League. Chose the country of his father rather than the French Under-21 team, and played for Cameroon at the African Nations' Cup finals in Burkina Faso this year.

Benedict McCarthy

(South Africa)

Age 20. New hero of South African football after his seven-goal spree at the African Nations' Cup finals in Burkina Faso. Named best player of the tournament in February. A precocious, arrogant striker who may have to start on the bench but will surely make his mark.

Ariel Ortega

(Argentina)

Age 24. A brilliant dribbler on his day and possibly the most talented player in the Argentine side. First came into the international spotlight at the 1994 World Cup finals. Scored a superb goal against Republic of Ireland in April that said everything about his balance, deft touch and eye for goal. Wears Diego Maradona's No 10 shirt.

Marcelos Salas

(Chile)

Age 23. Has emerged as a world-class striker in the past year, scoring hat-tricks in the World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Peru and both goals in Chile's 2-0 defeat of England at Wembley in February. Has won the Argentine title three times with River Plate, is set to join Lazio in Italy in an pounds 12m transfer after the finals.

Lokonda Mpenza

(Belgium)

Age 19. Nilis and Oliveira may mean he is only used as a substitute - but England found out in Casablanca last month how sharp a striker he can be. In shape again after being out for months with a calf injury late last year, his natural flair creates openings. Also uses the first name Emile, his older brother Mbo is also in the squad.

Fernando Morientes

(Spain)

Age 22. Initially struggled at Real Madrid after signing from Real Zaragoza. Made an extraordinary international debut against Sweden in March with two goals in the first five minutes. Added another two in his second match against Northern Ireland last Wednesday. Skilful on the ground and heads well. Often wears red boots.

David Trezeguet

(France)

Age 20. Gifted striker who is, the French fans hope, the solution to the hosts' long search for a world-class marksman. Raised in Argentina where he honed his skills with Platense, before joining Monaco at 17 after a surprise rejection by Paris St-Germain.

Nwankwo Kanu

(Nigeria)

Age 21. Has bravely recovered from heart surgery to return to active football, and is now trying to recapture the form that saw him named African Footballer of the Year in 1996. Captain and goalscoring hero of the triumphant Olympic team in Atlanta two years ago.