Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 07.01.70
Club: Unattached

The oldest player Angola called on in qualifying, Joao Ricardo goes into this tournament not knowing how long his career as a footballer will continue for.

Without a team since leaving lowly Portuguese side Moreirense, Ricardo must use the biggest stage of all to prove his ability makes him worthy of a professional contract at the age of 36.

Solid if unspectacular at the African Nations Cup and one of only six Angolans to play 10 or more World Cup qualifiers, the veteran is a cool head as the last line of defence and has more reasons than most to impress in Germany.

• 17 Ze Kalanga