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Will it be the World Cup of the team, not the Superstar?

As the qualification process winds down and more and more countries learn their fate ahead of the World Cup draw in Durban on December 4^th – a true nightmare is potentially going to happen for FIFA.

We are not talking about riots, or issues with South Africa’s infrastructure – we are talking about the potential for the two best players on the planet not being present next summer. That very outcome is hanging over Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Not only is this a massive issue for FIFA’s PR and Marketing team, but it is also a massive blow to all those who love the game.

Firstly, Ronaldo’s Portugal have struggled throughout their Qualification Group and look like sneaking into the Play-offs at the expense of Sweden. However, that will mean immense pressure and some very strong teams in the Play-offs - potentially the winker might not get the chance to play on the greatest stage of all when in the form of his life. He may be arrogant, he may fall to the ground easily but he is an amazing talent, and the most expensive footballer in history. Although Portugal have knocked out England in recent times, I would love to see Ronaldo lighting up the tournament, at least up until the Quarter Finals.

Secondly, the shambles that is the management style of Diego Maradona looks likely to condemn Argentina to miss their first FIFA World Cup in 39 years. Late, late, late in to Saturday night a last minute goal by the 57 year old striker Martin Palermo (okay, 35) meant Argentina scraped a victory against Peru (the same Peru team that had played eight games, lost them all, scored two goals and conceded 24). They now have to look to their final match away against Uruguay and hope results go their way to clinch the last Qualification spot or even the South American Play-Off place. Maradona has used a staggering 70-something players during Qualification and by no means is he left with an easy fixture as Uruguay have a phenomenal record at Montevideo.

He seems to make impulsive decisions before and during matches. If Messi ends up missing the 2010 FIFA World Cup, not only will Adidas be smarting (he is their lead global athlete) but the tournament will feel like something is missing – now imagine if both were to miss out.

What this could mean is a real shift in the perception of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Usually a tournament is talked about through the players. The Ronaldo World Cup of 2002, the Baggio World Cup of 1994, Pele 1958, Maradona 1986.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup could change that and move from superstar flair players, to organised and combative teams – working together towards the common goal. Victory.

 This will give the likes of Germany and excellent chance in South Africa, and also should see Brazil do well as Dunga has evolved a team of eleven isolated players in 2006 into a physical and powerful unit, with a hint of flair.

I can’t wait for next summer, but I just hope that come December 4^th Portugal and Argentina are in the hat and we avoid a FIFA World Cup being remembered as per Euro 2004 – the Greek Tragedy.

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Thanks Emile : Now let's give Carlton a chance

Last night at about 8:07PM I was able to begin to wipe from my mind the memory of the last time I saw Croatia play at Wembley on that dark, wet and miserable night back in 2007 when England were eliminated from qualification for UEFA Euro 2008. As Frank Lampard stepped up to convert the penalty it felt like it was going to be a great night. The team playing well, keeping the ball, creating chances and scoring goals - but there was one element which I was getting a bit stuck on. Good old Emile Heskey.

Before the game I was fully bought in to starting Heskey over Defoe. Sure Defoe has been on fire for Spurs so far this season, but the England team look so much more balanced and get the best from Rooney and Gerrard when there is a big guy who can hold the ball up. However, the two chances that Heskey missed in the first half are ones that I am confident Harry Redknapp's wife could of scored - and if we have designs on winning the FIFA World Cup then we need two strikers who can offer a goal threat.

He is great at doing his job, has pretty good movement and makes Rooney play well - but I think that now we have the luxury of secured qualification Fabio Capello should turn to Carlton Cole. We know Heskey can do the job well. However, could Cole offer the complete package that as well as the hard graft and link play delivers an eye for goal?

It stunned me to find this from the Daily Mail;

Cole is easily the best option to replace Heskey.

I believe that he should start, and finish, both of the remaining competitive FIFA 2010 World Cup Qualifiers. There are 9 months for the team to be developed and refined and you could argue that with a fully fit crop of players only the right midfield and partner for Rooney are the ones that do not pick themselves (assuming David James is fit and playing well). Lennon deserves a run in the team - and he should get that after his MoM last night - but if we do not give Carlton Cole the minutes on the pitch we will never know and then what happens if Heskey gets injured in the first match?

Come on Carlton, don't let me down

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