As the world gears up for the biggest tournament of all ‘“ the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, 32 countries will vie to earn the rightful spot of being the number one in the world.
As the world gears up for the biggest tournament of all – the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, 32 countries will vie to earn the rightful spot of being the number one in the world. Without a doubt, there will be a showcase of talent to watchout as the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney etc take the field for their respective countries. Sadly for some other stars, they might be experiencing the glamour and footballing artistry from their homes. Here are some of the best players that will be missing from the FIFA World Cup 2014:
Landon Donovan
He might USA soccer team’s only ‘star’ but Landon Donovan failed to make the cut in Team USA’s final 23-man squad. The forward was out of form and thus prompted coach Jurgen Klinsmann to axe the former Everton man. Despite his 156 caps and 57 goals for his country, Donovan will be certainly missed by the USA as they bid to pip their rivals and advance further.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Even though Bayern Munich stopper, Manuel Neuer remains the number one choice for Germany as far as goal-keeping is concerned; their coach Joachim Loew missed the trick by not picking the Barcelona-bound, Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 22-year-old will overtake outgoing Victor Valdes as the numero uno goalkeeper at the mighty Catalans but despite this, the German international will be instead popping up snacks and cheering on his teammates.
Samir Nasri
Despite his great club form for EPL champions Manchester City and wealth of talent at disposal, France coach Didier Deschamps did not call up Samir Nasri into the World Cup squad. It is believed that the reason for his axe was due to his ‘lack of chemistry’ within the squad. Coach Deschamps in a statement to the press said that, “Samir is an important player for Manchester City but he has not performed that well with France.”
Jermain Defoe
What does Jermain Defoe require to impress England coach Roy Hodgson after missing the ticket to Brazil? A bit part role at Tottenham Hotspurs was followed by a move to the American MLS league but despite that, Defoe’s lack of goals upfront was the sole cause for his axe from the England World Cup squad. Defoe however has kept up his scoring level continues to score goals in the MLS so far and with 19 goals in 55 games for England, Defoe has age on his side.
Isco
Another young talent that will be watching his country Spain from the sidelines is none other than the 22-year-old talented Real Madrid midfielder, Isco. The former Malaga youngster had an impressive debut season at the Bernabeu, with the UEFA Champions League and Copa Del Rey into his pockets but sadly finds himself sidelined. Spain have an array of midfield talent that includes Barca icons, Xavi and Iniesta and perhaps Isco has still to learn the bigger stage.
Luca Toni
A World Cup winner’s medal (2006) did little to save the cause for Luca Toni, as the veteran will not be flying the with the Italian squad to Brazil. Despite scoring 20 in 33 appearances for his newly promoted side, Verona in the Serie A; it seems Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will stick with the controversial Mario Balotelli upfront. Italy play England in one of the key games at the World Cup group stages and if ‘Super Mario’ fails to fire, Prandelli will be left eating humble pie.
Mario Gomez
With injuries hampering his career, Mario Gomez found himself unwanted by German coach Joachim Loew for the 2014 World Cup. He’s had problems with injury all season, scoring just 3 goals in 9 games in Serie A. Gomez has scored 25 goals in 59 games for Germany in his career, but despite that, the Fiorentina striker won’t represent the Germans in Brazil.
Kaka
For Brazil and fans across the world, the absence of star midfielder Kaka will surely be a heartbreaking moment. Brazil coach Luis Filipe Scolari had a tough task to select his final 23-WC team and had to leave out the likes of Kaka (87 caps), Ronaldinho (97 caps), and Robinho (92 caps). The former Real Madrid midfielder who made a move to AC Milan this season, might have thought of it being a positive progress but the former has struggled with pace and injuries off late. Coach Scolari went in for a more ‘younger’ option in Oscar rather than Kaka who might well as seen his international career coming to an end.
Lucas Moura
Another Brazilian talent who was discarded from the 23-man squad is young Paris Saint-Germain winger, Lucas Moura. Gifted with pace and the ability to stretch the opposition defence, Moura’s unavailability at the World Cup might come back to haunt Scolari who a tough decision to make in selection final team for the tourney.
Carlos Tevez
Argentina had a dearth of talent as far as their strike force is concerned with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi leading the way. But their coach Alejandro Sabella made a controversial decision in not picking Juventus striker Carlos Tevez into the WC team. Tevez finished a remarkable first season at Juventus with 19 goals in 31 appearances and was also involved in the past two World Cups.
The above players might have an array of talent at their disposal but at the end, it’s the decision from the coach that counts. Call it a vacation, heartache of not playing or gearing up for the next season; the above footballers have a lot to offer in the coming years.
