Since the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldinho has been an integral part of Brazil’s attack and there is no denying that he has the ability to be part of it. Largely written off at AC Milan, he has by far been their most successful player this season but it is still not enough to impress manager Dunga. iSporter Pulasta Dhar tries to foresee a World Cup without twinkletoes…
Just like Steve McLaren was continually debated about his omission of David Beckham from all his international selections, Dunga has gone through a similar experience in the case of Ronaldinho. After all, there are some players you just cannot think about leaving behind and he is one of those types. If his sale from Barcelona raised eyebrows, then this selection is a glare in the eye. Not because his stature is that of one of the most famous players in the world, but because he has done nothing wrong this season.
If you believe that the above was a subjective statement, then let us have a look at some objective facts. The Brazilian is the Seria A assists leader with 16 assists and 15 goals to his name in 2009-10. For a player who can do this at the top level and in a largely defensive league, it is sad to not see him in what could be a last chance at the top stage in the world. The current Brazil squad is completely different. Players who have proven themselves in the domestic circuit have been given a chance and I think it is a great move. But on the other hand, it does not mean you completely ignore a very good European footballer….a two-time World Player of the Year for that matter.
Dunga is meticulous and tactically very sharp. Also, squad discipline is one his strong points. Of course, Brazil as a squad looks very good, but still not proven at the highest level and this will be a chance every one of them should grab with both hands. If they surpass expectations, then it will be a major victory to Dunga and a big blow to the ones who doubted his selection policy.
Coming back to the question at hand, the omission of Ronaldinho is without any theoretical basis. Dunga has not really given him a chance. I also think it was only media pressure that Dunga named him in his 30 man squad, eventually dropping him. This has come along with the dropping of attractive attacking options in the likes of the brilliant Pato, volatile Adriano, tried and tested Ronaldo and the young Neymar. The selected frontline is absolutely surprising, with Nilmar, Robinho, Luis Fabiano and Grafite.
Ronaldinho is not the complaining types, but he is sure to have expected a chance to prove himself in the friendly games. But Dunga would have none of it. Personally, I think there should be at least 3 players who can make something out of nothing in a game. Kaka is one of them in the squad and probably Robinho. But all of us know that one man can make a difference, and that is Ronaldinho.
In the run up to the World Cup 2010, iSport will be running a series on some of the top players who will be missing the Cup due to injury or omission. Keep tuned for more over the next two weeks!
Also in the series read,
Beckham Injured!! Might Not Play in WC
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a guest
said:
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... Tried and tested Ronaldo is history. Not good enough anymore. Ronaldinho was a bit surprising, but his performances for Brazil haven't been too good. Pato's absence is what I'm most surprised about. Strike force looks unfamiliar, but who knows? It's Brazil. |
Praneet Mhatre
said:
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... I was totally shattered to hear the news. /* Emo comment - There are very few footballers who can match Ronaldinho's flair. And it's not like he would be a liability to his team.*/ As mentioned in the article, he's still got his touch and his short passing in the final third is just as wonderful as it used to be. Again, there will be no Totti, no Riquelme; the younger lot better step up to the challenge this time. |
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