World Cup: Left Behind

Freddy Adu, as I mentioned in my last post, is the highest-profile US player who won't be playing in South Africa. He has bounced around from club to club during the last several years, never really securing a starting spot. He is currently playing for a club team in Greece but has not been playing well or consistently enough to merit consideration in the US team this year.

Another big name that is not going to be in South Africa is Ronaldinho of Brazil. He was one of the biggest soccer stars in the world just a few years ago, but he has gotten fat. (I think in the picture shown here he is actually running to the post-game buffet.)

Plus, the new coach of Brazil, Dunga, does not have the Brazilians playing the same, free-wheeling "joga bonito" style that they have been known for in years past. He usually has the team line up with 2 defensive midfielders, for example. These tactics have not endearing Dunga to the Brazilian fans, who expect their teams to play with flair and style.

Even if he were fit and playing well, Ronaldinho might not have made the Brazilian team -- he was never known as a player who pitched in a lot on defense, which is something Dunga expects from his players.

Finally, Kaka (yes, I know, very unfortunate name) has emerged as the primary, creative attacking player for Brazil. He doesn't play a lot of defense either, but at this stage he's better, younger and slimmer than Ronaldinho.

The other big name player missing out who is known even to non-soccer fans in David Beckham. He suffered an injury earlier this year and will not be part of England's squad. There are rumors, however, that he will still travel to South Africa as a kind of talisman/adviser for the Three Lions. He probably would have made the team if he'd been healthy, but not as a starter. He will return to MLS later this year once his torn achilles tendon heals.