The World Cup in South Africa will bring joy to millions of people around the globe. But for Messrs Andrey Arshavin, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Petr Cech, Luka Modric and Dimitar Berbatov, the football carnival will be a painful reminder of their teams’ failure to qualify for the mega event. Watching television and reading newspapers may not be easy for the five stars from June 11 to July 11.
Even though Fifa increased the number of participants to an all-time high of 32 from the 1998 World Cup, many teams continue to reel from qualification heartbreaks before every Finals. The magnetic pull of the World Cup is so strong that the fans of the affected countries may join the party during the event in appreciation of some great performances from other nations. But misery continues unabated for stars missing from the Finals cast because there is no bigger stage than the World Cup to prove one’s worth.
Alfredo di Stefano invariably has weak defence in debates on world’s greatest stars of all time because World Cup glory is missing from his otherwise resplendent CV. The Real Madrid legend has never graced a World Cup despite his dual nationality for Argentina and Spain. World Cup participation also eluded George Best, another redoubtable star in club football.
The pity about the notable absentees from the 2010 Finals is most of them are in the peak of their careers now. Barring Cech, who can hope to shine in another World Cup because of his position as goalkeeper, others may be past their prime by the time of the 20th edition at Rio de Janeiro. Modric of Croatia also has a chance to showcase his talent on a global platform as he has age on his side.
Arshavin, Ibrahimovic and Berbatov are capable of turning a match on its head with a piece of magic. The nonchalant way Zlatan dodges defender after defender for a goal in Ajax colours is a classic on the YouTube.
The Swedish forward’s close control and dribbling skills are extraordinary for a giant. The inventive Zlatan has a nose for the spectacular. He can also put the fear of God in the minds of goalkeepers with his bullets shots.
Arshavin came of age in Euro 2008. He demolished the Netherlands single-handedly in the quarterfinals with a midfield masterclass. The Dutch, who had appeared invincible until then, didn’t have a clue to deal with the rampaging Arshavin. The Russian, gifted with enviable skill sets, can walk into any team who ahev qualified for the World Cup.
Temperamental and talented, Berbatov is a classical Eastern Europe star. His velvet touches are a sight to behold. Even though he has failed to fire for Manchester United, there is no question about his pedigree. The 19th World Cup will be poorer in the absence of the mercurial trio.