The Beautiful Game

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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So the Perez effect is really happening. Real Madrid are breaking records daily at the moment. First Kaka, now Ronaldo. Maybe they will create an ecconomic equation to recognise the impact that this is going to have on European football. Perez seems set to assemble a squad brimming with attacking talent (although not sure that is going to do the trick given the dodgy defenders on their books) and a new era of Galacticos will be confirmed when the Portugal star puts pen to paper.

Anyway, I know that Ronaldo is an amazing player, and United have relied on him heavily in the past 24 months, but they have done the right thing to accept this offer, it creates such an opportunity for them to re-shape their attack. More and more the team has been lop-sided this past season as Ronaldo has been the pinnacle of their threat. Against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Final, it seemed they were more and more reliant on the Winker to get them back in the game, very unlike United they looked out of other options.

This potential deal, and influx of cash, now paves the way for United to rebuild their attack, and I would not be surprised to see them change the way that they play for next season and modernise the 4-4-2 that has served Sir Alex so well during his years at Old Trafford. I think they will be able to get Ribery or Valencia (maybe both?), keep Tevez and maybe add another striker. I think Rooney will shift into a more central role alongside Berbatov, with real width coming back to the team - it also feels as though Fergie is ready to unleash his new crop of Young Guns on the Premier League. Gibson, Wellbeck & Macheda could be the ones rubbing their hands at Ronaldo's exit.

What is facinating now is how the market will react for the rest of the summer. What will Man City do? I have a feeling that their owners like to be the ones leading the spending trail - and I am sure that Kaka being sold for nearly 50% less than City offered in January will hurt their new owners. The problem they have is that none of the current 'World Class' players would go to City  - but they will still definately want to make a statement this summer and I expect them to buy old, but very good players (Eto'o etc).

I think Madrid will be much stronger next year, and will certainly entertain with Kaka and Ronaldo alongside the rest of Los Merengues, but I think when it comes to the UEFA Champions League, United will be the real winners....

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