World cup fever The Best XI of players to be snubbed by their countries who were not going to Brazil 2014 World Cup. There are only 23 men who can make up each countrys squad which has left international managers with plenty to ponder and some tough decisions to make.here are some top names,stars who were left behind. Maarten Stekelenburg (Holland) The Dutch goalkeeper fell out of favour at Fulham towards the end of their relegation campaign this season and it has cost him a place in Louis Van Gaals side.Stekelenburg was first choice in between the sticks for Holland when Edwin Van Der Sar retired in 2010 and played in the last World Cup and Euro 2012. Despite winning 54 caps he was not even one of the four goalkeepers included in the preliminary 30-man squad. Alvaro Arbeloa (Spain) The Real Madrid right-back has paid for an inconsistent season with the Spanish giants.He has won 56 caps for Spain and was part of the side to win the last three major international tournaments -Euro 2008 and 2012, plus the last World Cup in South Africa.But the former Liverpool defender made only 22 appearances for Real and has not played for Spain since a friendly versus Belarus in October last year. Domenico Criscito (Italy) The Zenit defender was left shocked by his omission, not even making it into Italys provisional 30-man squad.He played in Italys most recent friendly against Spain and was involved in matches against Nigerian and Germany last November. Criscito assumed he was a shoo-in for the team. Joleon Lescott (England) The centre-back is set to leave Manchester City after struggling for a regular starting place,which has meant he was overlooked for Roy Hodgsons World Cup squad. At 31 years old he will know time is ticking for him to regain some form to be considered for the national team again. Ashley Cole (England) Cole was the most high-profile omission from the England team and the toughest decision that Hodgson had to make.Everton defender Leighton Baines is set to start for England at the World Cup and Hodgson opted for Southamptons teenage sensation Luke Shaw to get big tournament experience. Samir Nasri (France) France manager Didier Deschamps has divided opinion by leaving out Premier League inner Nasri.Deschamps decided he was a disruptive influence and wouldnt be happy on the bench,but Nasri has notched up 50 appearances for club and country this campaign and won two cups. Kaka (Brazil) Once the worlds most expensive player when he joined Real Madrid from AC Milan for £55million,albeit only for a few days.Injuries have blighted his career and he has failed to reproduce the kind of form which commanded that fee, since then returning to the Italian club on a free transfer. Philippe Coutinho (Brazil) The tricky Brazilian has been outstanding for Liverpool and was one of the key players in their title charge this season.His stunning winner against Manchester City,curled into the bottom right corner, had many believing this was to be Liverpools season.But stiff competition, particularly for attacking midfield players, meant he just missed out when Luiz Felipe Scolari named his squad. Ronaldinho (Brazil)Ronaldinho, arguably one of the most gifted players to take to the field, was left out after it was considered he was partying too much and not focusing enough on the game so close to the World Cup. Scolaris assistant Carlos Alberto Parreira said he lacked dedication and consistency to his international career.Aged 34, he has 33 goals in 97 appearances for Brazil, won a World Cup in 2002, and has a glittering trophy cabinet, but this was a step too far. Carlos Tevez (Argentina) Never far from controversy, the Juventus striker,who scored 18 goals In his debut season for the title-winning side, told the Argentinian FA last month not to recall him to the national team because he had booked tickets to go to Disney Land with his family. They duly obliged, and ex-Wigan striker Franco Di Santo was picked instead, meaning one of the best forwards in the world, in scintillating form,will not be at the tournament. Dani Osvaldo (Italy) A chequered history of fights and fall-outs with team-mates and managers did not stop Osvaldo earning a big money move to Southampton last summer. And he was a regular as Italys number 9 since making his debut in 2011. In-different form for the south coast club, then another attack on a team-mate meant he moved to Serie A champions Juventus, but his return of three goals in 18 games has not impressed Italy manager Cesare Prandelli. John Ruddy (England) The Norwich goalkeeper was left devastated after not only being relegated this season, despite being one of his clubs best performers, but then being left out of Hodgsons, then being left out of Hodgsons plans.He would only have been back-up to Joe Hart, but it was a harsh omission on a player who has been involved in every squad that he has been available for in the past two years. Gael Clichy (France) The Manchester City left-back was picked for Frances previous World Cup and European Championship squads but days after helping his club win the title was told he was not going to Brazil.Paris Saint-Germains Lucas Digne and Patrice Evra made the cut instead. Rio Ferdinand (England) The centre-back pulled out of Englands final World Cup qualifiers after a meeting with Roy Hodgson to discuss his long-term injury problems and has not been considered since then. Erik Lamela (Argentina) A disappointing season at Tottenham meant the winger has not been included in Argentinas star-studded squad He was one of the most highly rated players in football when he joined Spurs from Roma for £25.7million but, often playing with a muscle problem, he has struggled to live up to that. Javier Pastore (Argentina) The forward has failed to live up to his billing as one of the hottest young players in his teenage years. He was in Argentinas last World Cup squad, aged just 20, but just two goals for Paris Saint-Germain this season has cost him his place in the national team
Posted on: Thu, 22 May 2014 08:12:23 +0000