World Cup Watch - Young Guns I
A thin line exists between glory and failure in a World Cup. The extraordinary thing about the World Cup is that more often than not, it is an exceptional player who is the difference between two good teams. Rossi in 1982, Pele in 1970, Maradona in 1986, Ronaldo in 2002, Zidane in 1998, Muller in 1974 were prodigious players who won the World Cup for their country. Looking at some of the young and talented players who might help their country achieve the ultimate prize in football this summer in Germany...
Wayne Rooney - If there's one person who might be able to win the World Cup for England, it is undoubtedly this young player from Liverpool. He proved he enjoys the big stage when he created a huge impact in Euro 2004. He has been the best player for ManUtd this season, not only scoring goals, but also creating lots of them for his teammates. In his last match against Newcastle, he made his opponents look like a bunch of amateurs with some dazzling runs, netting a brace, missing out on a hat-trick only due some bad luck. Winning the Carling Cup with his club, he has been the beacon of light in ManUtd's otherwise poor season. Fans would be hoping he doesn't get injured since England hopes of WC glory after 40 long years surely rests on his young shoulders.
Lionel Messi - Only a year back, he was playing for Barcelona's B team, but now he has made the Barca right wing his position edging out even the likes of Guily and Larsson. The past year has been a memorable one for him - winning the World Youth Cup for Argentina in which he was also declared 'player of the tournament', winning his first cap for Argentina (although he was sent off in his debut!), and helping out Barca win over Chelsea in Stamford Bridge. At 18 years of age, he is deceptively quick with great dribbling skills. Maradona has already hailed him as his successor and Messi would want to prove him right by winning Argentina the World Cup after 20 years.
People have already started the debate as to who the better player is - Rooney or Messi. Both have exceptional qualities and the fact that they both belong to my favorite clubs in Europe makes me like them both equally. However, all eyes are set to be upon them once the WC starts and decision most likely to be made before the WC concludes.
Wayne Rooney - If there's one person who might be able to win the World Cup for England, it is undoubtedly this young player from Liverpool. He proved he enjoys the big stage when he created a huge impact in Euro 2004. He has been the best player for ManUtd this season, not only scoring goals, but also creating lots of them for his teammates. In his last match against Newcastle, he made his opponents look like a bunch of amateurs with some dazzling runs, netting a brace, missing out on a hat-trick only due some bad luck. Winning the Carling Cup with his club, he has been the beacon of light in ManUtd's otherwise poor season. Fans would be hoping he doesn't get injured since England hopes of WC glory after 40 long years surely rests on his young shoulders.
Lionel Messi - Only a year back, he was playing for Barcelona's B team, but now he has made the Barca right wing his position edging out even the likes of Guily and Larsson. The past year has been a memorable one for him - winning the World Youth Cup for Argentina in which he was also declared 'player of the tournament', winning his first cap for Argentina (although he was sent off in his debut!), and helping out Barca win over Chelsea in Stamford Bridge. At 18 years of age, he is deceptively quick with great dribbling skills. Maradona has already hailed him as his successor and Messi would want to prove him right by winning Argentina the World Cup after 20 years.
People have already started the debate as to who the better player is - Rooney or Messi. Both have exceptional qualities and the fact that they both belong to my favorite clubs in Europe makes me like them both equally. However, all eyes are set to be upon them once the WC starts and decision most likely to be made before the WC concludes.
Who's your pick?
posted by Lucas @ 6:58 AM
5 Comments:
At senior level, Rooney has big tournament experience in Euro 2004. Messi does not. But still, becoming Under 19 player of the tournament is no mean feat.I just hope the pressure does not get to both of them. We've already heard of next maradona and next Pele only flattering to deceive. Aimar, Robinho, D'Alessandro, etc.
Messi has shown he wouldn't be unfazed by the big occasion when he played exceptionally well against Chelsea in the Champions League. He has already laid his claim to the 'new Maradona' but unlike other pretenders, I believe Messi has a realistic chance to claim the crown!
I don't know. somehow, Messi does not manage to remind me of Maradona. He reminds me very much of Cryuff (of whatever I've seen Cryuff playing).Maybe it has got something to do with the zest and pace with which Maradona played.Also, because he cuts thru from the wing like Cryuff makes me associate him closely to Cryuff.
Yep...as u said, Maradona and Messi play different roles...and Messi needs to become powerful....but then, they are both similar in appearance being small but they do run directly at defenders, have dazzling skills that leave the defenders flabbergasted. This is perhaps Maradona himself has praised Messi. But only time will tell if Messi can match his idol at the greatest stage of football - the World Cup.
I think neither of them are great enough to carry the whole team on their shoulders. Thats what made maradona special. Who comes out on top will depend on who goes further in the competition..england or argentina?
I have a feeling that Rooney might do better. Also, Messi looks slightly injury prone to me.
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