13 October 2009
by Jerrad Peters
It has become de rigueur to fret openly about a World Cup without Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. "What would a World Cup be," the thinking goes, "without the two best players in the world?"
A reasonable question, sure. Although the answer is equally sensible, if not uncomfortable for millions of football fans around the world.
A World Cup without Ronaldo and Messi would be just fine, thank-you very much. Despite their undeniable status as the top footballers on the planet, their performances in World Cup qualifying have been dismal—much like those of their national teams. In fact, there's a case to be made that both countries would be secure in their berths had their best players bothered to turn up.
But even that argument does a disservice to the sides that have challenged Portugal and Argentina in their groups. Denmark—atop European qualification Group 1—have put in a stellar campaign over the past 12 moths. So, too, have Hungary, although they will probably fall just short at the final hurdle. Portugal's failure to nail down automatic qualification for South Africa is neither about their own form nor Ronaldo's. It's about Denmark's superior play and the fantastic performances turned in by the likes of Soren Larsen and Nicklas Bendtner.
The same logic works for Argentina in South American qualifying. If Argentina lose to Uruguay on Wednesday—and Ecuador beat Chile—the Albicelestes will be out of the World Cup. Unthinkable? Hardly. It's not simply about Argentina. It's about a very responsible Paraguay side, bolstered by the goals of Club America forward Salvador Cabanes. It's about an exciting Chilean attack, spearheaded by Monterrey hitman Humberto Suazo and supported by 20-year-old Alexis Sanchez. It's about a resilient and balanced Uruguay outfit that earned a crucial 2-1 victory at the altitude of Quito in the third minute of stoppage time.
It is not the manifest destiny of any country to qualify for a World Cup finals. England and France know this better than most. Both heavyweights failed to make it to USA '94, yet the tournament was a resounding success—despite the absences of Alan Shearer and Eric Cantona.
Denmark will be in South Africa, and Uruguay will probably join them. This should be celebrated, not overlooked because they happened to displace a pair of world football powers. The best teams always qualify for the World Cup, and those that don't should neither be missed nor mourned.
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