It’s only just dawned on me that one of these two colossuses will miss out on the World Cup next year. What a massive shame to football fans around the world.
Now, I have a great fondness in watching either of these two players, and I think anyone who can appreciate football does, too. Unfortunately, both of their respective international teams are not exactly blessed with players on the same level as Zlatan and Cristiano. There are a few decent enough players for Sweden such as Seb Larsson, Ola Toivonen, and Johan Elmander, who have all shown flashes of brilliance in the past. On the other hand, Cristiano plays alongside players who should be class, with players like Nani being anonymous at times despite their ability. There is also Danny, who does not seem to have reached the levels he was expected to, and Bruno Alves, who I’m sure is the inspiration for The Great Khali’s character in the Longest Yard.
So, to the fault of both teams for not performing, it has churned up a play-off for qualification to the World Cup. Significantly, this might be the last World Cup for either player. This is more likely to be true for Zlatan, mind, considering he is five years Cristiano’s senior.
I have a feeling that once Ronaldo hits thirty, he will start to lose his athleticism that sets him apart from every other human being on the planet and may start to lose his effectiveness. I could be horribly wrong due to his physique being second to none, but I feel that he will need to convert into a cuter and smarter out-and-out striker should he lose the ability to blitz past defenders at will. Zlatan, on the other hand, has never really been blessed with pace, but possesses sheer strength and skill that has defined him as a powerhouse in world football and, in my opinion, the best footballer in the world on current form. He can literally do all aspects of football; he can shoot, take a man on, win headers and score every type of goal imaginable.
For these reasons, it seems a shame that one of these two will miss out on the World Cup in Brazil.
I’m leaning more towards seeing “Z-Ibra” and Sweden at the World Cup finals in my heart.