Sometimes the best don't make it

Being a professional soccer player these days is not an easy job. The Brazil 2014 World Cup happens every four years and it's critical that teams go through the qualifying matches without having any injuries that would put them at risk. Some of the best athletes in the world like Di Stefano, George Best, or Giggs, have never played a World Cup due to to having some sort of injury in their career. Clearly, the World Cup is no exception for any player in the world.

A total of 736 players have been chosen to fight for the World Cup title this year. However, many players like Cech, Alaba, Montolivo, Falcao, Ribery, or Jesus Navas, have not been capable of recovering from their injuries in time for the cup. Some of the highest scoring players from the best leagues in the world will not attend this event due to injuries or their teams not been capable of qualifying for the tournament.


Let's look at Lewandowski's case. With 28 goals under his belt, Bayern's striker will not  be going to the World Cup this year since the Polish national team has lost in the qualifying matches against England, Ukraine, and Montenegro. However, Lewandowski has kept scoring goals even if it wasn't with its national team: 20 goals in the Bundesliga, 6 in the Champions League, and 2 in the German Cup. Where is he now? Enjoying his summer vacation.

The same thing occurs with Swedish player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who we will not see this summer playing in the World Cup. Ibrahimovic fought to the end to be in Brazil; however, it was not enough. His season with PSG (Paris Saint Germain) ended with an impressive count of 26 goals in the League 1, 3 in the French Cup, and 10 in the Champions League.


Colombian player Radamel Falcao is another one out of the list for Brazil. Ever since a defender caused him an injury in his left knee this past January, Falcao has been sitting in the bench. Till this day, Falcao has scored 9 goals in the league and 2 in the cup. However, injuries are injuries and Falcao will not make in time for the World Cup.

The same thing occurs with tops players like Negredo, who has scored 23 goal with Manchester City this season, and Frank Ribery, who finished his season with Bayern with 23 goals in the Bundesliga but will not be in Brazil due to a back injury. Again, injuries are part of an every day soccer player and do not always heal in time. Brazil 2014 will definitely miss having these players fight for the cup title.

I have to thank you the support it's incredible to read your messages. I also have to congratulate Jupp again for his award
— Frank Ribery (@RiberyOfficiel) enero 14, 2014