LONDON - If the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A and the Spanish
league were able to put together their own World Cup teams, no one else would
stand a chance of winning the trophy.
Imagine a game in which France striker Thierry Henry takes a pass from
England's Steven Gerrard, who then sends a cross for Netherlands forward Ruud
van Nistelrooy to slide into the net.
Or seeing Brazil right back Cafu break down the flank and pass for Czech
Republic midfielder Pavel Nedved to set up a shot for Italy's Francesco Totti.
Or even Brazil left back Roberto Carlos sending a hard shot off the goalpost
that Argentina forward Lionel Messi controls and then shoots home.
It's a shame it'll never happen.
Besides England, Italy and Spain, the German Bundesliga also could put
together a contender, especially with several Brazilians playing there and the
majority of the host nation's players still at home. But Michael Ballack's move
to Chelsea means Germany's top player will soon play in England.
Many of the best players from France, the Netherlands and Portugal, who are
also among the leading World Cup contenders, don't play in their own countries.
Despite the current strength of the leagues in England, Italy and Spain,
however, it doesn't mean a thing when it comes to winning the World Cup.
And many aren't happy with the system that allows European Union players to
roam to the big leagues, saying it hurts the local talent.
"This is a worrying pattern for English football," said Gordon Taylor, chief
executive of the English players' union. "Are our stars of the future getting
the opportunities they need?
"The one thing the Football Association has got to do is protect the future
interests of the game in England."
While fans in England, Italy and Spain have the chance to see the top players
on a regular basis, FIFA president Sepp Blatter is worried the big leagues have
too much influence on the game and erode the power of the national associations.
"The FIFA Congress clearly says that the leagues are subordinate to the
national associations," Blatter said. "What we are missing is the leadership in
the national associations to maintain the correctness, respect and discipline in
the pyramid organization of football. If this is not any longer respected, then
we don't know where our football is going.
"The rich will take out the best and they will leave the family."
Brazilian players, however, have been leaving their own leagues for years,
but Brazil still manages to have a strong national team. Winning two of the last
three World Cups and reaching another final in between, Brazil dominates the
most important soccer competition on the planet. But its own domestic
competitions are comparatively lightweight compared with those in Europe, and
its leading players are spread around eight European countries.
Of the 23 Brazilian players selected for the World Cup team, 13 play in
Spain, Italy or England and four more are in Germany. Only two play for clubs in
Brazil. AC Milan playmaker Kaka thinks that's a good thing, because players who
go to Europe learn different styles.
"It's a great advantage for the Brazilians, to mix their creativity and
spontaneity with the tactical commitment (of the Europeans)," Kaka said.
