FIFA’s recent discussions regarding Ireland led me to think about the possibilities of an extra side at the tournament, and what would perhaps be more exciting than including a side who claimed they’ve been cheated out of the tournament would be to enter an entirely new team.
This team would be made up of international players whose respective countries did not manage to qualify for the finals. This would mean some brilliant players who deserve to display their talents on this stage would be given the opportunity they deserve. I’m sure Mr. Blatter would also take to the idea, as no doubt this would be more of a financial positive than the involvement of some other weaker footballing powers.
This system would have righted the ultimate football wrong by allowing Ryan Giggs to appear at the World Cup. However it is not just Giggs who would have rightly benefitted from this. The star centre forward for the best club side in Europe (Ibrahimovic) would be there and the potential squad would no doubt be a force as well as great entertainers.
The side would also allow people to “follow” a team throughout the tournament as all too often avid football fans are feeling left out of the Finals simply due to their nationality.
Potential XI:
Given (IRE);
Corluka (CRO), J. Evans (NI), Chivu (ROM), Zhirkov (RUS);
Modric (CRO), Fletcher (SCO), Keita (MAL), Arshavin (RUS);
Ibrahimovic (SWE), Berbatov (BUL);
The majority of this side would be competing for a place in the world’s best sides but the depth of the squad this side would have would allow them to compete at the Finals this summer.
The Bench:
Akinfeev; Boruc; R. Keane; Adebayor; Benayoun: M. Petrov; O’Shea; Vermaelen, Cordoba; Jankulovski; Valencia; Riise.
There is no doubt this side would be a joy to watch at the Finals and would more than hold their own against top sides such as Italy and France. This is also the hardest side to pick as the pool of talent available is the greatest, explaining the omissions of Eduardo Da Silva and the ever-developing Aaron Ramsey. Discussions with Stephen Ireland and his “reitrement” from international football would also have to take place!
Therefore it is necessary to pick the right man to manage the side so, given that I picked it, I’d give myself the job! Although Hiddink may be involved in an advisory role…
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
