A World Cup without significant absentees is a rarity. In every edition, we see untimely injuries robbing players of their chance of representing their country. While stars like Luis Suarez and Diego Costa are racing against time to be fit for the tournament, with fingers crossed, here is a look at some players missing due to injuries.
Riccardo Montolivo (Italy)
In a team where Andrea Pirlo resides and orchestrates much of the attack, Riccardo Montolivo has managed to carve a niche for himself as an essential cog in the Italy midfield. Blessed with quick feet and an eye for a pass, the AC Milan man had established himself as a starter for his club and national side before being laid low by a broken leg in Italy’s pre-World Cup practice match against Ireland. With Marco Parolo and Alberto Aquilani not at the level of Montolivo, Italy will have to make huge adjustments to cover for his loss.
Kevin Strootman (The Netherlands)
A no-nonsense hard tackling midfielder with an ability to start off the attacks with his vision and passing ability, Strootman was one of the three players assured of a place in the Netherlands squad according to coach Louis Van Gaal. The Dutchman will miss the competition after picking up a knee injury. The 24-year-old’s tenacity at the centre of the park will be a huge loss for the Dutch side.
Lars Bender (Germany)
Abundle of energy in the centre, the tireless midfielder keeps the move ticking with his short and effective passes in the centre without taking much risks. A player most suited for the German side when they want to keep possession, Bender was injured during the World Cup camp shattering his dreams for the World Cup.
Radamel Falcao (Colombia)
After bursting into the scene in Porto, the Colombian striker has shown his goal scoring prowess across countries with successful stint at Atletico Madrid before moving to Monaco in France. Blessed with the ability to hold up the ball, clinical finishing and predatory instincts, Falcao has cemented his name as one of the top strikers in Europe. With Colombia’s hopes lying on his broad shoulder, the Monaco marksman, who suffered an injury in January, will be the biggest miss in the World Cup.
Theo Walcott (England)
Walcott’s first taste of the World Cup came in 2006 when he was chosen as a 16-year-old, only recently signed by Arsenal but yet to make a Premier League debut. He spent the tournament as an unused player and was left out of the squad entirely in the 2010 edition. The English winger will have to wait for the next edition for his World Cup debut after picking up a cruciate ligament injury, which ruled him out of the competition.
The pressure to perform can be unbearably high on World Cup coaches. For some nations, winning a match is the goal and for some reaching the second round is the target. For Brazil, Germany and Spain, anything other than the winner’s medal is a failure.
Coaches face heat
Luiz Felipe Scolari (Brazil)
Felipao has been there and done that. But the 2002 World Cup winner now has the unenviable task of delivering on home soil. His team have to perform; they have to perform with panache. Otherwise, the knives will be out even before the closing ceremony. Scolari says Brazil have an obligation to win. After the agony of falling at the final hurdle in 1950, while it was playing the host, the football-mad country needs the calming balm of victory now. The experienced coach’s motivational techniques are legendary. He can behave like a stern mother-in-law as well as an amiable uncle. He has clearly defined ideas. It’s up to the players to carry out their coach’s game plan.
Joachim Loew (Germany)
Semi-final appearances in the last two major events will be celebrated as an achievement in many countries, but for Germany it’s nothing more than an honourable exit. Loew has had enough of near misses; he wants to go all the way. The coach with a sharp dress sense has the tools to end Germany’s 24-year drought in the World Cup. Mental strength is the key.
Vicente del Bosque (Spain)
The avuncular man with a bushy moustache can sit in the dugout as if he is on penance in a monastery. But appearance can be deceptive. The tactically shrewd Spaniard is on the verge of greatness. A triumph in Brazil will not only make him the only second coach after Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo (1934, 1938) to win back to back titles but also the winningest boss in the history of the game with three major trophies (including Euro 2012). A lot of experts believe that Spain’s tiki-taka style is past its sell-by date. Can Del Bosque and his boys puncture that theory?
Notable absentees
The players are getting ready for the biggest showdown in football. But some brilliant players will be forced to watch the action from their homes. Here is a look at some of the most famous names in football who will be missing in Brazil as their countries failed to qualify.
Petr Cech (Czech Republic)
Cech has been one of the top goalkeepers in the world for over a decade now. But the lanky shot-stopper and Chelsea star will not be strapping on his glove as he was unable to guide Czech Republic through the qualifying rounds.
Branislav Ivanovic (Serbia)
A hard-tackling defender, who adapts to playing in the centre and on the right effortlessly, Ivanovic has made himself an ever present name in the Chelsea and Serbian backline. Known for his ability to head the ball, the Chelsea star is another stellar name missing from the World Cup.
Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
One of football’s most complete striker. Fast, incisive, clinical, Polish star Lewandowski has been one of the most highly touted finishers. The soon-to-be Bayern forward will be one of the most high profile player missing from the football extravaganza.
Gareth Bale (Wales)
Over the past three years, Bale has developed into one of the most feared attackers in the world and a terror for the opposition defence with his blistering pace and fearsome left foot. Real Madrid’s record signing will be a major miss at this year’s World Cup.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden)
The tournament was probably the 32-year-old Swede’s last chance at the biggest stage. The lanky striker, one of the greats of the modern game, will be the biggest loss in the World Cup.
