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Lawro's Premier League predictions

This season, BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson will pit his wits against a new guest each week.

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Idris Elba's Premier League predictions

It is the turn of The Wire star Idris Elba to predict the results for the next round of Premier League matches.
The actor, an Arsenal fan who grew up in east London, is backing the Gunners to overcome Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday and remain top of the Premier League table.
This week's predictions Result Lawro Idris Elba Aston Villa v West Brom 2-1 1-1 2-1 Bolton v Blackburn 2-1 2-2 0-0 Everton v Wigan 0-0 2-0 2-4 Fulham v Sunderland 0-0 2-1 1-1 Man Utd v Arsenal 1-0 1-1 1-2 Newcastle v Liverpool 3-1 1-1 2-3 Stoke v Blackpool 0-1 2-1 1-0 Tottenham v Chelsea 1-1 1-1 2-1 West Ham v Man City 1-3 0-2 2-2 Wolves v Birmingham 1-0 2-1 0-1 A correct result is worth ONE point, a correct score earns THREE points.
Last week, Lawro beat Prime Minister David Cameron 9-7.

Predictions leaderboard
LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS
(Kick-offs at 1500 GMT unless stated)
SATURDAY

Aston Villa 2-1 West Brom
Prediction: 1-1
Match report

Everton 0-0 Wigan
Prediction: 2-0
Match report

Fulham 0-0 Sunderland
Prediction: 2-1
Match report

Stoke 0-1 Blackpool
Prediction: 2-1
Match report

West Ham 1-3 Man City
Prediction: 0-2
Match report

Newcastle 3-1 Liverpool
Prediction: 1-1
Match report
SUNDAY

Bolton 2-1 Blackburn
Prediction: 2-2
Match report

Wolves 1-0 Birmingham
Prediction: 2-1
Match report

Tottenham 1-1 Chelsea
Prediction: 1-1
Match report
MONDAY

Man Utd v Arsenal
Prediction: 1-1
Match report

Leaderboard Score Alastair Campbell 11 Lord Sugar 11 Graeme Swann 10 Kaiser Chiefs 9 Lee Westwood 8 Michael Vaughan 8 BBC Radio 1's Comedy Dave 8 Mark Lawrenson (average) 7 David Cameron 7 Kobe Bryant 7 Andy Murray 6 Robbie Williams 6 Klaxons 4 Peter Shilton 4 Tim Vine 1 Lawro's best score: 13 points (week 10)
Lawro's lowest score: one point (week six)
Make your own predictions to see how the Premier League will look after this weekend.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

« Previous | Main
Sacked Allardyce deserved better

Post categories: Blackburn, Premier League
Phil McNulty | 17:51 UK time, Monday, 13 December 2010

Sam Allardyce had no inkling of what was lurking around the corner only nine days ago when Blackburn Rovers rose to eighth place in the Premier League with victory against Wolves.
Aston Villa had been beaten in Blackburn's previous home game and Allardyce was revelling, as usual, in what he effectively regarded as a career-long struggle for managerial acceptance.
He admitted: "We never get credit for things, but that's the way it is. We are just a small town club enjoying ourselves by winning football matches. The fortress of Ewood Park is back and the walls are getting higher."
He may have at least expected credit inside that Lancashire fortress, but the walls were not high enough to prevent Allardyce being unceremoniously bundled off the premises by Blackburn's new Indian owners, the Rao family, who recently purchased the club for £23m.

I asked Allardyce what he felt he had to do at Blackburn to receive the approval rating he believed he was due after taking the club from peril to respectability in the Premier League in just two years.
He replied: "Keep winning football matches. The most important thing is winning and entertaining and I think our fans will be happy we have beaten Aston Villa and Wolves at home in consecutive games without conceding a goal.
"If you get the maximum out of your players you can't ask any more than that."

Troubleshooter Allardyce is unlikely to be out of work for long - photo: Reuters

Blackburn have lost one match since then - Sunday's narrow 2-1 away defeat by Allardyce's old club Bolton - but the new Ewood Park hierarchy have swiftly decided that he is not the man to provide the winning and entertaining football they demand.
Allardyce does not seek, or indeed receive, sympathy, but there does seem a heavy sense of injustice that the solid, if unspectacular, job he has done at Blackburn has earned him the reward of dismissal.
The clue may have come in the gap between Allardyce's understandable description of Blackburn as "a small town club" and what power brokers Balaji and Venkateshwara Rao have in mind for their investment.
Introducing themselves to Blackburn's fans via the match notes against Wolves, Balaji Rao said: "We see real sustainable growth for the club moving forward, both within the UK and also internationally and we intend to exploit our in-depth knowledge of the Indian market in particular, and beyond that the whole of Asia."
If we cut through the business jargon, this could uncover the "wider plans" they have for Blackburn - and perhaps they felt Allardyce was simply not big enough to carry them as far and wide as they want.
This, however, is a high-risk strategy because most sound judges would suggest Allardyce was the perfect man for a club of Blackburn's current stature, a manager with a proven track record of getting results at this level and keeping teams in the top tier.
Whichever Premier League clubs Allardyce has managed he's always provided plenty of bang for the owner's buck.
Blackburn lie 13th in the table, but according to statistics compiled by writer Paul Tomkins, Allardyce's team has the third lowest cost per point in the Premier League in relation to transfers, though this does not take into account wages and signing-on fees.
So while Chelsea have invested just over £3m to win each point, Blackburn have spent just under £400,000.
As recently as three weeks ago, Anuradha Desai, chairman of Venky's, the company now behind Blackburn, told Allardyce he "deserved a chance". If this was a chance, it was a brief one.
Since succeeding Paul Ince two years ago, Allardyce moved Blackburn out of relegation trouble, put them in the Premier League's top 10 last season and made a respectable start this term. This is, by most standards, highly-creditable work.
It is a gamble from the Rao family to sack a manager with Allardyce's pedigree, and one they will presumably have measured carefully, but the new men at the top at Ewood Park might need to learn to walk in the Premier League before they run.
Allardyce was more or less a guarantee of Premier League survival. He was dismissed by Newcastle under similar circumstances when owners changed, and that was a decision they were able to reflect on at leisure in the Championship.
This is not to say the same will happen at Ewood Park, but the Raos have put themselves in the spotlight and under pressure almost as soon as they have walked through the door by taking making such a speedy move.
The private thoughts of Blackburn's measured and highly-respected chairman John Williams might also be revealing, as the decision to sack a manager who has steadied a club that was heading for the Championship before his arrival hardly squares with the Rovers chief's publicly stated desire for "important stability" as the new Ewood era got under way.
Former Blackburn Rovers midfield man and BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Robbie Savage said: "I know the chairman John Williams well but it's obviously the owners who have made this decision. Sam was doing a good job, what do people expect? He will be very disappointed."
It is a mood reflected by Blackburn's players, with captain Ryan Nelsen "absolutely gutted" by the decision as he hailed Allardyce's "unbelievable job".
Allardyce's methods and refusal to be burdened by any modesty about his managerial abilities have ensured he is a figure who always polarises opinion, but judgement of his work at Ewood, if based on results rather than perception of his ego, suggests he has been a success.
Despite what many regard as a basic style, Allardyce has always been an advocate of football's scientific methods, and he insists his pursuit of success is based on a meticulous analysis of the game's percentages.
Even during the convincing win against Wolves, there was still an undercurrent of dissent from some Blackburn fans, especially when it became clear Allardyce had ordered his side, not unreasonably, to protect their lead.
A period of measured possession football was met with loud jeering and vociferous criticism of Allardyce, ironic as one of the accusations levelled at him is that he is too happy to ignore the passing game in favour of the more direct approach.
And for all the brickbats habitually aimed in Allardyce's direction, Blackburn were not simply a one-dimensional side. They were formidable on home turf, had a good mix of youth and experience, all achieved on a limited budget.
Only last week, when reflecting on Chris Hughton's sacking by Newcastle, Allardyce might have been predicting his own fate when he said: "Sometimes quick decisions are made based on the way the game is today. There is so much money involved in it now that it is almost as important as winning a game of football, in some cases even more important.
"That causes people to worry more quickly and make quicker decisions, whether they are right or wrong. It is their football club. They are entitled to make those decisions and we have to live with the decisions that they make. All we can do is move on."
Allardyce's obvious regard for his talents as a manager will cause some to revel in his downfall, but this must not disguise the fact that he has done as well as could reasonably have been expected at Blackburn and deserved more time to convince his new owners that he was the man to take the club forward.
Such is Allardyce's bullet-proof self-belief that he will spend his first night out of work convinced he will soon be back in management - and he is likely to be proved right.
It is coming to the time of the season when troubleshooters are required, and Allardyce is sure to get the call sooner rather than later.

 

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Fans' favourite and former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is honoured before kick-off ahead of the eagerly anticipated Premier League match against Arsenal


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Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester United are ready to make a significant bid to entice Barcelona full-back Dani Alves to Old Trafford.
Full story: caughtoffside.com
Liverpool are rumoured to be readying a January bid for Partizan Belgrade striker Cleo.
Full story: caughtoffside.com
Italian side Roma are keen to capture Arsenal utility man Emmanuel Eboue.
Full story: caughtoffside.com
Real Madrid are poised to test Arsenal's resolve to keep Gael Clichy by offering France striker Karim Benzema in a swap deal for the full-back.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Liverpool have targeted a move for Villarreal winger Santi Cazorla as Reds manager Roy Hodgson looks to add more creativity to his side.
Full story: caughtoffside.com
Manchester United have singled out Tottenham's Gareth Bale and Everton's Leighton Baines as the two players they will target to replace current left back Patrice Evra.
Full story: caughtoffside.com
Nigerian striker Victor Anichebe is ready to back down in his contract wrangle with Everton and fight for his Goodison Park future.
Full story: Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce's dismissal at Blackburn has left Sunderland in pole position to land Slovakia's Juraj Kucka.
Full story: Daily Mail
Real Madrid star Lassana Diarra has not ruled out a January return to the Premier League with both Manchester United and Tottenham interested in the former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder.
Full story: talkSPORT
Everton are monitoring Stephen Ireland's showdown talks with Aston Villa, with a view to making a January move for the midfielder.
Full story: talkSPORT
Bayern Munich are interested in Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg - leaving Manchester United in pole position to land Manuel Neuer.
Full story: talkSPORT
OTHER GOSSIP
Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson took on board almost all of the advice predecessor Sir Matt Busby gave him - except when it came to dealing with the media.
Full story: Daily Mirror

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Ronaldinho offered chance for final hurrah

Post categories: Football
Tim Vickery | 08:12 UK time, Monday, 1 November 2010

Ronaldinho has been recalled to the Brazil squad for the forthcoming friendly against Argentina and there are some who might think the call has come six months too late.
When it all went wrong in the second half of that World Cup semi-final against the Netherlands, and coach Dunga looked along his substitutes bench in search of a saviour, was he really more pleased to see the likes of Julio Baptista than Ronaldinho?
With hindsight, the answer appears obvious. Going into the World Cup, though, Dunga was entitled to think differently.
He had been unable to find a way to get Kaka, Robinho and Ronaldinho to function together. Ronaldinho had been given chance after chance and had thrown them away, performing like a pitiful apology for his former self. Once he was jettisoned, results improved and the team seemed to take shape.
There is no doubt about it - the main person responsible for the absence of Ronaldinho from the World Cup was Ronaldinho himself. It was a sporting tragedy.

At the age of 30, the tournament in South Africa could - perhaps should - have been Ronaldinho's definitive statement as an international footballer, and one of the most talented players the game has ever seen.
He is clearly a much more complex character than his happy, smiling image suggests.
For all his natural talent, it is not possible to become so outstanding in a competitive activity like football without a true love for the game. By the same token, such a waste of his peak years can only point to a strong disillusionment.
He went through a mini-slump following Brazil's failure at the 2000 Olympics, a precursor for the massive depression that set in after the 2006 World Cup. Did the responsibility prove too great in Germany?

Ronaldinho in action for AC Milan against Real Madrid - photo: AP

In his pomp, Ronaldinho had no problems being the leader of the pack at Barcelona. Was it so different when he was representing his country? Was too much of his self-worth bound up with results? Did he really derive so little pleasure from his own breathtaking ability, the source over the years of so much pleasure for so many? Was partying really more important? How could he not see that he had his whole life to party, whereas his one great talent has a ruthlessly unforgiving shelf life?
Barcelona gave up on him after failing to get a reaction with either the carrot or the stick and Milan had similar problems, at least until Leonardo took charge last season. A mixture of coach, psychologist and older brother, Leonardo managed to coax something of a revival from Ronaldinho - though it proved too little and too late to win him a place on the plane to South Africa.
Earlier this year, when Milan were bundled out of the Champions League by Manchester United, I felt a pang of worry for him. Those two matches effectively ended his campaign to go to the World Cup.
I feared that he might be caught in a downward spiral, instead of which, here he is back in the Brazil squad, with the chance to play his way in for a last hurrah on home soil in 2014.
Two things have changed. Firstly, he is no longer restricting himself to that small strip of the pitch down the left flank. In some games, he has taken on a more central role.
This is important because at the highest level it is very hard for a wide player to make an impression without searing pace.
Once, lightning acceleration was Ronaldinho's trademark. He has lost it, and even it he works hard to get it back, time is against him. Playing in the middle gives him more options for his passing ability.
This is where the second change comes into play. Under new coach Mano Menezes Brazil have changed their approach. No longer restricted to the counter-attack, now they are looking to play a more possession-based game - which needs players capable of putting it into practice.
In August, Menezes' Brazil made an excellent start with a win over the United States. Last month they were not quite so impressive beating Iran and Ukraine.
Against the US, promising playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso made a sound debut, operating centre-field in a 4-2-3-1 formation but he picked up a serious injury soon afterwards and his absence - or, more accurately, the absence of a player of his type - was strongly felt.
Against Iran, for example, Robinho, Carlos Eduardo and Philippe Coutinho - three players who like to run with the ball - played behind lone striker Alexandre Pato, but however quickly they run, someone with a good range of passing will always move the ball quicker.
This, then, could be Ronaldinho's role against Argentina. He could be the senior statesman, surrounded by speed merchants to do the running, using his experience to pick the passes and direct the attack - a role similar to the one the veteran Zidane carried out for France in the 2006 World Cup, where, of course, it all went wrong for Ronaldinho.
Is he up to the task? The answer probably lies as much in his mind as in his body. Those of us who love watching him at his exuberant best will hope that the chance of making history in 2014 works as a powerful motivating force.

Comments on the piece in the space provided. Questions on South American football to vickerycolumn@hotmail.com, and I'll pick out a couple for next week.
From last week's postbag:

Q) I am Colombian, and Atletico Nacional supporter. I have a question about the former Nacional player, currently with Racing Club in Argentina, Giovanni Moreno. Can he make it in the Premier League? What do you think about him?
Esteban Jaramillo

A) A very interesting player, who's made an excellent start to his spell in Argentina. He's a lanky figure who plays either as a conventional number 10 or a little higher as a support striker. He has a terrific left foot, combines well and seems to have a strong personality, and would seem to have a brilliant future.
I'm not sure about England, though. His favoured position is not easy - space is squeezed, there's little time to decide what to do. Here his build works against him - with those telescopic legs he perhaps lacks speed off the mark. England might not be his ideal destination, but I think he can succeed in Europe and he has a big part to play for the Colombian national team.

Q) Who do you think Brazil's best right back is at the moment? With Maicon slipping lately (at least in relation to his lofty standards), I see Alves taking the spot. Alves is also a bit younger, and Maicon's legs may be beginning to go. Do you see Alves finally upstaging Maicon? Menezes has a decision on his hands, albeit admittedly a good problem to have.
Eric Lurz

A) Maicon hasn't had a look-in since the World Cup, as Menezes has gone with Daniel Alves. In fact, very few of the Dunga gang have been called up, though the new man is keen to stress that the door is not closed. But at the next World Cup Maicon will be pushing 33, while Daniel Alves will just have turned 30, and that surely tips the battle in his favour. The other right back in the squad is Man United's Rafael.

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• 1. At 09:42am on 01 Nov 2010, supershunsuke wrote:Ronaldinho is the Ronnie O'Sullivan of football (or vice versa)...
  
  What most of us would give to have the talent he has. It's a travesty that he's let it go to waste in the last few years. I hope he does make a comeback but time is not on his side and I can't really picture him rediscovering the form that he had during his peak at Barca.
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• 2. At 09:46am on 01 Nov 2010, jimbosami wrote:It always astounds me how professional footballers seem to be so effected by emotional and mental issues. Top pros would appear to have everything they need - a great career, gorgeous wives/girlfriends, loads of money and international fame; yet so many seem have the emotional stability of teenagers.
  
  These guys are getting paid vast amounts of money, they should just go out and do their job. I know that I wouldn't get away with acting like Ronaldinho, or countless other players, at their worst in my work.
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• 3. At 10:11am on 01 Nov 2010, IanW wrote: I don't know about "in hindsight", there were an awful lot of us saying that Dunga's squad was lacking in creativity and putting far too much on the shoulders of a recently injured and out of form Kaka, as soon as the Brazil World Cup squad was announced. I argued that Paulo Henrique Ganso should have been included, but as you say Ronaldinho would have been preferable to Julio Baptista.
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• 4. At 10:39am on 01 Nov 2010, Fútbol Fútbol Fútbol wrote:It is a real shame that he let it go when he should have been at the peak of his game. There are many other players that have gone through similar things, but very few with the level of raw talent of Ronaldinho.
  
  Everyone keeps going on about Dunga's Brazil lacking creativity, but didn't they win the Copa América & Confederations Cup playing the same style of football?
  
  Fútbol Fútbol Fútbol
  
  
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• 5. At 10:41am on 01 Nov 2010, SS11 wrote: Ronaldinho lost his magic post 2006 world cup. It is important he plays more matches to rediscover his form back. He can yet again become the most lovable character he once was reknowned for. I loved him as a player when he was on song playing for Barcelona.
  
  C'mon Ronladinho!
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• 6. At 11:03am on 01 Nov 2010, RocketToeRonaldo wrote: It was the World Cup Quarter Final, not semi.
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• 7. At 11:04am on 01 Nov 2010, Ferry_Arab wrote: Glad to hear Ronaldinho might get another look in for Brazil. Even more so than Messi he is capable of producing 1 or 2 moments in a game where you have to watch the slow-motion replays to see exactly what's happened, and what he's done with his feet.
  
  Not so sure that a player this talented needs a genuine love of the game to play at the very top however. I remember Hidetoshi Nakata didn't like football at all, and I also heard that Batigol didn't enjoy it much - for him it was just a very well paid job. That might however explain why these guys didn't the longevity of others - Nakata retired at about 28, Batistuta was dreadful after he won the Scudetto at Roma, and Ronaldinho peaked very early in his career.
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• 8. At 11:08am on 01 Nov 2010, MCCOURT_THE_LEGEND wrote: "It always astounds me how professional footballers seem to be so effected by emotional and mental issues. Top pros would appear to have everything they need - a great career, gorgeous wives/girlfriends, loads of money and international fame; yet so many seem have the emotional stability of teenagers."
  
  Surely the fact that these days they quite often do not get the chance to be teenagers may be a factor in this? im not sure what it is like outside of the UK but i know for a fact that "superstar players" are often in the limelight from a very young age? look at the wayne rooney situation, yes he had made some bad decisions, but how can anyone judge him as not many people will understand what its like to be under so much pressure and scrutiny from the age of 16,17 or 18? he is bound to slip up and make mistakes but they are made to be 1,000 times worse by the press.
  This even happens outside of sport, britney spears is an example of someoe who hasnt had a proper growing up going off the rails!?
  
  Back to ronaldinho, it is a shame he hasnt been able to keep up the performances and moments of brilliance he was putting in a few years ago, but they are still there if only in flashes.
  
  I just hope they do become more frequent once again.
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• 9. At 11:22am on 01 Nov 2010, Someone Less Imaginative Stole My Username wrote:2. At 09:46am on 01 Nov 2010, jimbosami wrote:
  These guys are getting paid vast amounts of money, they should just go out and do their job. I know that I wouldn't get away with acting like Ronaldinho, or countless other players, at their worst in my work.
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  No offence, but comments like this always make me smile. What is your job? Do you work in an office? When you finish that last bit of filing, do you hurtle down the room to milk that applause from half a dozen gobsmacked colleagues?
  
  If you had earned the money Ronaldinho has, like most lottery winners you would have quit your boring job a long time ago.
  
  I don't think there is any tragedy with Ronaldinho. He won titles and the Champions League with Barcelona, he won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, and he has won individual titles like World Player of the Year. What hasn't he achieved? Sure, I understand the point of Tim Vickery's article that aside from 2002, Ronaldinho has perhaps underachieved with Brazil but he's won the Copa America and the World Cup and it takes a special kind of personality to go back and have the motivation to do it again. I don't think many professionals would turn their noses up at Ronaldinho's career, and remember it's not over yet!
  
  There's this perception that he's a party animal and he's wasted his talent lately but I would love to 'waste' my talent like Ronaldinho...despite what people have said, his fall from grace is nothing like as spectacular as someone like George Best or even Maradona.
  
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• 10. At 11:22am on 01 Nov 2010, JamTay1 wrote: @7 I remember Hidetoshi Nakata didn't like football at all, and I also heard that Batigol didn't enjoy it much - for him it was just a very well paid job.
  
  ------------------------------
  
  Utter Garbage. Did you never see the great Batigol celebrate one of his goals? The great man was passion personified. Without a doubt he should have won more recognition as he was the Worlds greatest striker for a 5-10 year period, the fact that he remained loyal to Fiorentina for so long (not moving for big money offers) meant that he did not win the trophies or recognition that he deserved. When he did eventually leave Fiorentina he won the Scudetto with Roma in his first season. After that unfortunately injuries caught up with him, (before that he had been remarkably injury free).
  
  To suggest that he was only motivated by money is ridiculous. To be Serie A top striker for so long at a time when it was the best league in the World requires unbelievable ability and effort.
  
  With regards to Ronaldinho, I just think the next World Cup will come too late for him. Some players peak earlier than others, and I suspect that although he can still produce glimpses of magic, Brazil will move on to younger players by 2014. At his peak though he was truly brilliant for Barcelona, that hat trick at the Bernabeu will take some beating!
  
  Great Blog Tim.
  
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• 11. At 11:27am on 01 Nov 2010, BladeRunner wrote:@8 "This even happens outside of sport, britney spears is an example of someoe who hasnt had a proper growing up going off the rails!?
  Back to ronaldinho..."
  
  Bonus points for #8 for showing how to segue from Britney Spears to Ronaldinho... brilliant! 🙂
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• 12. At 11:31am on 01 Nov 2010, BladeRunner wrote:@10 re: Batigol
  +1
  A consummate professional and one of the best strikers I've ever seen, with Ronaldo and Romario.
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• 13. At 11:37am on 01 Nov 2010, witness2gr8ness wrote:#6 - beat me to it
  
  #3 - agree on that one, before the World Cup I was saying that the Brazil squad was, relatively speaking, the worst Brazil squad I'd ever seen sent to a finals tournament and I fancied Holland to beat them in the quarters (although that was based on the Holland of Euro 08/the qualifiers turning up and they were never that good at the finals).
  
  Onto Mr Ronaldinho, of all the players I'd seen in my lifetime he's the most talented bar none, I think he had more in his tool shed than even Zidane or M Laudrup but never had the desire. Saw him as a 17 year old (back when he was called Ronaldo) at the U19 WC and even then he was amazing. It's such a shame, I think WC 2006 was really the end of him, at his peak at Barca he was never one to seek to take leadership of a team, he never sought to make a team 'his team'. Even when we was considered the best footballer in the world he was never a leader like Zidane was to France, look at all the talent around him at Barca, he never had to carry that team, upon being crowned World Footballer of the Year he said he didn't even feel that he was the best player at his club. At WC 2006 he was expected to be the star, to carry that Brazil team, Ronaldo was overweight and Kaka was not yet established as a super star, he was expected to be the man and I don't think he could handle it. I just remember a 36 year old Zidane running rings around him and Ronaldo in the quarter finals of 06, pitty that that's my most abiding memory of him as a footballer.
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• 14. At 11:39am on 01 Nov 2010, BladeRunner wrote:@9 " it takes a special kind of personality to go back and have the motivation to do it again"
  
  And that's the difference between Great players and Ronaldinho. He was a brilliant club player but could never really perform in the same manner for the national team.
  
  As for winning the World Cup, well, it was more of a team effort, as Ronaldinho never really took off in any of the WCs he participated in.
  
  Still, it was fun to see him play for Barcelona where he shone so brightly, although briefly, relatively speaking, during his best seasons for the Catalans.
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• 15. At 11:39am on 01 Nov 2010, onlywingman wrote:jimbosami writes:
  "It always astounds me how professional footballers seem to be so effected by emotional and mental issues. Top pros would appear to have everything they need - a great career, gorgeous wives/girlfriends, loads of money and international fame; yet so many seem have the emotional stability of teenagers."
  
  I think you've nailed it there. So much emphasis is put on creating superstars from such a young age that a player with such prodigious talents as Ronaldinho is gifted too much. I mean, he's been on astronomical wages since his very early 20's and has only ever had his talent focussed on. There seems to be very little support from clubs for players where football isn't concerned. Clubs nowadays are lads of 20-21 around £100k per week and they give very little thought to how this will affect the 'person' as they only see a talent.
  
  Perhaps if clubs took a more rounded approach to coaching young players, talents like Ronaldinho would be on show for the duration of a career?
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• 16. At 11:39am on 01 Nov 2010, jimbosami wrote:@ #9.
  
  Resorting to personal attacks - comments like yours make me smile. Of course I would have retired if I had Ronaldinho's wealth, that kinda goes without saying.
  
  If he has lost his motivation as you suggest, then why doesn't he retire?
  
  He has had a fantastic career and will go down as one of the best footballers of the past decade. However that is no excuse for wasting a talent such as his.
  
  You talk about motivation, how about the motivation to become the best that you can be, to better oneself as much as possible, not coast along on past successes.
  
  Oh and I don't work in an office, it far worse than that, I work in a call centre. There aren't a lot of jobs around at the moment in case you hadn't noticed.
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• 17. At 11:39am on 01 Nov 2010, Mengo2008 wrote:#3- Exactly, the fact that Brazil lacked creativity and it could cost us the WC was pretty obvious to most of us, myself included.
  
  And at the 2014 World Cup Maicon will be 32 and Daniel Alves will be 31.
  
  
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• 18. At 11:44am on 01 Nov 2010, BladeRunner wrote:@13 very true, what's with these very talented players who seem to make disappearing acts every time their team is in trouble and they need them to take the leadership?
  
  Ronaldinho and Messi are just two examples of this kind of player. Shame that the Maradona, Zidane, Laudrup kind of players, the ones with great talent and who are willing to carry the team on their shoulders, as it were, are becoming extinct.
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• 19. At 11:44am on 01 Nov 2010, IanW wrote: "Everyone keeps going on about Dunga's Brazil lacking creativity, but didn't they win the Copa América & Confederations Cup playing the same style of football?"
  
  Er, yeah, they won those tournaments with a fully fit and effective Kaka. Dunga's system was very reliant on Kaka producing the goods. To go in to a tournament with him unfit and lacking in form, it was unforgiveable not to have somebody to back him up.
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• 20. At 11:45am on 01 Nov 2010, Someone Less Imaginative Stole My Username wrote:13. At 11:37am on 01 Nov 2010, witness2gr8ness wrote:
  Onto Mr Ronaldinho, of all the players I'd seen in my lifetime he's the most talented bar none, I think he had more in his tool shed than even Zidane or M Laudrup but never had the desire
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  I'm not sure I agree with that statement. I think a lot of what made people sit up and go 'wow' with Ronaldinho were his tricks and flicks combined with his speed in match situations. But tricks and flicks do not necessarily make the greatest player. Zidane had just as much natural talent, but he didn't necessarily feel the need to be as extravagant all the time like Ronaldinho might choose to be. It was perfectly in Zidane's power to showcase skills when he wanted to. A player like Rivaldo was also a brilliant dribbler and an even deadlier finisher than Ronaldinho.
  
  In short, Ronaldinho was brilliant but maybe hyped up a little too much. If you expected him to challenge Maradona or Zidane for a greatest player of his era status, then I can understand people's disappointment, but mentality is also part of what makes a great player.
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• 21. At 11:49am on 01 Nov 2010, Someone Less Imaginative Stole My Username wrote: 16. At 11:39am on 01 Nov 2010, jimbosami wrote:
  @ #9.
  
  Resorting to personal attacks
  
  Oh and I don't work in an office, it far worse than that, I work in a call centre. There aren't a lot of jobs around at the moment in case you hadn't noticed.
  
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  Woah, easy there! I was joking mate. I wasn't attacking you, I don't know you. I didn't even know what job you do. It was a general comment on people comparing their jobs to that of footballers. I was basically saying that unless you live their lives and know what motivates them, I don't see how you can have that opinion that some footballers don't do their jobs properly. Particularly on a player like Ronaldinho who has won everything and given a lot of pleasure to a lot of fans in the process.
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• 22. At 11:53am on 01 Nov 2010, Stevat wrote:#8, to most people the worrying realisation that you have to have money in order to do the things you want forces you to grow up, get educated and seek gainful employment in order to do so.
  
  These (top) players have always had access to money, and have never gone through the fear of destitution that most of us have. It stands to reason if you're used to having everything you want and haven't had to make the emotional transition from childhood to adulthood that at times they will behave in a peculiar way.
  
  If they have had that fear as kids, that is to say they are from a poorer background, some show a hunger for it, a desire to succeed. Yet some never seem to move on from their peer groups, and get dragged into all sorts of shenanigans. It's certainly an interesting test of character being flooded with such money, just a shame I haven't had the opportunity to see how I would handle it...yet.
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• 23. At 12:00pm on 01 Nov 2010, jimbosami wrote:21.
  
  I know you were joking, I kinda was too with my response. A few crossed wires is all.
  
  Of course we can't make any accurate assumptions about Ronaldinho's (or anybody else's) personal life.
  
  I didn't mean to say that some footballers don't do their jobs properly, Ronaldinho could do more with a football in his sleep than I could ever hope to do. What annoys me is seeing players wasting their talent. Most people would give everything they had to have Ronaldinho's talent, which is why it is such a shame to see him or others appear to waste that talent.
  
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• 24. At 12:01pm on 01 Nov 2010, witness2gr8ness wrote:@20
  
  Point taken, but to be honest my assessment of him wasn't based mainly on his trickery (although his bag of tricks was delightful and seemed bottomless). I think, on his day, he had just as much vision as Zidane or Laudrup although will concede that he didn't show this as consistently as either of the two. His quick short range interplay with team mates I rate better than Zidane but below Laudrup. Where I give him the edge over the other two was that I feel he had a more accurate/venomous shot then the other two, slightly better eye for goal, and better pace and hence could run the counter attack better. On his day (sadly not as often as the other two) he could orchestrate the game on a comparable level to Zidane or Laudrup (though probably not as well) but could also just turn it into an individual show (ala vs Madrid at the Bernabeu when he got the ovation from Real fans) and this option he had more in abundance than Zidane or Laudrup and that's why I gave him the edge in terms of potential. Although I'll concede in terms of footballing brains he was always below the aforementioned.
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• 25. At 12:02pm on 01 Nov 2010, matmat69 wrote: I love players like Ronaldinho, absolute world beaters..... If they feel like it.
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• 26. At 12:04pm on 01 Nov 2010, Edze1289 wrote:For sure, there is a far more complex character living in that callow exterior, just like Eto'o. The ground these guys have to cover to go from happy-go-lucky to raging mad is massive and they do so with lightning speed. As you remarked for someone who loves it as much to just turn on it like a bad hubby, it's perplexing. That kind of love is seen in the likes of C. Ronaldo even at training. I remember watching an interview of his with a prelude where in training, his only interest and delight was continually striking the crossbar with the ball. Nothing short of magical and love for his beautiful game or dame.
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• 27. At 12:05pm on 01 Nov 2010, CaptKrimbo wrote:@18: Ronaldinho and Messi are just two examples of this kind of player. Shame that the Maradona, Zidane, Laudrup kind of players, the ones with great talent and who are willing to carry the team on their shoulders, as it were, are becoming extinct.
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  While I don't entirely disagree with you, I would argue that there have always been, and will always be, two very different types of highly talented player. To use your examples as a convenient shorthand; the 'Zidane' and the 'Ronaldino'.
  Neither is particularly more talented, but one is certainly more team orientated while the other is perhaps somewhat more self interested. Both kinds of talent still exist and will continue to do so, although perhaps the arguement that a the way a player is brought through/paid/grows up is what makes them what they are may hold some water.
  Two excellent young examples currently playing in the EPL would be Adam Johnson, a huge talent with tricks and pace aplenty, but perhaps a bit more interested in scoring goals himself then helping the team (a 'Ronaldino'), and Cesc Fabregas who without doubt fills a Zidane-esque role for Arsenal.
  
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• 28. At 12:10pm on 01 Nov 2010, jimbosami wrote:20. At 11:45am on 01 Nov 2010, Someone Less Imaginative Stole My Username wrote:
  
  In short, Ronaldinho was brilliant but maybe hyped up a little too much. If you expected him to challenge Maradona or Zidane for a greatest player of his era status, then I can understand people's disappointment, but mentality is also part of what makes a great player.
  
  
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  Spot on there. Mentality and temperament are just as important in making a great player as talent. The most talented player in the world will go nowhere if he doesn't bother training and only puts in the bare minimum of effort during games (I have a mate kinda like this actually). Its really frustrating for talentless workhorses such as myself.
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• 29. At 12:17pm on 01 Nov 2010, Edze1289 wrote:How many prodigies don't have fortitude? Fortitude is a learned trait for some so just associating it with maturity juxtaposed with adolescence is shallow, an over-generalisation of that trait. Who says it is the feature of adolescents? Generalisations like that have their temperances in the few who do not share in that normal.
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• 30. At 12:30pm on 01 Nov 2010, pmidge wrote:I think that due to the amount of money in the game these days that we will, unfortunately, see more and more players waste their talent. Some players are millionaires from such a young age these days, and while I have no sympathy for them, it must be more difficult to motivate yourself knowing that by the age of 25 you already have more than enough money to retire on. Tim is spot on when he says that players need a love of the game to make the most of their talents - and that is especially true in this day and age.
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• 31. At 12:37pm on 01 Nov 2010, Nasri2010_Tyson wrote:Ronaldinho has ruined himself, he got too hung on the glory and thought the world was at his feet which resulting in him driknking and partying like an animal,I do feel barcalena had some part to play in his reputation and career going down the drain, when the president or the club tells you we are going to sell you if dont come up with the goods isnt a nice movitation or good thing said for any player, as this can have a mental affect on the player seeming that he was seen as a golden boy of barca,
  
  Ac milan was a bad choice i perosnally feel that ronaldinho should have gone back home, good at adriano, wanger love and ronaldo have all gone bakc and reenighted their career
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• 32. At 12:41pm on 01 Nov 2010, TwoLostSouls wrote:First of all. Quite a good blog...always nice to read something unrelated to the current main headlines for a change!
  
  Secondly...#9 has it pretty much right here to be honest. I don't usually leave comments, but it grinds my gears reading how arrogant some of the users can be. How can you realistically argue that Ronaldinho has wasted his talent? You've got the audacity to argue as if you've been privy to his personal sporting and life goals. Perhaps if his personal aim was to leave a lasting legacy as the greatest player ever..you may, MAY, have a small point. Otherwise, it's just a pile of subjective rubbish argued as if it's factual.
  
  The man has won pretty much every single individual honour available. He was world player of the year..twice. Look at his trophy cabinet. He's achieved all that, global fame, and made himself enough money to never have to work again. He's done that, and supposedly lived more of a party lifestyle than most footballers. By the looks of things, he's traded a more disciplined professional outlook in his younger years, for having a more enjoyable social life. Let's face it, you're only young once.
  
  If you deem that a waste, fair enough, just realise you're outlook on life may be different to Ronaldinho's. He's probably had a whale of a time, and that's what counts.
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• 33. At 12:50pm on 01 Nov 2010, Leo wrote:'Barcelona gave up on him after failing to get a reaction with either the carrot or the stick.'
  
  OR
  
  BBC SPORT | Football | Europe | What has happened to Ronaldinho?
  
  Sounds a lot like a certain Wayne Rooney and his diminishing form since a poor world cup. Very interesting similarities.
  
  
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• 34. At 12:58pm on 01 Nov 2010, rookie wrote: Tim,
  You can repeat as much as you want to that Ronaldinho blew his chances. That is correct but the reason behind that is that the guy was overweight. Both Ronaldo and Ronaldinho were overweight during the WC-2006 campaign.
  Think about how Ronaldo just stand in one place during WC-2006 and his compatriot Dinho just walked around in the forward-left side of the field. These 2 players caused Brazil the WC-2006 crowned.
  Ronaldinho was the best Brazilian midfielder at club level leading up to the World Cup. It was ridiculous for not bringing him back in the fold.
  I am happy that Dunga's side lost. Because if they had won that would set back the artistry, flair and creativity that Brazilian football is known to produce.
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• 35. At 12:59pm on 01 Nov 2010, Luke wrote:To the guy saying Ronaldinho did not carry Barca, you must remember neither Xavi nor Iniesta were in the form they are in today. This Barcelona side will do extremely well without Messi but that Barcelona side was carried by Ronaldinho.
  
  I can safely say I haven't seen a better player in my lifetime than Ronaldinho. Pure genius
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• 36. At 1:02pm on 01 Nov 2010, Joe G wrote:I think a few people have made this point already but I think some contributions are confusing letting your career slide and wasting your career.
  
  Ronaldinho has won top level league titles, European Cups and the World Cup. If Ronaldinho never kicked a ball again it's hard to see how anyone could see that as a career wasted.
  
  What I think has happened with Ronaldinho is he has become somewhat reliant on his past reputation to earn his living rather than his actual week in week out performances. Him and his agent both know that despite looking relatively average since he joined Milan, if he left them tomorrow there would still be a line of teams willing to take a chance on him for considerable wages. His merchandising value alone make him a logical signing for a club. When you don't have to produce the goods regularly on the pitch to justify your wage it's easy to see how his motivation might have somewhat faded.
  
  Other examples of players arguably living of reputations based on performances some years ago are numerous in recent years. Michael Ballack, Hernan Crespo, Roberto Carlos, P.Cannavaro etc.
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• 37. At 1:21pm on 01 Nov 2010, KTID wrote:It's the old saying, getting to the top is the easy part, staying there is the hard part.
  
  On his day though he was without a shadow of a doubt, completely unplayable.
  
  I'll not forget the applause he received at the Bernabeu after a stunning hat-trick.
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• 38. At 1:24pm on 01 Nov 2010, Tim Vickery - BBC Sport wrote: 6 - you are entirely correct, it was of course the quarter final, not the semi - a foolish slip up on my part.
  i can assure you, though, that it didn't happen as a result of partying too hard while trying to write the article!
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• 39. At 1:25pm on 01 Nov 2010, stichy4u wrote:Please guys tell me what ronnie has won in his career and tell me what does he have to play for. As LEGACY goes he has won it all.Except the English prem were we would all love to see him have a combination of Ian Holloway's Blackpool.
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• 40. At 1:28pm on 01 Nov 2010, Stevat wrote:#35, when Ronaldinho said he wasn't even the best player in Barcelona, was that not a reference to his admiration for Xavi and his importance to the team?
  
  #32 is basically spot on, his outlook on life is no doubt completely different to that of the journalists and fans who loved to watch him play. He's his own man and should live his life as he sees fit. I can understand the disappointment as well though, we all love to watch the best players at the peak of their powers.
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• 41. At 1:29pm on 01 Nov 2010, rash85 wrote:Ronaldinho was a great talent but has lost it and am not too optamistic that he can rediscover the same magic, lets face it he's no Zidane. And I say that with all due respect to the guy. I enjoyed his spell at Barca as did many others, even Madrid supporters were giving him standing ovations. I really hope he shines just one last time but won't be easy at his age.
  
  This problem is present with most brazilian player these days, they seem to go off the rails once they sign a few lucrative deals. I suppose they get caught up in all the hype and coming from a poor past doesn't help either. Look at Kaka, he came from a good family that had everything and has managed to stay on track. These players now need some people for support to help them off the field and direct them in the right direction from early on, I mean what could Ronaldinho have achieved and given his fans had he kept focused on football alone and had great off-field support? Am not saying they should be denied their partying lifestyle but it all need to be kept in check and balanced with their work (football), afterall it's football that gives them these luxuries/lifestyles. The problem is many South American kids now idolise their luxurious lifestyle of model girlfriends/wives, supercars etc. as pointed out in an earlier article. I hope this doesn't mean we won't see the likes of Ronadinho and Ronaldo again.
  
  Personally I liked Ronaldo more, he achieved more at such a young age, I grew up watching him. But with the injuries, partying, weight gain the guy just lost it. In his prime, everytime he got the ball you just anticipated that some magic was going to happen. It's just a real shame that players with such talent lose their head and put it to waste.
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• 42. At 1:43pm on 01 Nov 2010, witness2gr8ness wrote:#35
  
  Ronaldinho's individual performances made the difference on numerous occasions for Barca I agree, even if they didn't win the match (CL quarter final second leg vs Chelsea for example) and signing him (after they lost out to Real for Beckham's signature) was the spark that turned them into on of, if not the most formidable club sides in the world. But for me he never carried that team, not that he was required to, they had Deco at his best, Eto'o was an animal at the time too, Messi (albeit not the virtuoso he is today but you could see he was special), Marquez, Puyol, Van Bronckhorst & van Bommel (though not flair players all world class at the time and the last three featured in the 2010 WC final). When I think of Laudrup not only do I think of an brilliant individual but also how good players like Zamerano & Romaria were when they played with him (Zamerano in particular was never as good without him in the team), similarly Zidane with France (they won the World Cup with Dugarry and Guivarche up front!). Ronaldinho didn't elavate his club (one packed with world class talent mind you) but more importantly his country in a similar way, and the shame is that I think he could have. Going into the 2006 finals everyone knew that Ronaldo wasn't 100% fit (not even 80%), Adriano was good but no Rivaldo, but the feeling was that Ronaldinho was in sensational form for Barca that season that he could make up for it. Sure he won a World Cup but played third fiddle to Ronaldo & Rivaldo who were both on top form in that tournament, when the onus fell on him that's where I think he cracked.
  
  I agree with others here, to say he wasted his career is a bit harsh but compared to what he could have achieved given that his best years seemed ahead of him in 2006 he fell short.
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• 43. At 1:49pm on 01 Nov 2010, signori wrote: A talent that most certainly hasnt been wasted..........He can safely retire and look at his own personal medal collection and be happy im sure.
  
  Could he have been successful for longer..........yeah probably and after leaving Barca it was always going to be hard, especailly as Barca have the types of players and play the style of football to let Ronaldinho flourish and show his ability.
  
  Im a huge fan of Ronaldinho and I think the reason why he went to Milan was to play at the top level for a while longer and with the squad they have I think they could win something (not the champions league in my opinion)
  
  the standing ovation he received at the Bernebau and the overhead kick he scored against villareal (i think) i beleive will live in my memory for a long time.
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• 44. At 1:53pm on 01 Nov 2010, normanstanley wrote: Personally I liked Ronaldo more, he achieved more at such a young age, I grew up watching him. But with the injuries, partying, weight gain the guy just lost it. In his prime, everytime he got the ball you just anticipated that some magic was going to happen.
  
  We all expect them to be robots and have no character just because of their huge incomes. I bet both Ronaldo and Ronaldinho will be delighted with what they have achieved in the game, especially showing their footballing skills and not just honours.
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• 45. At 2:10pm on 01 Nov 2010, WalkingMzungu wrote:I once saw a photograph of Ronaldinho with his elder brother, sister and mother, all of whom were rather large, to put it politely.
  
  For all his amazing speed and strength, Ronnie is clearly someone who has had to work very hard on the physical aspect of his game, and as soon as he - for whatever reason - became lax in this respect, he lost the edge that made him unplayable at his peak.
  
  With time, he's managed to reinvent himself quite well: his vision and ball skills remain outstanding, and he could certainly do a job for Brazil in an old-fashioned playmaker role: personally, I'd like to see him just behind Alex Pato, with Coutinho and Marcelo on either flank.
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• 46. At 2:14pm on 01 Nov 2010, robguima wrote:I was born in Porto Alegre, Ronaldinho's home town. I know him personally, having met and played (for fun) with him a couple of times when he was still a youngster at Gremio (he was 15 then). I also personally know his brother, (Roberto) Assis, who was also a very technical player for Gremio and now is Ronaldinho's manager.
  
  I've followed Ronaldinho's career closely, since he started at Gremio, the team I support in Porto Alegre. He was a fantastic player at Gremio with incredible pace and the exquisite technique we still see today. However, he has always lacked (and terribly so) on the mental aspect of the game. So much so, that he is incapable of the most basic teamwork, which also makes him a terrible leader.
  
  Nowadays, I don't really enjoy watching him play; his final 2 seasons at barca were already an obvious physical decline, in mobility and pace.
  
  To me he is overrated and has always been overrated. His technique and creativity are unquestionable. However, people tend to overvalue technique above all other aspects of the game, which are especially important at the highest stage. Contrary to what Maradona and Pele did, Ronaldinho vanishes in tough games, especially the WC.
  
  IMO, in his current/recent form, he has no place in the Brazilian team, not even as a sub. Ganso and Hernanes are and have been far better for quite some time. Those two should have made to the WC, along with Pato, Neymar, and Sandro. They might have been able to give Dunga's side the technical edge they so much needed.
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• 47. At 2:26pm on 01 Nov 2010, A1986N wrote:Great blog Tim. Have to agree with everyone who can see what an excellent career Ronaldinho has had - it has been anything but a waste.
  
  How many players can we honestly say have been at the top of their game for their entire careers? People mention players like Zidane, but remember that he came to be classed as great following the 1998 World Cup. He was a good player before then (as you would have to regard Ronaldinho as a good player now) - the difference is simply that Zidane went from good to great, whilst Ronnie has gone from great to good.
  
  I'll always remember him as one of the few players who literally brings the crowd to their feet everytime he's in possesion - and to me that is the mark of a footballer who will always be regarded as one of the very best.
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• 48. At 2:33pm on 01 Nov 2010, Kevin wrote:Thanks again, Tim, for allowing me to feel less guilty about staring at my computer screen all day.
  
  I've got to say, Ronaldinho, although very combustible, still has a chance to become a really good playmaker-type player for the national side. On a similar note, it's interesting to see how some players move away from the wing with age, and still go on to enjoy success: Ryan Giggs has become a much more central-based player for United; Pavel Nedved stuck to wings a lot less, too, in his twilight years. There's no reason why Ronaldinho can't do the same and benefit massively from it.
  
  You can come up with all the systems and tactics to get the best out of players, but sometimes you just have to accept that the best way to get a player playing to his best, is to give him total freedom on the pitch. I don't think you can really refute that Ronaldinho falls into this category.
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• 49. At 2:36pm on 01 Nov 2010, euanmarshall wrote:Great post this week Tim.
  
  Just a quick question on Menezes' 4-2-3-1 system, where do you think Inter's Giuliano would fit in there? Judging by the promise he has shown in the last few years I'd be very surprised if he wasn't involved in the Seleção when 2014 comes around.
  
  Also quick one on Paulo Henrique Ganso, do you see his injury being a significant threat to his development? In my opinion the injury couldn't have came at a worse time for him, he was going from strength to strength for Santos and looking very comfortable in Menezes' midfield.
  
  Also I'm moving to São Paulo this year, so if you are ever in SP and see a 20 year old Scotsman with a Palmeiras shirt wandering around the Pacaembu, I'd appreciate a hello!
  
  http://ilikefootballme.blogspot.com
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• 50. At 2:39pm on 01 Nov 2010, Kevin wrote:#46 - your claim to fame, eh?
  
  I see your point about his apparent lack of mental attributes (on the pitch), but do you think, maybe, this is something to do with motivation? I've seen the same with a certain Nicolas Anelka, who, for years, looked disinterested, unhappy and, at times, bored. Now, however, he's got the right people around him who have been able to motivate him, and made him much more of a team player. Would you say the same could happen - or is already happening - for Ronaldinho IF he can get people around him who can drive him on to revitalise.
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• 51. At 2:56pm on 01 Nov 2010, BLRBrazil wrote: All in all a pretty fair assessment, imo, Tim.
  I will always be grateful to Ronaldinho for injecting so much joy into a sport that was in danger of becoming stale. It flowed from the joy he evidently felt when playing the game, and it has been sad to see him lose that.
  
  What caused this is a matter of speculation, for me at least - others with insights into his life will have a better idea - but the 2006 World Cup may have been pivotal. Brazil camp was notorious for a lack of discipline and seriousness (which was why Dunca was given the dour brief that he has been unfairly critcised for introducing), but could that have anything to do with the rumours circulating at the time that Brazil would "not be allowed" by the "powers that be" to win that WC?
  
  While I believe that the level of wages paid to professional sportsmen the world over has become obscene, in relation to the remuneration of the average people who make so much more important contributions to keeping the world functioning (we seem to have regressed to the Roman 'bread and circus' philosophy, while returns seem to be in inverse proportion to the importance of the job done: parenting - free; education - poor; health care - poor; cleaning and waste collection - poor...), I think it only fair to point out - to those who seem to think it's just one long party - that they too have their challenges. Top of the list must be injury, which can be career threatening even if they continue playing, due to reduced effectiveness. And the pressure to perform is intense, and heightened by media manipulation and opponents' determination to stop you. I still think the rewards have now got out of all proportion, though.
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• 52. At 3:02pm on 01 Nov 2010, Bellion-Wonderland wrote:Tim - great blog on Ronaldinho and good to see him getting a shot at international level once again. He may have took his foot off the gas but what a player - a real pleasure to watch.
  
  I have noticed myself that Rafael Da Silva is now getting into the Brazil squad and saw him namechecked above. What is the consensus about the player in his homeland? For me he's starting to look comfortable defensively at the highest level in a fast physical league and if he stays injury free should have a good future.
  
  Also we always heard in Manchester before they arrived that Fabio was the more talented of the two brothers yet from the off it seems Sir Alex Ferguson has identified Rafael for fast-tracking to the first team whilst Fabio has struggled to even claim a place as next reserve behind Evra on the opposing flank. Do the people in the know back home still expect him to make it at the highest level? I've always been impressed by him but he doesn't seem to get many chances.
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• 53. At 3:04pm on 01 Nov 2010, Phil wrote:I must not have been watching this years WC closely enough as i thought Holland beat Uruguay in the semis, not Brazil, like you claim at the start of your blog.
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• 54. At 3:06pm on 01 Nov 2010, Scott John wrote:Interesting as always Tim, this blog makes Monday that bit easier.
  Only 30 eh, I had him down for a 33/34 - perhaps he can come again at the highest level. A player of immense talent, Ronaldinho seems equally capable of changing big matches and yet, increasingly in recent years, going almost unnoticed in games. Could he be a success here in the EPL? I doubt it but that probably says more about the 'fast and furious' approach here rather than his undoubted skills.
  Scott's Sports and Social
  
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• 55. At 3:10pm on 01 Nov 2010, BLRBrazil wrote: @ 49: this is a major question mark, regarding Ganso. Especially as his recovery has been marked by media speculation over disputes with Santos over publicity rights. His footballing brain is first rate and he's remarkably mature for his age. But there will inevitably be questions in his own mind about his effectiveness once he's recovered, as well as the fear that it might happen again.
  Good luck with the move to SP!
  
  PS: sorry about the typos in 51 above.
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• 56. At 3:11pm on 01 Nov 2010, Kevin wrote:#53 - you also weren't paying close enough attention in your English classes back at school, apparently.
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• 57. At 3:27pm on 01 Nov 2010, euanmarshall wrote:@ 55: I agree, there is no doubt that Ganso gives the impression of a true professional, and I'm sure he will make sure that he is fully rehabilitated before returning to first team football.
  
  I do worry for him though, a cruciate ligament injury this young could potentially give him knee problems for the rest of his career, I sincerely hope in ten years time we are talking about him as a world-class midfielder, and not as a sad story of a promising career ruined by injury.
  
  Força Ganso!
  
  http://ilikefootballme.blogspot.com
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• 58. At 3:42pm on 01 Nov 2010, Ferry_Arab wrote:" Utter Garbage. Did you never see the great Batigol celebrate one of his goals? The great man was passion personified. Without a doubt he should have won more recognition as he was the Worlds greatest striker for a 5-10 year period, the fact that he remained loyal to Fiorentina for so long (not moving for big money offers) meant that he did not win the trophies or recognition that he deserved. When he did eventually leave Fiorentina he won the Scudetto with Roma in his first season. After that unfortunately injuries caught up with him, (before that he had been remarkably injury free).
  
  To suggest that he was only motivated by money is ridiculous. To be Serie A top striker for so long at a time when it was the best league in the World requires unbelievable ability and effort."
  
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  I think you misunderstood my original post. I am a massive fan of Batistuta. Could you show me where I cast doubt on either his "ability" or "effort", for example? For me, he was the best goalscorer of his generation, and one of the most complete centre-forwards ever.
  
  In fact the point I was trying to make was that he wasn't a huge football fan (which if you think about is an even greater testimony to his unbelievable natural ability and the effort he put into his career). He took up the game relatively late (mid teens I believe) and since retiring (according to Wikipedia - not the best source, but the quickest to find) has no links to football, preferring golf & polo.
  
  I never said he was motivated solely by money - he wouldn't have stuck with Fiorentina for so long if that was the case, especially in Serie B. What I said was that he wasn't a football fanatic, who regarded his job as exactly that - a job. That's not to say he wasn't good at it, and/or didn't try hard, its just to say that it wasn't a passion for him in the way it is for many others.
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• 59. At 3:52pm on 01 Nov 2010, robguima wrote: #50 well, only if people would actually believe my "claim." 🙂
  
  First a disclaimer, when we talk about Ronaldinho I assume we are discussing a player who had the potential to be a legend, which I actually question because a strong character were evident in all all-time greats. He fell way short of that IMO.
  
  Honestly, Anelka is a hard worker compared to Ronaldinho. 🙂 Seriously, while Anelka can detach himself from the game on occasion, Ronaldinho never really belongs in the team. The team he plays for always have to adapt to his shortcomings, which is usually a very high price to pay, especially at the highest stage.
  I see Milan struggling against top sides for as long as Ronaldinho starts. This can be even more difficult to manage in the Brazil team because of other creative players that may need to start, hence why "the magic quartet" did not and cannot work.
  
  Rumor has it that he's not very courageous on the pitch; that he always thinks of preserving himself first and foremost. The very few cards he has picked up over his long career came from raised foot tackles in 50/50 challenges (witnessed a few myself).
  
  There must be something wrong with him. Despite all his technical prowess, his top international moment was a fluke goal against England in the 02 WC.
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• 60. At 4:07pm on 01 Nov 2010, Luke wrote:I stick to my point. Barelona weren't doing too well before Ronaldinho was signed and the rest is history.
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• 61. At 4:26pm on 01 Nov 2010, billysere wrote: i think the problem started for him with regards to form for barca/brazil in the sense that for barca he was playing in a free role of sense but for brazil it wasnt that case. (putting it simply).
  
  
  In comparison of the teams if you look at the barca team of his era, minus ronaldinho and compare with the current team, minus messi. I would prefer the current team.
  
  Iniesta over Deco, Mascherano over Marquez, villa for etoo. et al. i can see alves and pique perhaps making it.
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• 62. At 4:37pm on 01 Nov 2010, Nasri2010_Tyson wrote:#35 onaldinho's individual performances made the difference on numerous occasions for Barca I agree, even if they didn't win the match (CL quarter final second leg vs Chelsea for example) and signing him (after they lost out to Real for Beckham's signature) was the spark that turned them into on of, if not the most formidable club sides in the world. But for me he never carried that team, not that he was required to, they had Deco at his best, Eto'o was an animal at the time too,
  =====================================================
  Eto'o and deco were on their best form but come on lets admit it ronaldinho was the by far the best player in that side, he overshun the likes of xavi, messi and even kept iniesta out of that team, now thats saying something if ronaldinho had kept up his form for at least few more years im telling you now the likes of xavi,messi and iniesta wouldnt get the credit they do 2dai, but its probably good that the likes of ronaldiho,deco and eto'o all left it branched another generation of barca talent to takeover.
  
  ==============================
  
  oing into the 2006 finals everyone knew that Ronaldo wasn't 100% fit (not even 80%), Adriano was good but no Rivaldo, but the feeling was that Ronaldinho was in sensational form for Barca that season that he could make up for it. Sure he won a World Cup but played third fiddle to Ronaldo & Rivaldo who were both on top form in that tournament, when the onus fell on him that's where I think he cracked.
  
  ============================
  A bit harsh of an analysis i have to say. ronaldinho was coming from a fatigue season he had just help his team win la liga and champions league playing all the mayority of the games, the barcelona team were on the decline at this point ill have to say, change was needed to happen sometime or another i dont know why barcelona didnt get rid of riijkaard or invest some more money, yea they got henry a season later but that seriously didnt help at all, at this point they were waiting for the next breed of stars to come up.
  
  Ronaldinho ? good looked cause of rivaldo and ronaldo, i dont think so ronaldinho did have a decent season with paris saint german and was an up and coming prospect into the side
  
  
  
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• 63. At 5:09pm on 01 Nov 2010, witness2gr8ness wrote:#62 I agree, Ronaldinho was the star of the show for 5yrs in a Barca team that was packed with talent, that isn't the same thing as saying he carried them though. That Barca team, along with the early 90s AC Milan team, the 1995 Ajax team and the 1994 & 2009 Barca team had the deepest array of talent I'd seen in any club squad during my lifetime, even so each team had its star player (Van Basten, Litmanen, Ronaldinho, Romario & Messi respectively) but that isn't to say that they were the talisman, Milan had Baresi, Rikjard to name couple, Ajax had the De Boers, Blind, Overmars etc, 1994 Barca had Laudrup, Koeman, Stoichkov, Bakero and we all know the strength and depth of the current Barca squad. If anything I think Ronaldinho more so than the others mentioned above loved to be the star attraction without shouldering the responsibility of being the embodiment of the team on the pitch (ala Roy Keane during his peak at Man Utd).
  
  On the 2002 WC, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Rivaldo & Ronaldo made him look good, he had far too much talent to hang onto the tailcoats over even those two players, I'm just saying that going into that world cup he wasn't seen as the main source of creativity/goals in that team and they didn't pin their hopes on him anywhere near as much as in 2006. Ronaldinho was an amazing garnish to a team, if he was sure that his team would perform well he'd play with this wonderful joie de vivre that lit up the place, but when caught in the trenches, like against France in the 2006 quarter finals he didn't rise to the occasion when his team was looking to him. Take for instance the 2002 quarters, Brazil down 1-0 to England, he played well up until getting (harshly) sent off but on that day he wasn't under pressure to be the man to drag Brazil to victory.
  
  And to #59, I have no way of proving it but I'm convinced he meant that goal, I remember him running up to take it and I actually shouted 'Jesus he's seen Seamen off his line' just before he struck the ball.
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• 64. At 5:17pm on 01 Nov 2010, witness2gr8ness wrote:Just reading through some of my posts I realize that I'm being a bit long winded here, so to summerize I'll put it like this: for me, at Barca Ronaldinho was often the difference between victory and a draw, but not the difference between victory and defeat.
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• 65. At 5:42pm on 01 Nov 2010, maradona10_handofgod wrote:I think...
  
  Really we should just appreciate what a great he was and moments of greatness he still shows.
  
  In all things considered, yeah he maybe could have achieved more but then again he achieved ALOT.
  
  Think of another Brazillian a few years older called Denilson...he was just behind Ronaldo in 1998 then seemed to disappear. So in relative terms he has had a good career so far and it's not over yet.
  
  Btw Tim what ever happened to Denilson?? the one born 1977 not the diving Arsenal one! lol
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• 66. At 5:45pm on 01 Nov 2010, maradona10_handofgod wrote:*player...forgot to add that word above.
  
  Oh and as an afterthought I think if it was easy to be a GREAT player and STAY there at the top of your game for over 10 years....THEN everyone would be doing it.
  
  He DID enough for me to call him a GREAT player.
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• 67. At 6:08pm on 01 Nov 2010, maradona10_handofgod wrote: Everyone's gone home and I'm working late!!!! Booooooooooooooooooo
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• 68. At 6:28pm on 01 Nov 2010, brasileiro83 wrote:no reaction on being re-called to the selecao from ronaldinho gaucho then? i think he feels that his inclusion has come too late. what will be the motivation for this once-genius footballer if he himself does not think his body will last to 2014 copa? i think mano is just giving gaucho a mark of respect. then again as Tim said, zidane was able to boss the world cup in 2006 that late in age so if ronaldinho gets himself fit for his age (like giggsy), then he could well dictate the match from a central position. he certainly has unquestionable talent to do so.
  
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• 69. At 6:44pm on 01 Nov 2010, brasileiro83 wrote:kaka would be the best back up to ganso imo. or maybe get coutinho to play more central (i know he operates alongside sneijder at inter right now, but i think he's a natural playmaker through the center). a three of robinho, ganso and kaka would be too good to be true! get well soon goose.
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• 70. At 6:57pm on 01 Nov 2010, Bark4United wrote: robguima...I could not help but to conclude after your second post at 59 that you probably have something against Ronaldinho.....this is a guy who together with M. Laudraup, Zidane, Ronaldo and Messi could pass as the greatest footballers the last decade has seen. You have every right not to like a player but please don't insult our inteligence by selling cock and bull stories like "Rumor has it that he's not very courageous on the pitch; that he always thinks of preserving himself first and foremost. The very few cards he has picked up over his long career came from raised foot tackles in 50/50 challenges (witnessed a few myself)." Come on you could do better than that!
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• 71. At 7:06pm on 01 Nov 2010, Bark4United wrote: "There must be something wrong with him. Despite all his technical prowess, his top international moment was a fluke goal against England in the 02 WC."
  
  Really?
  
  
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• 72. At 7:24pm on 01 Nov 2010, Tsivoman wrote:After all is said and done on this blog, Ronaldihno was undoubtably the most gifted/skillfull player to ever grace the football pitch. You can mention all the Zidanes and Pele's of this world but they could never do things with a ball on their feet like Ronaldinho the maestro could.
  It is sad and disturbing to here some people(English fans of course) here talk about Ronaldihno being overrated.
  Greatness has to be appreciated for what it is, i rest my case.
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• 73. At 8:05pm on 01 Nov 2010, Roberto_Mexicano wrote:Sorry, but I think far too much is being read into Ronaldinho's decline.
  
  He was the best in the world. Had it all. Believed his own hype, surrounded himself with his sychophantic entourage & got into the parties and the "lifestyle".
  
  He's blown it all through his own stupidity, and he's never getting it back. End of.
  
  2014?! Don't make me laugh. If Brasil don't have better players than him in 3 and a half years time i'll run naked through Oxford Street at rush hour! I'll be surprised if he's even still playing in 2014!
  
  Move on. There must be more exciting things in Brasilian football to talk about than an over-the-hill hasbeen?!
  
  Whilst we're on the subject can we forget about Dunga's Brasil too? You wrote a huge piece Tim before the World Cup about how they were obvious favourites (even though they weren't) and how Dunga's tactics suited the players and were the best thing since sliced bread!
  
  The man won everything there was to win except the World Cup and went on a huge unbeaten run during the South-American qualifiers that you're so fond of telling us are notoriously tough. He lost only a handful of games during his entire tenure & was statistically a huge success.
  
  They lost in the World Cup & ever since it's "Halfwit Dunga" and his backwards tactics that were terrible for Brasilian football! Ridiculous. You can't back him before & then slate him after on the back of one poor game & result! Either you were wrong about Dunga before, or actually he did a decent job but failed to win the biggest prize. You can't have it both ways though!
  
  Can I request the next blog is based on Brasil's future stars & who we can expect to be the Ronaldo's & Rivaldo's come 2014, rather than an overweight hasbeen most people stopped taking seriously 3 years ago?!
  
  
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• 74. At 8:12pm on 01 Nov 2010, sandeep bhatia wrote: wow, a comments page free of venomous bile!! Hurrah...
  
  Cant not add my two cents re Ronaldinho. Should we be wistful that he may be remembered more for his talent than achievements? I'm not sure, i dont think he feels sorry for himself, not sure we should either. He spread alot of joy over a few years, and the frustration that followed doesn't erase the good memories for me.
  
  Up there with the most talented Brazilian footballers of the last 20 years, Ronaldo, Romario and Rivaldo, and rightly so. Each had their particular merits, and as great as Messi is now, is he really better than Ronaldinho was? (at their respective peaks??)
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• 75. At 8:29pm on 01 Nov 2010, Tim Vickery - BBC Sport wrote: 73 - bob old son, your desire to be a controversialist has carried you a bit too far this time.
  
  first, you have maliciously misrepresented my position on the dunga team. again and again i stressed that, for what it was worth, it wasn't my type of football. and the more i criticized them, the more games they won!
  
  i seek to criticize - but as fairly as possible. dunga didn't pick his team to please me - though, once again, it wasn't my type of football it was well done - i agree 100% with mano menezes when he says that the virtue of the dunga side was that in the vast majority of cases they had a clear tactical idea of how to win the game.
  
  the lack of plan b was always a problem - again, something i drew attention to - and the emotional collapse of the team was hard to predict - easier to envisage in hindsight, but what isn't? on balance, i'm glad it happened - it's been a factor in brazil reverting to a more expansive type of game, which i favour.
  
  hope that isn't too subtle for you.
  
  on your other point, what could be more interesting than someone of such incredible talent as ronaldinho - who appears to throw it away and, if there is no sustained comeback, might be judged as a (your word) has-been from the age of 26?
  
  what could be more fascinating, perhaps depressing, in the realm of human affairs than someone who has it all and doesn't seem to want it anymore. what kind of person is this? what motivation could there be? Professional sport always brings us into contact with our own mortality - a footballer, as they say, dies twice. why would someone so gifted choose to bring forward that first death? much richer material than young prospects.
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• 76. At 10:20pm on 01 Nov 2010, U14580801 wrote: did brazil make the semi final? i think not...
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• 77. At 10:41pm on 01 Nov 2010, Tim Vickery - BBC Sport wrote: 76 - did you bother to read the comments - esp. 6 and 38? I think not...
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• 78. At 11:37pm on 01 Nov 2010, gringofutbolista wrote: I had been scratching my head for some years now trying to discern what exactly is the problem with Ronaldinho's game. Week after week I watch Milan and look for Ronny to do something marvelous. He still threads marvelous passes through the defense but... what was missing?
  Finally I remembered youtube. I watched and watched the highlights from years past. It was so obvious. Before he relished in taking charge of the ball and embarrassing opponents with his skill. The pitch was his playground and all the other players were younger classmates.
  Now, given the ball with room to move, he passes off, unwilling to try his skill, preferring not to show his diminishing abilities. He makes a brief attempt, then when stripped of the ball, looks immediately to the referee for an imagined foul. He is now playing the role of the diminishing supernova. His brillance fading fast.
  It is such a shame that he lacked the ability to realize his full potential.
  Do yourself a favor Ronny, spend an evening watching yourself on youtube. Remember how you were. Maybe there is a last spark remaining for those of us who so enjoyed your talent.
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• 79. At 01:45am on 02 Nov 2010, lovekhan wrote:Ronaldo was best player of the 1990s ,Ronaldinho was best player of the 2000s,Pele was best player ever.And for me,three best players ever were Ronaldo in 1994-1998,Dinho in 2002-2006 and Pele in 1958-1962.Many people belief in Zidane since 2006 world cup,But Zidane's football skills was not close to these players (like Figo,Ronaldinho,Baggio,Ronaldo fenomeno,Zico ,Maradona,Platini,Pele,Rivaldo or others)
  Zidane helped France to beat Brazil in 1998 world cup,but he just scored 2 headball,these 2 goals looks very easily and not beautiful,and Ronaldo was FIFA best player of 98 WC,Zidane was 6thand even not best France Player.France beat Brazil in 2006 was inevitable&#65292;even though France hasn't beat Brazil,other teams still could beat Brazil in 06 WC,beacuse Ronaldo never close to his best times since 1999,Ronaldinho as best player at that moment,mainstream media put too much pressure on him,and Adriano always think "Adriano was best player in the world",Kaka always think "No one better than me" So i never seen Ronaldinho come to an agreement with Kaka and Adriano in the 2006 WC.Maybe Adriano,kaka,Ronaldinho all were best players,but their team was not a good team.
  
  Will Ronaldo manage a hat trick?---Said by FIFA in 1998
  FIFA.com - Will Ronaldo manage a hat trick?
  Figo is for me simply the best player in the world at the moment, far away from Rivaldo and any other player----Said by Leboeuf in 2000
  Figo better than Zidane, says Leboeuf - Telegraph
  But Who was wrong?FIFA was wrong,Leboeuf was wrong,Zidane won the anything,why?just because many people belief in Zidane ?
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• 80. At 03:08am on 02 Nov 2010, gringofutbolista wrote: responding to sandeep (74) I would argue that had Ronaldinho not lost his direction (futbol speaking) he may have been the best Brazilian ever. A shame for all of us that he was not able to realize his potential. I hope one day he does not look back with regret as Mickey Mantle of baseball so often did.
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• 81. At 05:09am on 02 Nov 2010, Peter wrote:@73 - I actually couldn't believe what was written.
  
  It's one thing to come on the BBC and criticise Phil McNulty's blogs (often unfairly in my view) but another to come on and write complete nonsense about the most interesting and informative blog the BBC does.
  
  I have read Tim's blogs for as long as I can remember, and it is head and shoulders above the rest of them, as the majority of people who read it agree.
  
  The one thing that clearly stands out in the past about Tim's blogs on Dunga's Brazil was that he made it clear that he did not like the tactics, style, and whole approach to the game under Dunga, as he felt it was very unlike Brazil's history and tradition. He did however admit, although not his preferred approach, that it was effective and had brought relative success, if not overwhelming joy, to Brazilians. Never once was Dunga's Brazil 'the best thing since sliced bread'. In fact I think Tim's dislike of Brazil's style under Dunga is/was one of the most prominent thing about his blogs. I guess some people just like to complain (meaning 73, not Tim).
  
  As for Ronaldinho, the mind is a complex issue and every character, in all walks of life, has their flaws. Unless you have been in their particular situation, it's very easy to judge them, but very difficult to accurately judge them. The biggest celebrities Worldwide are movie stars, pop stars, and sports stars. How many of the first two go off the rails? The difference being, they don't have the same physical demands placed on them when they want to get back on track. It's easy to say how he should have behaved but, as history tells us, with money and stardom, comes expectation and pressure. Some personalities simply can't continually deal with this and, unless we're ever placed in that situation, we will never know if we could.
  
  Ronaldinho has had an exceptional playing career which, without doubt, has tailed off in recent years, but let's hope he can rediscover some of his magic. If not, let's remember the exceptional years he did have as a truly great footballer.
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• 82. At 05:29am on 02 Nov 2010, yaredinho wrote: Tim, as usual a nice article!!!
  Tim, every time u write someting about Dinho, u say Dunga gave him enough chance. Personally i don't agree with this! Dinho got the chance when he was totally out of shape, and even when Brazil were not doing good(even in Dunga's way). For me Dunga was exposing Dinho so that he could do what he wanted and decided to do as soon as he assigned as the coach.
  The other thing is...
  I have some problem in taking some of the comments here. For some of u guys, r u comparing Ronaldinho and Zidane at their peaks or their entire career? Zidane at his peak can't match to Dinho's peak at all! Some of u r asking Dinho's mental strength, i can agree with some of logics. But one has to know to change the fortunes of barca(the barca that won nothing for six years, the Barca that surrounded by incredible politics), to fool every world class defender and goalie of the time again and again, to perform and score against all kinds of opponents(unlike C. Ronaldo, Messi and at times Zidane but very much like the real Ronaldo)..., u have to be strong mentally, very much strong. Unfortunately it is easy to talk for us.
  I believe having a coach with strong personality and will to play him more centrally would have been worked for Dinho, but i'm afraid it works out now for many reasons.
  
  Anyways this guy made the world to love football even more and more than any player in decades.
  
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• 83. At 07:03am on 02 Nov 2010, Dave Stewart wrote: @2 (Going back a way, i know)
  
  "It always astounds me how professional footballers seem to be so effected by emotional and mental issues...they should just go out and do their job. I know that I wouldn't get away with acting like Ronaldinho, or countless other players, at their worst in my work."
  I know a couple of people have already commented on this, saying that footballers are affected by the extreme amount of media attention. I agree with this wholeheartedly, but would like to add that Ronaldinho was at "the top of his game" - there's really only one way you can go from there. However, I am in no doubt that he could still run rings around you in the park on a sunday morning, Jimbo.
  When these footballers have a slump, it is always blown up by the media magnifying glass, because they play in the most competitive sporting arenas in the world. It's easy to say that "they should just go out and do their job", but if Ronaldinho or Rooney are merely 99% of their usual selves, then they're not going to have nearly the same impact for their respective clubs; its not to say that they've shot it completely.
  I guess that also relates to #73 as well. That's why this story is exciting, and why it could happen for Ron in 2014. He's wasted some of his best years, yes, but he certainly has the ability to make a return.
  
  Great blog, Tim
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• 84. At 10:36am on 02 Nov 2010, kofiowusu wrote: I love to watch Ronaldinho play. I hope he gets back to the former form of the Ronaldinho I know soon.
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• 85. At 11:08am on 02 Nov 2010, lovekhan wrote: yaredinho ,you are right,Ronaldinho was best player in last decade,And for me,70s and 80s belong to Zico,90s belong to 90s,last decade belong to Dinho
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• 86. At 11:08am on 02 Nov 2010, lovekhan wrote:yaredinho ,you are right,Ronaldinho was best player in last decade,And for me,70s and 80s belong to Zico,90s belong to Ronaldo,last decade belong to Dinho
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• 87. At 11:57am on 02 Nov 2010, BladeRunner wrote:@86 "...Ronaldinho was best player in last decade,And for me,70s and 80s belong to Zico,90s belong to Ronaldo,last decade belong to Dinho"
  
  sorry to rain on your parade mate but your list seems to be missing certain French-Algerian player who happened to be quite successful...not to mention some short stocky Argentinian guy who used to wear the No 10 shirt and who wasn't that bad at all 😉
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• 88. At 12:44pm on 02 Nov 2010, Ichi_1 wrote: "Resorting to personal attacks - comments like yours make me smile. Of course I would have retired if I had Ronaldinho's wealth, that kinda goes without saying.
  
  If he has lost his motivation as you suggest, then why doesn't he retire?
  
  He has had a fantastic career and will go down as one of the best footballers of the past decade. However that is no excuse for wasting a talent such as his.
  
  You talk about motivation, how about the motivation to become the best that you can be, to better oneself as much as possible, not coast along on past successes."
  
  I dont think you quite grasp the pressure these guys are under. With massive amounts of cash comes all the stress in the world. Dont perform and youre castigated in the press and by every member of the public. The likelyhood is that he cant retire. Hell have sponsor deals and contracts coming out of his ears that dont end for a few years and if he retires he breaks those contracts and makes a lot of very powerful people very unhappy.
  
  Its all well and good talking about being the best you can be and wanting to better yourself but when youve been a world superstar, won everything in the game, earnt an astronomical amount of money and been voted the best player in the world twice what more can you actually do that would really mean anything to yourself?
  
  Its easy for people in menial jobs to bang on about waste but ultimately Ronnie wont have any regrets
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• 89. At 2:00pm on 02 Nov 2010, psalmsninetyone wrote: I think pace is overrated in the British media. You don't need to be a fast runner to be an excellent footballer. Players like Zidane, Maradona, Figo, Raul didn't possess the pace of Owen or eve Christiano at their peak but they were better than those in terms of play and achievements.
  Check out this video: YouTube - Ronaldinho Match Highlights AC Milan V Chievo 16.10.2010
  The pace Ronaldinho shows there is more than enough to cause damage to any opposition. I like his new role
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• 90. At 2:14pm on 02 Nov 2010, lovekhan wrote: Hi,BladeRunner and other friends,Zidane wear the No 10 shirt ,but his dribbling skills wasn't close to some No 9 or No 7,I never seen his dribble distance over 50m ,and Zico was No 10,but he scored nearly 700 goals in his career,Platini was No 10,he scored nearly 350 goals,Pele was No 10,he scored 1284 goals.Now we can see Ronaldo's dribble distance:
  1 vs 3 dribble distance:60m
  http://img208.poco.cn/mypoco/myphoto/20101102/20/5512142320101102204012041_640.jpg
  
  1 vs 3 dribble distance:40m http://img163.poco.cn/mypoco/myphoto/20101102/20/551214232010110220262104_640.jpg
  
  1 vs 3 dribble distance:45m
  http://img208.poco.cn/mypoco/myphoto/20101102/20/5512142320101102202030025_640.jpg
  
  1 vs 3 dribble distance:40m
  http://img208.poco.cn/mypoco/myphoto/20101102/20/5512142320101102201547068_640.jpg
  
  1 VS 5
  http://img208.poco.cn/mypoco/myphoto/20101102/20/5512142320101102201150013_640.jpg
  
  1 vs 4
  http://img208.poco.cn/mypoco/myphoto/20101102/20/5512142320101102200808087_640.jpg
  
  1 vs 4 dribble distance:50m
  http://img208.poco.cn/mypoco/myphoto/20101102/20/5512142320101102200808087_640.jpg
  
  1 vs 3 dribble distance:60m
  http://img208.poco.cn/mypoco/myphoto/20101102/19/5512142320101102195710048_640.jpg
  
  1 vs 3 dribble distance:70m (17 years old Ronaldo)
  http://img208.poco.cn/mypoco/myphoto/20101102/19/551214232010110219510809_640.jpg
  
  1 vs 5 dribble distance:60m
  http://img163.poco.cn/mypoco/myphoto/20101102/19/5512142320101102193859097_640.jpg
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• 91. At 2:40pm on 02 Nov 2010, No Name SLB wrote: @90 I think he also means you are missing a certain other player who could dribble a fair share in his time!
  
  PS: great blog, great comments, etc, as always, keep it up all!
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• 92. At 4:53pm on 02 Nov 2010, 10Alejandro wrote: #19 - Bravo, very insightful. Your statment seems so obvious yet few have recognized this.
  
  Now if I may add my own two cents. It seems that we are always obsessed with "what could have been." I myself have pondered this most of my life in regards to some of my favorites such as Maradona, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, etc. But why do we ask that? They were everything we could have ever hoped for them to be. They achieved everything attainable in this beautiful sport and gave us countless memories of joy watching them play. Wouldn't it be better if we just stopped all the nonsense and celebrated these players for what they were at their peaks? All three were playing at levels so incredibly elevated above everyone else, in their primes, that it actually seems a bit naive of us to expect that any human being could maintain such a high standard consistently for 5 or 10 years in a row, with 40-50 matches a year against the world's best competition. I know that many great players have had long consistent careers such as batistuta, bergkamp, del piero, etc. However, players like ronaldinho at his peak belong to an upper echelon that not even those players could come close to achieving. So here are a few of my memories at ronaldinho.
  
  I remember feeling utterly guilty about wanting to watch dinho on weekends instead of my beloved real madrid when barca and madrid kick-offs coincided. I remember an unprecedented standing ovation at the bernebeu for an unbelievable performance against his arch rivals madrid. I remember dinho running at players down the center of the park with such pace and control that you could see the fear in the defenders' body language from the telly. Defenders used to back up for yards before just giving up b/c they knew they were helpless and wanted their mamas. Step overs accompanied by head snaps that were so elegant, and yet powerful and full of purpose that they put those of denilson, robinho, and even cristiano ronaldo to shame. The way he shrugged off vicious hacking from competition in ligue 1 and la liga as if they were school boys tucking at his arms and legs for a chance with the ball. And all of the wonderful goals, the cheeky goals that could only come from such a carefree genius. The goal agains chelsea from the top of the box. The diagonal overhead volley off the chest against villareal and many more.
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• 93. At 5:45pm on 02 Nov 2010, robguima wrote: #70, and if you read my first post you'd know I personally know him... I have met players who played with him at Gremio. So when I say "rumor has it" it implies it's more than just a guess. Besides, just look at him playing the game!? No tackles, not sliding tackles, stays clear of all challenges especially high balls.
  
  Obviously I don't rate him as highly as most here do. Your point? I thought that was quite obvious in my posts. I am actually very specific about why I think he is not as good as people make him out to be and results are a big part of that.
  
  He's got no drive and no determination. He has always only played well against weak sides. He always smiles when playing because he doesn't give a damn, just like his brother before him. His great games against top sides can be counted in one hand. Again, because he is weak mentally hence he cannot lead and has not led Brazil to anything. In fact when asked to do so, he vanished in 2006. 2002 was all Ronaldo #9 (that one a truly great players).
  
  Please don't compare Ronaldinho with leaders who led their sides to ultimate success at the highest stage. Even tough I am Brazilian I rate Zidane much higher than Ronaldinho, for example. Ronaldinho was only the icing on the cake wherever he played. That was my point early on; supporters don't see determination as a virtue needed by the luminaries, but it is absolutely necessary. It's got to be there in addition to all the other qualities. That's why the Peles and Maradonas were so special; when things got rough and technique alone did not do it, the determination/leadership took over and they still made the difference.
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• 94. At 10:05pm on 02 Nov 2010, Ogarotoladaesquina wrote: Ronaldinho has always been along theses last times, together with Kaká, the best brazilian's players in mid-field. Dunga commited a fault in not to call Ronaldinho to World Cup 2010. But He is turning again and will bring best wishes to us. Thanks.
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• 95. At 11:21pm on 02 Nov 2010, joey wrote:"" At 09:46am on 01 Nov 2010, jimbosami wrote:
  
  It always astounds me how professional footballers seem to be so effected by emotional and mental issues. Top pros would appear to have everything they need - a great career, gorgeous wives/girlfriends, loads of money and international fame; yet so many seem have the emotional stability of teenagers.
  
  These guys are getting paid vast amounts of money, they should just go out and do their job. I know that I wouldn't get away with acting like Ronaldinho, or countless other players, at their worst in my work.""
  
  -Im currently studiying sports pyscology and in particular how a sports person is effected by the daily stresses of life and how that compares to the effects it has on non-sportsmen.
  
  1stly.. id like to note that all human beings from the man selling the big issue through to bill gates(including footballers) are effected by the environmental conditions that they are in, and the stresses this brings.
  
  2ndly.. as the enviromental conditions change(i.e, wealth, fame, etc) so do the presures... irrespective of postitive changes to their environmental condition.
  
  3rdly.. also, human beings more effected by the stresses and presures of daily life are more likely to develop mental and emotional conditions. this means that certain areas of their life can be effected and the work place isnt any different....
  
  ....not 1 person could say that issues such as a family split or a member of their family being ill wouldnt effect their efficiency in work, well would be a lier.
  
  ...id also like to note that the comment about footballers not being allowed a youth is definatly a valid point.... any more thoughts on that any1??
  
  finally, if i could point out to people who disagree with me... remember robert enke??
  ...splitt with his wife after his baby girl died, then commited suicide!!
  
  ....Robert Enke was married to wife Teresa[2] and had a daughter, Lara, who died (aged 2) on 17 September 2006 due to a heart birth defect (hypoplastic left heart syndrome).
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• 96. At 11:40pm on 02 Nov 2010, BladeRunner wrote:@95
  "finally, if i could point out to people who disagree with me... remember robert enke??
  ...splitt with his wife after his baby girl died, then commited suicide!!"
  
  Not sure I follow you...are you saying Ronaldinho is going to stop nightclubbing and kill himself?
  
  and by the way...
  
  "....Robert Enke was married to wife Teresa[2] and had a daughter, Lara, who died (aged 2) on 17 September 2006 due to a heart birth defect (hypoplastic left heart syndrome)."
  
  Maybe you should acknowledge the source of your information, such as Wiki in this case. It may be helpful to do so, especially considering you're "currently studiying sports pyscology", otherwise it might be considered plagiarism and people won't take your comments seriously.
  
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• 97. At 11:48pm on 02 Nov 2010, Chris - The Future is Blue wrote: I agree that players do peak at different points in their career but it must be down to mentality solely.
  
  Factors like stress, surroundings, the press, the manager, team mates, social life and family will all affect a players enjoyment of the game. In many players autobiographies the years they play best have many of the previously mentioned factors involved as positives therefore confirming my theory.
  
  Wayne Rooney had faded slightly from the press at the start of last season and was relieved of the shadow imposed on him by Ronaldo, so he performed, but after the pressure of a great season told by the press he failed to turn up to the World Cup.
  
  Players who achieve domination in the modern game will experience this and most often it is those who don't seem to be so prolific that are most consistent over their whole careers. Eg...
  
  Frank Lampard, Steven Gerard, Henrik Larsson, Xavi, Ryan Giggs, Del Piero, Patrick Vieira...
  
  All great players but not the flair players that turn them into global superstars like Messi and Ronaldo currently.
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• 98. At 11:55pm on 02 Nov 2010, El Presidente wrote: I thought Ronnie was bounced from Barcelona's Squirrel factory because he was a bad influence on Messi?
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• 99. At 05:39am on 03 Nov 2010, Cameron wrote:Quotes from Robguima:
  
  There must be something wrong with him. Despite all his technical prowess, his top international moment was a fluke goal against England in the 02 WC.
  
  He's got no drive and no determination. He has always only played well against weak sides. He always smiles when playing because he doesn't give a damn
  
  Please don't compare Ronaldinho with leaders who led their sides to ultimate success at the highest stage. Even though I am Brazilian I rate Zidane much higher than Ronaldinho, for example
  
  ******************
  My Retort:
  
  It seems to me that robguima has a real problem with Ronaldinho being considered great.
  
  I for one think that Ronaldinho was one of the most entertaining players to watch in seasons past. To say that he is shouldn't be considered in the same class as Zidane etc. seems to be sour grapes in my humble opinion. (“I rate Zidane much higher than Ronaldinho”)
  
  Ronaldinho has won the World Cup, the Champions League, two La Liga titles, the COPA America, and individually the European footballer of the year and FIFA World Player of the Year twice.
  
  Zidane won the World Cup, the Champions League, one La Liga and one Serie A titles, The European Championship, and individually the European footballer of the year and FIFA World Player of the Year thrice.
  
  Now it would seem to me that Ronaldinho didn't just get lucky in having a record remarkably similar to Zidane's, but I do admit he has won one less FIFA World Player of the year award.
  
  So all in all Ronaldinho has pretty much done it all, and he still has some time left up his sleeve to achieve more. Whether he does or not remains to be seen
  
  After I leave this blog I am certain that I will forget the name robguima, but I will for the rest of my life remember watching (on TV) Ronaldinho score a brilliant hatrick for Barca at the Santiago Bernabéu to a standing ovation from Madrid fans(Zidane never did that at the Nou Camp). And I didn’t / don’t even like Barca.
  
  I don't mean to slate you robguima, but seriously, this guy will not be out of place beside Zidane, Maradona and the too many to mention Brazilian greats of the past when he hangs up his boots.
  
  Whether he gives a damn or not, he has been a magnificent football player for a good many years, however intermittent, or uncommited or selfish.
  
  I bet many kids in their teens now were playing football in the park a couple of years back saying "I'm Ronaldinho". Not many players get that, and that is an award in itself.
  
  Age will naturally catch up with a player and slow them down, it just depends on whether he has the hunger to finish it all off with a bang.
  
  I hope that he is in the Brazil squad for 2014.
  
  As the saying goes, you should never write off a champion.
  
  I certainly won't.
  
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• 100. At 06:01am on 03 Nov 2010, yaredinho wrote: #93, what r u talking about? Ronaldinho shines against weak opponents? Have u ever seen him playing? Do u need me to remember u the goals he scored and his performance against Chelsea, Ac milan, Real madrid...again and again. Give me a break!!! What about the games against Marseille and lyon in french league(here i am mentioning only the strongest teams)...OMG... what r u talking about... r u telling us Nesta, Maldini, Tery, Carvalho, Ramos, Cech, Dida, Casillas, A. Cole...are weak opponents or what??? Or r/were there more teams and players stronger than these??? Please if i am wrong correct me, i'm happy to be wrong!!!
  No determination??? How on Earth a player can reach that level with out determination and commitment??? His talent, determination and commitment to be the best made him the best, though he failed to keep that for longer time. I do not need to know him or his brother to understand this. I should agrre with Rafael Benitez, some people do not see a priest in a mountain of sugar!!!
  Do u believe that all the 11 players on a pitch need to tackle or slide? have u ever seen Zidane tackling, Ronaldo(who i love infinitely) sliding? Do u think every top player should be leader(evenif it is a good quality)? What is your point of talk/interest???
  
  No one performed like ronaldinho of the 2004-06 in the past 20 years.
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• 101. At 08:52am on 03 Nov 2010, Kole wrote: post 61, villa for eto'o.........ARE YOU MAD?
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• 102. At 11:17am on 03 Nov 2010, Nasri2010_Tyson wrote:
  Quotes from Robguima:
  
  There must be something wrong with him. Despite all his technical prowess, his top international moment was a fluke goal against England in the 02 WC.
  
  He's got no drive and no determination. He has always only played well against weak sides. He always smiles when playing because he doesn't give a damn
  
  Please don't compare Ronaldinho with leaders who led their sides to ultimate success at the highest stage. Even though I am Brazilian I rate Zidane much higher than Ronaldinho,
  
  
  ===================================
  
  Oh dear lord i dont know where to start whoever quotes this is either an idoit or does not much about football
  
  ronaldinho between the years of 2005-06 was unstoppable no one could touch him, he even made zidane look an amaetuer sometimes eg barcelona v real 05, if you watched that game, he out done all the galaticos, eg the game against chelsea and final against arsenal unfortnately, all these were big games were he made his mark
  
  ronaldinho at his peak took the football world by storm, obviously the zidane between 98 - 02 were way consitent than ronaldinho was like the comment before hes won everything and has got nothing to prove in my opinion
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• 103. At 12:31pm on 03 Nov 2010, BladeRunner wrote:@102
  "Oh dear lord i dont know where to start whoever quotes this is either an idoit or does not much about football"
  
  Gotta love this kind of quote, which by itself turns the person writing them into an "idoit" (whatever that means) presuming they have the ultimate word on the subject. Get over it!, this is a blog, everyone is entitled to their opinion, that's what makes it fun.
  
  "ronaldinho between the years of 2005-06 was unstoppable..."
  
  Yes, but only at club level, wearing the Brazilian shirt he was very stoppable. Disappointingly so in fact.
  
  Sure, he was fun to watch and did amazing stuff for Barcelona but football is more than just doing fancy footwork, otherwise Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be a brilliant player just for juggling chewing gum on youtube.
  
  Yes, character is also needed and unfortunately, Ronaldinho lacked in that department. That's why he was never able to lead with Brazil and that's why his career was cut short prematurely (we can't really take into account his time with Milan)
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• 104. At 12:38pm on 03 Nov 2010, BladeRunner wrote:@101 "post 61, villa for eto'o.........ARE YOU MAD?"
  
  Not as mad as Barcelona themselves who not only swapped Eto'o for Ibrahimovic (and we all know how that turned out) but also paid some serious money to Inter on top of it.
  
  Talk about bad business/sporting decisions, the Catalans really messed that one up.
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• 105. At 1:25pm on 03 Nov 2010, robguima wrote:Yeah I've watched Ronaldinho play probably more often than most here, read my prior posts. I've also watched him for Brazil in 2006 WC playing against Zidane's France. Ronaldinho played the way he always plays: hiding from the game in the dead zone of the pitch, waiting for a football that'd never come, because France was in control. No not france, Zidane. Zidane, on the other hand, was all over the field combining with a number of different players from Viera to Ribery. Zidane *LED* France to win just like he did in '98.
  
  If people don't understand or don't value this fundamental difference, I'm wasting my time here.
  
  Cameron, people won't remember my login name? Very mature...
  
  There is no doubt in my mind Ronaldinho won't be remember as a great. This is not my opinion of him, but how I honestly think he will be remembered. You see, Zidane led France to win the world cup, while Ronaldinho has been just awful playing for Brazil (BladeRunner -- my fav movie -- is being nice there). Again, that (fluke IMO) goal against England was indeed his top moment for Brazil. Brazilians don't rate him as highly as say Ronaldo or Romario because those two have given us World Cups and have played their best football wearing the Brazilian shirt.
  
  I guess we will see who's right in a few years.
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• 106. At 2:08pm on 03 Nov 2010, Roberto_Mexicano wrote:Tim,
  
  You may feel I was being harsh, but I just don't think Ronaldinho deserves to be spoken about anymore. He's done. He'll never be amongst the best in the world again.
  
  He was one of the most exciting individuals i've ever seen. The first player to ever really use skills, tricks & flicks as an effective part of his game, rather than just to showboat. His mastery of the ball & the ability that gave him to find ways out of situations that no other player in the world past or present could do was just unbelievable.
  
  He allowed his decline to begin at the exact moment when he should have been approaching his peak, and we never got to see it. He shone brightly for a couple of years, & then we had to watch his bloated backside strolling around the pitch pretnding he was still a player.........and that was before he went to the dead league that is Serie A!
  
  As a coach I find that unacceptable, and honestly very sad, and i'd rather talk about him getting his head down & working on his physical condition, mentality etc towards giving a couple of years at some sort of level near to where he should be right now, rather than discussing some sort of "revised role" that he might still be able to perform for the national team as some sad shadow of his former self.
  
  Bobby Robson said "I don't think we ever saw the best of George Best". Sadly I think the same is true of Ronaldinho.
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• 107. At 2:53pm on 03 Nov 2010, Kole wrote:Footballers are human, and the fan's appetite for "speechless football wonders" and moments of pure genius can be overambitious.
  There are three types of players in my opinion
  -undoubtable talent
  -talented
  -footballer.
  they all aspire to become legends of the game, and to be a legend, you have to win everything possibly in football, in no particular order
  -world cup
  -european cl
  -various leagues e.g seria A, la liga, e.t.c
  -FA cups and tropies available for various countries
  - personal accolades.
  To win any of this, firstly you need a team of talented players and probably one undoubtable talent.
  examples of undoubtable talents are number one DIEGO MARADONA, you can add anyone to that list, thats your opinion.
  Talented players Gerd muller,SAMUEL ETO'O(players that have been consistent over a long period of time at the highest level)
  Footballer..........pls fill in the gap
  i know where dinho fit in.
  cameron and robguima, both have different views of the game, and i see both sides, an example is DIDIER DESCHAMP AND ZIDANE FOR FRANCE throughout france 98, all the hard work been done by some players and the accolades goes to zidane.
  really dont have much time to explain my brk is over at work.
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• 108. At 4:13pm on 03 Nov 2010, StevePatterson wrote:I agree that the main person responsible for Ronaldinho not being at the World Cup was Ronaldinho himself. Things could have gone better for Brazil if he had been there in their final loss.
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• 109. At 4:16pm on 03 Nov 2010, kicboy wrote: When Ronaldinho was in the flow a few years ago he was mesmerising. I hope he does try to approach that level again.
  
  I think a question on the World Football Phone-In programme last w/end touched on this (i.e. Are sports stars destroyed by celebrity?).
  
  The question around the relevance of international football, in competition with the ever more commercialised leagues, has been going around in my mind for a few years now. Spain appear to have finally managed to get the balance leading to success for both right – although there are financial issues there, too. I am not confident that England ever will (i.e. the Premier League is way too powerful).
  
  Question:
  To what extent, in your opinion, do fans of national teams in your region feel satisfied with individual and team performances?
  
  Ratings and good will for England players are increasingly diminishing, if that is possible. Their lifestyle and privilege, real or perceived, is taking them further and further from those that want to bestow the adulation, IMO. I had been pessimistic for much of the noughties, but over the last two years I had a growing sense that England could really could do something (until the Japan friendly anyway). This was despite my feeling that Capello was not fit for purpose – I thought Hiddink would have been a much better cultural fit.
  
  WC2010 was so disappointing, though. I haven’t felt so betrayed since I was dumped in the 4th year at school (girlfriend leaving me because she was leaving school - seemed a poor excuse at the time). On the World Football phone-in you quoted the Argentina 78 coach, Mennotti, and the line is a classic: ‘To be a footballer means being a privileged interpreter of the feelings and dreams of many, many people’.
  
  Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got till it's gone? Shame that some of these guys don't learn Joni Mitchell's message until they ride that Big Yellow Taxi away from the stadium for the last time.
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• 110. At 05:18am on 04 Nov 2010, yaredinho wrote: #105, As a Brazilian try to have a better understandinhg of football!!!
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• 111. At 12:36pm on 04 Nov 2010, DaDude wrote:• At 2:14pm on 01 Nov 2010, robguima wrote:
  I was born in Porto Alegre, Ronaldinho's home town. I know him personally, having met and played (for fun) with him a couple of times when he was still a youngster at Gremio (he was 15 then)… To me he is overrated and has always been overrated. His technique and creativity are unquestionable.
  
  ------------------------------------
  
  Like Jesus said – a prophet is not without honour except in his own town & among his own people...
  
  Heck, if Jesus couldn’t manage it, what hope for poor ‘Dinho..?
  
  
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• 112. At 6:48pm on 04 Nov 2010, Reaz Shaheed wrote: At 29-30 Zico was at his creative best, Pele at his peak. The big difference between them and Ronaldinho is that the latter made twice as much money as the other two did combined, at his age. Yet they still are known as role-models for athletes all around the world. Frankly I do not see that happening for Ronaldinho. His distractions are too big!
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• 113. At 11:17pm on 04 Nov 2010, BladeRunner wrote:Tim,
  
  Referring to some non-brazilian related news for a change, what do you make of the coming departure of Marcelo Bielsa as coach of Chile?
  
  Depending on how the new Chilean FA directors manage the situation, this could mean a huge step backwards for their national team, which was so exciting to watch in the WC and who finished 2nd to Brazil in the previous WC qualifiers.
  
  Bielsa's teams bring that fresh air of attacking football with them which is something you don't see very often in today's win-at-all-costs football world.
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• 114. At 06:24am on 05 Nov 2010, mellan2222 wrote: Ronaldinho between 2003 -2006 was simply unbelievably good (and he was amazing in PSG too). Never have i seen a more natural tallent and never have i seen a more entertaining player.
  
  Unfortunately i must agree that the last couple of years he has been in decline wich is a tradgedy. When he should have reached his very peak,he simply didint have the motivation to train as much as needed. As a result, it seems that its primarily his acceleration that has suffered. Maybe he thougt he had won it all; world cup,copa america, CL La liga world player of the year etc.
  
  Since he was at the top of his game for a relative short time i dont concider him among the very best in the history of the game(Maradona, pele,Cruyff Zico etc) but at his peak, i have seen nothing better.
  
  Finally i must say that i am a bit annoyed by robiguimas harsh words about ronaldinho. You compared ronaldinho with zidane (a great player) and basically concluded that
  ronaldinho wasnt even in the same division as Zidane. One reason for this, you argue, is because you think ronaldinho is weak and lack character, and this harms the team.
  
  One example you bring up
  is ronaldinhos perfomance in world cup 2006. I agree, his performance was poor, and he seemed a bit unmotivated. But have you forgotten what mr zinedine zidane did in the wc final?
  
  It seems to me that just every elite football player has to get used to be verbally abused and insulted from opponents from time to time.But they usually ignore it and keep on playing because that is whats best for the team. Zidane however, in argubly the most important game of his career, couldnt keep focused and lost his cool when Materazzi in the heat of the game threw an insulted at him. Zidane was sent off and this was, in my opininion a major reason why france lost the world cup final.
  NOW THATS A LACK OF CHARACTER!
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• 115. At 08:08am on 05 Nov 2010, yaredinho wrote:To ROBGUIMA
  I don’t know how and where to start!
  Ok! Here…U didn’t reply to any of my questions except one. And unsurprisingly that was again all about you. U told us u watched him probably better than most of us here. In any case, even if u r from Porto Alegre, even if u know him, Assis, his friends, his former mates…as it appears that doesn’t matter!
  I am lost again! Not sure how to come back!
  U told us his biggest contribution for Brazil is his the “fluke” goal against England, if I am not mistaken. Let’s forget the rest of his games for Brazil. Even in the game u mentioned, his decisive contribution wasn’t that goal! If u remember while Brazil were down by a goal, the great Rivaldo scored one of the best goals of the tournament. And the engineer was Dinho! He dribbled the ball for long distance, in one action he distorted the England defense (namely A. Cole and S. Campbell) and left Rivaldo free! The rest is history. That was the important goal of the game, the goal which made Brazil favorite once again, the goal which came minutes from half time, the goal which forced England to lose their confidence … And the process was more interesting than the goal itself; it needed technique, determination… After that Brazil’s win was unquestionable! (Even if one can’t be sure on such things u could see that from both teams’ players face while they were going to dressing room at half time)
  But why u want to tell us only about this game? U really believe that is the only game he did “great”- I mean if it is great for u? Or u meant he didn’t do great things for Brazil as he did for Barca? If u meant the second one, u right- though there are some reasons behind that.
  Ok, what do u think /realized from his action against Riquelme around 10th or 11th minute in 2005 CC final while Argentina were trying to dominate?
  For someone who understands football well, it is clear that it is easier for pure /or central midfielders, central defenders, and for a player who plays alongside less quality players (comparatively) to be leader of a team. For players who play neither at number 9 nor at number 10 positions (more or less for 9.5 position players), it gets worse. This comes from the nature of football. However, Dinho did lead Barca in his individual and collective contributions! He even forced that Barca (of highly talented players) to be over dependent team on him.
  
  ROBGUIMA, U wrote...
  ”The team he plays for always have to adapt to his shortcomings, which is usually a very high price to pay, especially at the highest stage”
  
  U believe his shortcomings were costly? Even if I am not sure if u know this, Zidane’s(I prefer Zidane here b/c it seems u understand everything in terms of Zidane) Juventus used to have three Defensive Midfielders in Didier D, Angelo D. and Edgar D. to overcome his shortcomings( precisely to make Zidane free). Mind u three strong Defensive Midfielders! Barca didn’t need to do that! B/c, I believe,
  -It is not their way to use three DMs
  -The coach understood could create unseen and unheard amount of clear goal chances week in week out to overcome his shortcomings (being free of defending)
  What did Barca lose in gambling on Dinho’s shortcomings or weren’t they at the highest level of the game? What is the problem in gambling in someone as talented as Dinho? Do u think winning two la ligas and a champions league playing beautifully-even much better than the recent brazil teams-in three years is bad or unworthy of the gamble???
  If u remember the 2007/08 CL semifinal b/n Braca and Man U semifinal, u can understand how Barca missed him; how he was irreplaceable, how and why the Ronaldinho-less team struggled to create chances with all those talented players, how he was so exceptional… But I bet it is not easier than seeing the priest in that sugar mountain
  
  “Honestly, Anelka is a hard worker compared to Ronaldinho.”...
  Is this part of ur Gaucho mentality or what?
  
  “because France was in control. No not france, Zidane. Zidane,....”
  
  Do u think one game can be good enough to compare quality of players? Did u understand the setup of the two teams in that quarter final game; how the French were playing as a team and for Zidane and Brazil played as 11 different teams?
  If u believe one can compare players in a given match, what is ur opinion on that well known el classico which involved both of them- even some more gallacticos in Zidane’s side??? Does this lead u to realize part of Brazil’s problems in Germany or still u couldn’t see that priest on Sugar Mountain?
  Do u know why Zidane left Juve for Madrid? He told the whole world that he wants to win the champions league before he retires!
  With all Juve’s effort; making him free, the central point of the team, scarifying the quality of others for him… he couldn’t win that trophy for Juve and himself! What were Zidane’s contributions in 1997 and 1998 CL finals? Did he control these games, which are some of the most important games in Juve’s European football history and led them to victory?
  It really surprises me when people give all the credit-of France’s success- to Zidane!!! It appears as if Laurent B, Didier D and some other very good Midfielders and Defenders weren’t part of the team! Those people need someone to remember them as what happened to France and Zidane immediately after Laurent B and Didier D retired; where were France and Zidane in 2002WC and at Euro2004? Isn’t Euro2004 supposed to be Zidane’s Tournament like Renaldo’s 2002 and Maradona’s 1986?
  Who was France’s strongest opponent in 1998, Brazil or Croatia? On the field Croatia was! No question! Who controlled the game, Zidane or Boban? Who was the most influential, Zidane or Thuram?
  Ok, Zidane wasn’t fit in 2002.But, what does he did against Greece (in ‘his tournament’) in that quarter final game or in the entire tournament or in Euro 2000 final against Italy exceptionally? Here I am not saying he is a failure (no one would listen me), he is more than a success. Any layman like me can mention a number of games that he starred on. I am just reminding ROBGUIMA and some other people here that their approach is not the conventional one.
  Zidane was one of the excellent players of his generation! And for long time too! At the same time he was fortunate enough to have some of the very good and intelligent French players at their respective positions and above all who convinced themselves that he is their best player and worked hard for him. This made things easier for him and inturn repaid them.
  In Barca, his mates did comparable (actually less) things for Dinho and the output was clearly more than Zidane’s! What about with Brazil? Definitely No! Why? For me there are some reasons (as there are reasons for Zidane’s unimpressive success - relative to his success with France- with Juve ). The root of the reasons is the complex nature of Brazilian players, and also the timing.
  So, what about Ronaldo and Romario? The timing for both of them was more or less the same as that of Zidane’s. And the fact that they are strikers, the quality and fame difference b/n them and most of the remaining players-besides their superior mental strength- helped them and their respective teams not to be affected that much by the first factor.
  Barca’s Ronaldinho at his peak destroyed every top goalie, defender, defensive midfielder, the most defensive team of his time (probably Chelsea), the most defensive coach(I guess Mourinho)… literally everybody, in every aspect; technically, physically, mentally…At times even his mates looked amateur because of him(remember one of Giuly’s actions?)!
  What about the other excellent players at their peaks? Most of the time they performed at their best. But, they did have brief bad spells, looked manageable! While Ronaldinho was totally unplayable!!!In those years, when Dinho was playing, football was at its peak, not at its best!
  
  ROBGUIMA,
  
  U wanted to transmit ur hate towards one of the living legends who transmitted love, joy and entertainment through his magical football! That must be the only reason u tried hard; u put undefined and inconsistent parameters, u placed every idea u believe it is against Dinho (even without double checking that the same criteria could do harm ur beloved Zidane!)
  
  “Brazilians don't rate him as highly as say Ronaldo or Romario...”
  
  It would be natural if Ronaldo and Romario are highly affectionate by Brazilians, I mean if that is the case. No question about that for known reasons. But are u telling me that Zico, Socrates, Falcao, Cerezo… are not greats and some of best of their generation?
  
  Do u know what Pavel nedved replied when a journalist asked him about Ronaldinho’s tricks and moves? ‘I don’t know’ said the hard working midfielder before he added that ’it seems he doesn’t know either’ Nobody knew Dinho’s next move, we all expected him to jump from one of the greatest category to the undisputed greatest ever player of the game catagory. Even the most respected columnist Tostao saw Dinho as “re-inventing” the game.
  But, he chose not to take that step!!! This time he did trick not only his opponents but also the whole footballing world! Was Nedved telling us the future unknowingly???
  
  Complain about this comment
• 116. At 4:35pm on 05 Nov 2010, Whatamba wrote: Dinho is a player that I will forever support in whatever way possible. I know that in one's life, there are ups and downs and we have to face yhe fact. The way Dinho was treated in the gone World Cup further frustrated his career and had a serious set back in his profession.
  
  The decision to have Dinho back on the Brazilian Squard is one of the best ever in the history of Brazil. Dinho, I think now has the challenge to prove himself as a world dependable star which I believed he will do.
  
  Dinho, you are still the best and you are my number one (#1).
  
  
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• 117. At 09:39am on 06 Nov 2010, DrCajetanCoelho wrote:
  Ronaldinho looks good for some more years of top football. Watched him play against Real Madrid in the CL. Hope he does something special against Argentina and further revives our memories of the vintage Ronaldinho we were used to. Good luck to Dinho
  Complain about this comment
• 118. At 2:40pm on 06 Nov 2010, arashikage wrote:Would be good to see Ronaldinho become a genuine world star again, but I don't see him adapting his game too much now. He seems to be a player that needs to feel loved and the team adapted to him rather than the other way round. That means playing at his pace and him cutting in from the left.
  
  Brazil do seem to be crying out for a playmaker in midfield, as Tim has been suggesting for a long time. I just don't see Ronaldinho doing what Zidane did to Brazil in 2006. I genuinely think that Zidane's performance was special that day and he exploited the space in midfield caused by Brazil essentially having deep defensive midfielders and support strikers playing in that area. Perhaps someone like Hernanes might be a better bet as a playmaker.
  
  Either that or they keep what Dunga did, look to hit teams on the break, but perhaps sacrifice a defensive midfielder and look to use a bit more width if they can't break teams down.
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• 119. At 10:26pm on 08 Nov 2010, luca wrote: You'll have to understand Ronaldinho, the person. He lost his father when he was 7 years old. His brother acted as the father figure. I remembered Galliani made a comment when he turned 29, Galliani said he's still a child. You can't deny that he is one of the greatest players. His performance at Milan is below par but if you watched their very first game of the season, he was actually good, then Ibra came along, the coach decided to build his team around Ibra and now we're seeing the same pattern when he first came to Milan.
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• 120. At 10:33pm on 08 Nov 2010, luca wrote:@ 46 robguima...you sound so bitter and so jealous....is it because he gets to play real football and won all that awards and you didn't.
  Complain about this comment

 

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2010/11/ronaldinho.html

Bielsa's early exit such a waste for Chile

Post categories: Football
Tim Vickery | 10:00 UK time, Monday, 8 November 2010

A successful and promising relationship has come to a premature end with the news that Marcelo Bielsa will not continue as coach of Chile.
There is little point in appointing a foreign coach unless he brings something fresh - which the eccentric, but highly respected Argentine certainly has in the course of his three years in charge.
He took Chile to their first World Cup since 1998, winning more away games than anyone else in the qualification campaign. In South Africa in 2010, Chile quickly became the neutral's favourite. In a tournament dominated by caution, Chile's carefree attacking approach was a joy to behold.
The performances of the team said more about Marcelo Bielsa than they did about Chilean football.
He coaxed from his players a faithful representation of the approach that has made him one of the most interesting coaches around over the last 20 years.
His idea is always to attack, no matter where the game is played and who the opponents might be. He wants the play to take place in the opponent's half of the field. Whatever the shape of the side - 3-3-1-3 is his favoured formation - there are a number of constants; his team will always seek to play at a high tempo, with a central striker and two wingers and the aim of creating two-against-one situations down the flanks.

The out-going Bielsa is a man of principle and there appears to be no turning back
Before working with Chile, Bielsa was in charge of his native Argentina from 1998 to 2004. In a very significant way, Chile was easier for him.
Argentina has a highly developed sense of its own footballing identity, to which the number 10 is crucial. Juan Roman Riquelme, with his elegant, foot-on-the-ball playmaking, is the guardian of the flame. Bielsa, though, had no place for him. Rather than the changes in rhythm that Riquelme inspires, the coach was looking for all out dynamism - which left him open to criticisms that he was trying to Europeanise the national team.
During his reign it was common for club coaches in Argentina to differentiate themselves from Bielsa by stressing their commitment to 'the pause' - the moment when the old-style number 10 slows the game down in order to rethink the attack. In Argentina, then, Bielsa often found himself swimming against a powerful current.
He had no such problem in Chile. "There's been no continuity," I was told a few years ago by Elias Figueroa, one of Chile's all-time greats. "We've tried to imitate Argentina. We've tried to imitate Brazil. We've tried to imitate Germany and Spain." From Bielsa's point of view, this lack of fixed identity was a plus point. It meant that his approach would meet with less cultural resistance.
Late 2007 was also a good time to take over. Humiliated on the field in that year's Copa America and with disciplinary problems off it, Chile appeared to have hit rock bottom. The only way was up - and giving momentum to the rise was the fact that an excellent generation of youngsters had just reached the semi-finals of the World Youth Cup.
They were to prove Bielsa's raw material. His bold gameplan requires a high level of fitness. He inherited an exciting group of players with young legs and open minds, and made a team of them. Versatile defenders or midfielders Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel and Mauricio Isla, central midfielder Carlos Carmona and, above all, wonderful little right winger Alexis Sanchez were all graduates from the World Youth Cup campaign who became stalwarts of the senior side.
Bielsa's option to stand down is frustrating for two reasons. Firstly, because he and his young side could have gone on to achieve much more. And secondly, because their time together could have been even better.
Three goals in four World Cup games was a disappointing return for a side of such attacking ambition. They would surely have scored more had centre forward Humberto Suazo been fully fit. Top scorer in the South American World Cup qualifiers, he was recovering from an injury when he was unwisely risked in a warm-up match. Injured once more, he was nowhere near 100% in South Africa.
In retrospect, Mauricio Pinilla should have been in the squad. Once briefly in Scotland with Hearts, Pinilla has been once briefly with a lot of clubs in a number of different countries. The striker came close to throwing away his own career with his wild-child antics. But he has always been a highly gifted player, potentially of genuine world class - as he has hinted in Italian football over the last 18 months. Especially in the absence of a fit Suazo, Pinilla would have been a useful option in South Africa.
He has been recalled for next week's game at home to Uruguay, seemingly Bielsa's swansong in charge of Chile. The idea of Alexis Sanchez and Pinilla operating together is an appealing one for Chile fans - but after next week it will not be Bielsa's job to get their talents to combine. He is leaving because Harold Mayne-Nicholls was not re-elected last week as president of Chile's FA. Before the election Bielsa made it very clear that he would not work with the opposition candidate Jorge Segovia.
Mayne-Nicholls, though, only carried the votes of six of Chile's First Division clubs. Segovia won the other 12, including the Santiago big three of Colo Colo, Universidad de Chile and Universidad Catolica. The election was, and continues to be controversial, with conspiracy theories flying around and claims that Segovia might be prevented from taking office on complicated legal grounds.
Mayne-Nicholls, though, has made it clear that he will not be coming back. One of the major complaints about him was the grumble that he prioritised the national team and his Fifa work over the domestic championship. He recently served as the chairman of the Fifa inspection committee which visited the countries bidding to stage the World Cups of 2018 and 2022.
Polished and articulate, he cut an impressive figure. But he has been cast out by an internal revolt at the very moment when his international prestige was at its highest. As a result, the national team is parting company with one of the world's most respected and interesting coaches. Chile's new regime will have to come up with something special to make up for the loss of Marcelo Bielsa.
Comments on the piece in the space below. Questions on South American football to vickerycolumn@hotmail.com, and I'll pick out a couple for next week.
From last week's postbag:
Q) I really enjoyed watching Alexis Sanchez playing at the World Cup, and as a Manchester United supporter would love for Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him... Do you think he could make it in the Premier League?
Natalie Cass
A) I'm half surprised they haven't taken him already. He's not yet 22, but it's been obvious for four years that he is a top talent, who would fit in with United's tradition of wing play. His coach at Udinese says that he still has some maturing to do, so perhaps he would have to toughen up a bit to do well in England - and he would also need to stay on his feet more. But for what it's worth, my opinion is that he's something special and could adapt to the Premier League.
Q) Where do you think the best atmosphere is found in South America?
Jaime Begbie
A) It has to be Argentina. Some similarities with pre-Taylor Report, but some differences, too. Much more pure passion than irony, and also the importance of the drum in the songs. It sometimes seems that the game is peripheral - they've gathered for the pleasure of being together and signing those songs - which when you come away from the stadium you can't shake out of your head.

 

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Appiah relishing Italian job


By Farayi Mungazi
BBC Sport

Appiah is hungry for success in Italy

Stephen Appiah is hungry for success and believes the 2010-11 Italian season will re-establish him as a top player.
The 29-year-old former Ghana captain joined new boys Cesena early in August after spending the 2009-10 campaign with Bologna.
He told BBC Sport that he is full of beans ahead of the new Serie A campaign which gets underway this weekend.
"I didn't play a lot of games for Bologna last season but I'm hoping to get more playing time this season.
"In training I've showed the coach that I'm ready to play and I feel good," Appiah said, adding that his main priority is to help his new team avoid relegation at the end of the season.
"I've had a difficult time in the last two years and I'm determined to put that behind me and enjoy my football again," said Appiah in reference to the injuries and contractual issues he had with previous club Fenerbahce of Turkey.
A botched knee surgery saw him fall out spectacularly with the Turkish giants who accused him of abandoning his contract and then took the matter to Fifa.
The authorities in Zurich ruled in favour of Fenerbahce last year but the Court for Arbitration in Sport overturned the decision, allowing the industrious midfielder to move to Cesena as a free agent.

 

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Didier Drogba denies reports he is quitting Ivory Coast

Drogba sat out August's 3-0 win over Rwanda but watched from the stands

Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba has dismissed reports that he has retired from international football.
Sections of the Ivorian media stated that the Chelsea star had quit after his absence from the Elephants' opening squads for 2012 Nations Cup qualifying.
The 32-year-old missed August's victory over Rwanda and then failed to make Francois Zahoui's 20-man squad for next week's trip to Burundi.
"I don't know why there's been any doubt," Drogba told BBC Sport.
"I was just resting as I had two consecutive operations in less than two months.

If the manager calls me for the next game, I'll be on the plane


Didier Drogba

"Then I needed to work on my fitness as well as trying to get back to my best.
"If the manager calls me for the next game, I'll be on the plane."
In June, Drogba had emergency surgery on his elbow to enable him to participate in the World Cup after suffering a fracture in a pre-tournament friendly against South Korea.
Allowed to wear a protective cast by Fifa at Africa's first finals, Drogba played all three matches, scoring once, but was unable to prevent the Elephants exiting in the first round in South Africa.
Late in July, Drogba then underwent an operation on his groin but recovered in time to contest the Community Shield against victors Manchester United three weeks later.
After next week's Group H clash in Bujumbura, the Elephants do not play another qualifier until March.
The 2006 and 2010 World Cup finalists currently lead their qualifying group after just one of the six qualifying rounds.
Drogba is the Ivory Coast's leading goalscorer in history, having netted some 45 goals.

 

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Chung Mong-joon will not challenge Fifa boss Blatter

Blatter (left) could be re-elected unopposed again

Fifa vice-president Chung Mong-joon of South Korea has ruled out standing against Sepp Blatter at next May's elections for the presidency.
Chung had previously hinted that he was considering running for the top job in world football's governing body.
But the 58-year-old said on Tuesday that he was "not thinking about running for the presidency in 2011".
Chung said his main focus is on helping South Korea in its battle to be host the 2022 World Cup finals.
In a keynote address at the Leaders In Football conference in London on 7 October, he said that it was "too early to say there would be no contender [standing against Blatter] next May".
Asked if he would stand, he said: "I had not thought of that, now you have asked me I will think about it.
"You need competition at the summit... We need to keep Fifa healthy."
Chung is part of the family which founded and owns South Korea's Hyundai industrial giant, and is one of the more high profile of Fifa's eight vice-presidents.
He added that the decision on who hosts the World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022, to be made in December, "might affect the atmosphere of the presidential election next year."
Mohamed Bin Hammam of Qatar, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has already said he will not stand against Blatter in 2011.
The only declared candidate for May's election at present is Blatter, 74, who succeeded Joao Havelange as president in 1998 after being elected ahead of the-then Uefa chief Lennart Johansson.
Blatter won again in 2002 after beating off competition from Issa Hayatou, president of the African Confederation (Caf), and was re-elected by unopposed in 2007.

 

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Bale as good as Messi and Ronaldo ? Ricky Villa





Ricky Villa, a World Cup winner with Argentina tells World Football that Gareth Bale's current form makes him one of the best players in the world.

 

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