With Golden Balls set to put his feet up with the rest of us this summer, Goal.com's Patrick Reilly ranks 10 stars who missed out on the World Cup through injury...
10) David Beckham (2010)
Barring a miracle England's most capped outfield player will have to be content with 'just' the three World Cup appearances as View more »
Promise of great things: Kaka has played a pivotal role in Brazil's qualification campaign
Caps: 75Goals: 26World Cup appearances: 6 (2002, 2006)World Cup 2010 qualification: 11 appearances/5 goals
Club: Real Madrid, SpainAge: 27Position: Midfielder
This born-again Christian, and potentially the defining star o View more »
There is a saying in football that “the English invented it, the Brazilians perfected it” and few would argue, particularly with Brazil rated as joint-favourites to win World Cup 2010 in South Africa.
World at his feet: with players like Kaka (left) at his disposal, Brazil coach Dunga will be expected t View more »
The South Americans might have home field advantage in South Africa.
South Africans still love their national football team, Bafana Bafana, but in a surprising move they have thrown their weight behind Brazil as their second team of choice ahead of this year's FIFA 2010 World Cup finals.
With less than 80 days to the View more »