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World Cup qualifying resumes this weekend, with the group phase coming to a merciful end next week. We will then enjoy November playoffs for the remaining berths, and then we will get ready for the greatest show on earth.
Or will it be? We may have to witness a World Cup without arguably the top two players on the planet. Leo Messi's Argentina, and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal have endured terrible qualifying campaigns, and both are in danger of missing out on the big show.
FIFA and World Cup organizers would be in fits. These two players are central to their marketing hopes. However, soccer, and in particular the World Cup has always been bigger than the individual. With or without Messi and Ronaldo, the tournament will be just fine.
I hope both Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi play at the 2010 World Cup, but the World Cup is not depending on them, and nor should it.