they wont make it.

Considering Ronaldo's age, this will be his last chance to perform at the world cup as one of the worlds elite players. While he will probably make the team in 2018, this is his last shot as a world class footballer.

With regards to Messi, I wouldn't be surprised if he has two more world cups, but in my mind this has to be his moment. Not only is he going to be worse as a player next world cup, the Argentina squad is absolutely stacked on offense.

Messi
Aguero
Di Maria
Higuain


Fucking deadly. Messi will not get the opportunity to play with this type of supporting squad again.

Not of the same calibre, but still world class - Rooney has said the same thing regarding this being his last world cup to make a real difference.

I dont agree that Ronaldo wont be an elite player in 4 years. Unless he suffers a Ronaldinho type drop Ronaldo will still be one of the best in the world in 4 years.

I don't really see how it's disputable that Messi is the best in the world. The guy has NEVER had a patch of inconsistency.

Cant see past Brazil winning tbh.

Agreed. Messi is the best in the world. It's actually a bit sad for Ronaldo as in any other generation he would be considered the best. Both will go down as legends though and although I wasn't around to see the greats; Pele, Maradona etc. From what I've seen I think Messi and Ronaldo are probably the best ever.

Ronaldo is going to be 33 next world cup. How many strikers are great that long into their career?

The two strikers I can really think of having great success at that age are Drogba and Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo is not like them. It is rare for a player like Ronaldo to keep form into his thirties. I would be very surprised if he is still a world class player at that time.

---------- Post added at 08:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 PM ----------

They don't have great attacking skill. I don't see it for them.

In fairness, there in one of them groups that any of the 4 can qualify. I still don't think they will. Japan have a good work ethic and are no punching bags by any means. Same can be said about Columbia. Greece is probably the weakest of the sides, but tight group. Sticking by the 2 selected

Agree with what Louie said, there strikers don't cut it for me. Hulk = overrated & lazy at times, Fred = average at the best of times, Neymar = decent player but acts the bollocks too much and inconsistent in his first season at Barca.

I think Neymar will probably have his world cup next time around. He needs more time to mature.

He struggles using his teammates, he's too much about doing everything himself. He may get away with it right now as Brazil isn't as strong offensively, but he must learn to play a more complete game.

---------- Post added at 06:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:36 PM ----------

7 days left gentlemen.

Oxlade-Chamberlain looks to be out. Tough injury to sustain right before the world cup, but he's young and should get a couple more tries.