dSince the 2006 World Cup with Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario or Luis Figo, we probably haven’t seen him. This year in Qatar, we are likely to see several big names in football compete in their world cup final.
From Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi via Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, these 30-year-olds have been able to push the limits of their bodies but, despite all this, they are not eternal. Wishing to end their story with their selection in the most beautiful way, these stars are aiming very high in Qatar.
Lionel Messi: the click of the Copa America
Long derided for not having won a major title with his selection outside the Olympics, the former Barcelona native ended up defeating the Indian mark. In July 2021 he triumphed in the Copa America after failing three times in the final. Having finally won a trophy of this magnitude with Argentina, the PSG striker can now calmly project on Qatar.
The Albiceleste will also arrive at this World Cup with an unprecedented measure of confidence: there are 34 matches without defeats. After the slap of 2010, the regrets of 2014 and the fiasco of 2018, Lionel Messi intends to complete his international symphony by giving Argentina a third star.
Cristiano Ronaldo: the pride of the champion
Criticized in recent months with his sudden drop in speed on the side of Manchester United, CR7 does not go to this world in the best of conditions. But with the pride of knowing him well, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains an exceptional striker who should be wary of. While he has often stated that he wants to play into his 40s and beyond, time has finally caught up with him.
He’s also lagging behind with Portugal (just two goals in 2022) and sometimes it becomes difficult for Fernando Santos to build his team around him. However, with his aura and his experience in the Euro 2004 selection, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a role model for his teammates. If he’s not a favorite, the outsider suit is perfect for CR7 and his family.
Karim Benzema: another possibility after the Euro
With his Ballon d’Or and his outstanding 2021-2022 season, the Madrid striker intends to continue his momentum with the Blues. If last year he won the League of Nations with France, the rapid elimination at Euro 2021 in the round of 16 by Switzerland has left a bad taste in his mouth. Good: he has the opportunity to catch up with his team during this World Cup in Qatar.
If Didier Deschamps’ group has had some problems in terms of results and packages, with the absences of Pogba and Kanté, they can always count on an exceptional offensive sector. Led by Benzema, Mbappé, Griezmann or Giroud, the Blues have many advantages. Eight years after France-Germany and Manuel Neuer’s spectacular stop at the end, the Real striker hopes to make up for the time lost in the World Cup and the long years of absence for him in selection.
Luka Modric: the final applause of an artist
According to several newspapers in Spain, this edition in Qatar will be Luka Modric’s last international appearance. The Ballon d’Or 2018 is still decisive, both with Real Madrid and with Croatia.
At the age of 37, he has the ambition to finally give this Croatian generation the international title they so hoped for. Even if the competition is fierce, the former Tottenham player and his family can hold their own against the European leaders with casual dynamics and the South American giants under maximum pressure. We also hope to see some wingers, Modric’s distinctive gesture, to close the circle in Qatar.
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They should also play their last World Cup:
Robert Lewandowski he will once again have to carry a Polish team that lacks individual talent. But in a group with Argentina, Mexico and Saudi Arabia, the Barça forward can hope to do well and offer his selection their first knockout stage qualification since 1986. With 76 international goals, Lewandowski will be a customer of choice for his opponents.
Luis Suarez he made the choice to return to the country, to Uruguay, to prepare for his last World Cup. After winning the Scudetto with Club Nacional, the former Liverpool striker knows he’s in the twilight of his career at 35. With Diego Godin and Edinson Cavani, other veterans of this Uruguayan team, he intends to conclude his adventure with Celeste at the top.
Danger of Eden it has been in the trough for several seasons. With Real Madrid he never managed to regain the level of Chelsea. However, the Belgium captain is holding on to try and give his all for the Red Devils. If the will is there, the physique is still just as delicate for the player trained at LOSC, who struggles to chain matches. But with this golden generation in the company of Lukaku and De Bruyne, the Belgians are still aiming for a first major title. Whether Hazard will hold up remains to be seen.
Dani Alves it’s a curiosity. When we thought it was completely over, the former Barça and PSG right-back found himself on Brazil’s list for this World Cup. The man with 42 career titles now plays in Mexico, alongside the Pumas. With a staff full of passion and youth, Alves represents a guarantee of experience for Tite, the coach of the Seleção. And why doesn’t he get the tenth star of Brazil at 39 years old?
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