SPORTS> Off the Pitch
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SPORTS> Off the Pitch
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Spanish, Italian, English leagues dominate World Cup
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-01 09:13 If the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A and the Spanish league were able to put together their own World Cup teams, no one else would stand a chance of winning the trophy. Imagine a game in which France striker Thierry Henry takes a pass from England's Steven Gerrard, who then sends a cross for Netherlands forward Ruud van Nistelrooy to slide into the net. Or seeing Brazil right back Cafu break down the flank and pass for Czech Republic midfielder Pavel Nedved to set up a shot for Italy's Francesco Totti. Or even Brazil left back Roberto Carlos sending a hard shot off the goalpost that Argentina forward Lionel Messi controls and then shoots home. It's a shame it'll never happen. Besides England, Italy and Spain, the German Bundesliga also could put together a contender, especially with several Brazilians playing there and the majority of the host nation's players still at home. But Michael Ballack's move to Chelsea means Germany's top player will soon play in England. Many of the best players from France, the Netherlands and Portugal, who are also among the leading World Cup contenders, don't play in their own countries. Despite the current strength of the leagues in England, Italy and Spain, however, it doesn't mean a thing when it comes to winning the World Cup. |
