The top 6 footballers who failed to make it to the World Cup

With the World Cup fast approaching, it would be fair to say that a majority of players strove to prove themselves at club level just to grab the attention of their respective national managers. With a place in the World Cup squad being their prime goal, every player tries to reach his full potential.But sadly, with a limited number of places in the national squad, some players tend to miss the cut despite playing wonderfully for their clubs. A hard decision to make for the manager is even harder for the player to digest.With most of the countries announcing their 23 man squad prior to the World cup, there were a few notable exclusions. Here are the top 6 players who wouldnt feature in the world cup, mainly because there isnt enough room to incorporate them.

#1 Samir Nasri

The Manchester city midfielder played a pivotal role in his club’s domestic success, scoring some key goals on many occasions including the opening goal against West Ham on the final day of the season, eventually securing the title for the Citizens.

But it wasn’t enough to convince France manager Didier Deschamps of his inclusion in the 23-man squad. Surprisingly, he wasn’t included in the 30- man provisional squad too.

Rumours are that Nasri’s disciplinary record cost him his place in the French national squad. A controversial goal celebration at Euro 2012 along with some differences with his team mates and the FFP dented Nasri’s reputation as a responsible professional and a team player.

Hence Deshcamps, not wanting to witness a repeat of the 2010 world cup drama, conveniently excluded his fellow trouble making Frenchman.

#2 Isco

Isco’s exclusion might have raised a few eyebrows but when you realize he has been excluded from the mighty Spanish team, you wouldn't be so surprised.

With established players like Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Fabregas and Xabi Alonso vying for a place in the starting line-up, it is not difficult to understand why a player as talented as Isco has been left out.

Despite playing well for Los Blancos, limited places and incredibly tough competition for those limited places cost the Real Madrid playmaker a place in the Spanish national side.

But, being only 22, the Spaniard can take heart in the fact that he still has a lot of time to feature in a World cup.

#3 Mario Gomez

Many pundits claimed that the shock exclusion of Mario Gomez by manager Jochim Low was ‘suicidal’. With only 2 proper strikers in their entire 23-man squad, Jochim Low has indeed taken a serious gamble by not selecting the Fiorentina man.

Gomez had an injury laden season with the Italian club and made just 15 appearances in all competitions scoring just 4 times.

With Gomez out, the responsibility of scoring goals lies on the capable shoulders of veteran striker Mirsolav Klose and Stuttgart striker Kevin Volland, who is yet to prove himself on the international stage.

It is to be seen who does Low opt for to lead the attack, the evergreen Klose or the young and vibrant Kevin Volland.

#4 Carlos Tevez

When you score 21 goals in 45 appearances for your club the season prior to the world cup, it wouldn’t be entirely wrong if you are confident of securing a place for yourself in the national team.

But unfortunately, Carlos Tevez found it the hard way that his stats and performances were not enough to convince Argentine manager Alejandro Sabella to give him a thumbs up for the FIFA World cup.

Tevez, who hasn’t featured for the La Albiceleste since 2011 is undoubtedly one of the most prominent absentees from this year’s World cup.

Although Argentina’s attack is in the more than capable hands of star striker Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain, there is no good reason to leave behind the experienced Carlos Tevez and opt for Franco Di Santo instead, who to put it politely, had a miserable season with Werder Bremen.

But then as they say,’ The manager knows best’. Keeping in mind Tevez’s volatile nature, don’t be surprised if you come across some controversial statements made by the Argentine on his exclusion.

#5 Kaka

Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari took some bold decisions while chosing his squad for the World Cup. One of them was to leave out talismanic midfielder Kaka from the provisional 30-men squad.

Kaka, who re-joined AC Milan after spending 4 rather unsuccessful seasons at Real Madrid, didn’t have a spectacular season as many would have expected.

In 36 appearances for the Rossoneri Kaka found the back of the net just 9 times and had just 5 assists. Despite his poor form, his exclusion from the Seleção was rather unexpected. But unfortunately, Scolari chose to go with a younger generation of midfielders.

Sadly, Kaka who is 32 already might have just missed out on the opportunity to play for his country in the World Cup for one last time.

#6 Ronaldinho

Kaka isn’t the only surprising exclusion from Scolari’s Brazil team. Celebrated midfielder and one of the finest midfielders the game has ever seen, Ronaldinho, was also left out of the 30-man provisional squad by Scolari.

Unlike Kaka, Ronaldinho had a stellar season with his club Athletico Mineiro in 2013, with 17 goals and 11 assists to his credit. But like Kaka, Ronaldinho might have as well lost the last chance to represent his country at the World Cup for the last time as he turned 34 this March.

The legendary Ronaldinho who used to sprint past happless defenders and caused tantrums in the opponent’s defense with his dribbling skills would have to make do with a place in the stands this time around.

And despite having a talented team, Brazil wouldn’t be the same without Kaka and Ronaldinho in their starting line-up.