Monday, July 2, 2018
FFB 18.04 "Fallen Stars - What Happened to...???"
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[ Foster's Football Brew:  Euro 2012 | Euro 2016 | WC 2018 ]

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As the knockout phase of the 2018 World Cup unfolds, I think back to the previous Euro and World Cup, when I was tracking some rising stars that were mysteriously (or otherwise) left off their countries’ World Cup Rosters this time around.  Here’s a quick look at some unfortunate circumstances and puzzling moves by international managers: 

Dimitri Payet (France) – One of the key performers for France in the Euro 2016, wizarding midfielder Payet was in tears as he got injured in the Europa League finals for his club team Marseilles in May.  His hamstring injury gave France Manager Deschamps too much doubt about his fitness, opting to cut him from the squad in favor of a deep list of fit players in waiting.  Regardless of how well France plays this time around, they would be even better with him, especially on free kicks.  Let’s hope he features again in the future Euro and World Cup tourneys.

Renato Sanches (Portugal) – A break-out star at the Euro 2016 for Portugal, who may not have won without, the 20-year old Sanches has fallen hard the past two years, as pointed-out by Deutsche Welle: “Bayern were universally acclaimed for the shrewdness of snapping up the midfielder before he demonstrated a drive, ball-carrying ability and composure far beyond his 18 years. But after an indistinct first season under Carlo Ancelotti he was farmed out to Premier League club Swansea, where things went from bad to worse. The initial excitement generated by his signing soon turned to bafflement as Sanches' confidence visibly diminished by the game, before he hit a low point when stroking a pass out to an advertising board he had mistaken for a teammate.

He didn't even make Portugal's initial 35-man list for Russia and it seems he wasn't ever really in [Portugal boss] Santos' thoughts, with Sanches notable only by his omission in a list of names the coach found it hard to leave out.  With immense talent and athleticism, let’s hope he turns around his career very soon!

Leroy Sane (Germany) – A key cog of the record-breaking Manchester City machine this past EPL season, Sane was left off the German squad for a variety of reasons, some of which are not clear.  Some speculate his style apparently wasn't a good fit for Team Manager Yogi Loew's strategy.  Alternatively, his play for Germany during qualifying games in the past year did not meet the same standard he reached for his club team.  We’ll never know if his presence would’ve helped Germany break into the Knockout Phase…which it missed for the first time in 80 years!!  Even worse, Germany scored the fewest total goals in their history at the World Cup – just two.  Surely, Yogi Lowe will reconsider his squad and tactics for the Euro 2020, perhaps opening a spot for the uber talent.

Mauro Icardi (Argentina) – Serie A (Italy) League’s TOP SCORER was left off the Argentine squad!  At only 25, he and fellow up-and-coming striker Dybala would’ve given Argentina a faster, more youthful side as starters in key games against Croatia and France.  Instead, experienced (but slower) strikers Higuain and Aguero were most prominently featured alongside Messi during this World Cup. 

While Dybala made the team, I believe he made just one appearance, as a substitute.  Perhaps Icardi (and Dybala) don’t fit in Manager Sampaoli’s tactical planning…which proved to be disastrous.  In 4 matches, Argentina was outscored 9 goals to 6!  I’m pretty sure Icardi’s chances of playing in the next World Cup are much higher than that of Sampaoli keeping his job!

Radja Nainggolan (Belgium) – On a team fully loaded with talent, you have to maintain a good attitude to keep a spot on this roster.  In his case, a poor demeanor overshadowed the heart of club side Roma's midfield, and he'll spend the summer watching his teammates make a run for the Cup on television.  The official reason for this was “lack of fit” into Martinez’ tactical strategies.  Featuring in all 5 games Belgium played at the Euro 2016, Nainggolan decided to “retire” from international football when he learned he was going to be snubbed from the final 23 of the World Cup team by Manager Roberto Martinez.  Sore loser!

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Eric