Don't Blame Ronaldinho

Filed in archive Ronaldinho on July 11, 2006

image: turkishdailynews.com

Ronaldinho is being cited as the most disappointing player of the World Cup. Some Brazilian fans were so disappointed they burnt down a statue of him in the town of Chapeco, Santa Catarina.

That's definitely one way to show your feelings, but Ronaldinho was never going to live up to the pre-tournament hype. Nike's Joga Bonito highlight reels are great for selling shoes, but they're not a fair representation of what Ronaldinho can be expected to do in every game, and it should be remembered that he was playing a different, deeper lying role for all but Brazil's final game.

The biggest difference is that when Ronaldinho plays for Barcelona, he's the man. Even with the talents of Deco, Messi, Eto'o and everyone else, the team is built around Ronaldinho. In this Brazil team, everyone wants to be the man. How many times in the game against Ghana did Adriano and others go for goal when the final pass was easier and smarter?

The problem with Ronaldinho and Brazil was encapsulated by an incident against France. Ronaldinho beat the right back (it may have been Willy Sagnol) with a trademark quick stepover. As he went past him Cafu appeared from nowhere and nicked the ball off Ronaldinho's toe before failing to get a decent cross in.

With team mates like that, who needs opposition?