Adriano Will Dominate jus like he did in the 2 past tournys for Brazil 5 Goals in Each Tourny n Champion to!
I think there will be three huge stars at the 2006 world cup and that's Rooney, ronaldinho, and messi. period
this question is what leads me every world cup to pick my favorite team to win... the only teams i think that have capable players to "shine" over ALL are Brazil and England... Back to the question... uhh, thats tough... its between Ronaldinho, Adriano, Ronaldo, and Rooney... Idk why but I have a feeling Ronaldo is taking this one again... everyone is forgetting about him and he IS still out there... anyways, we'll see...
I think this all depends on whether Messi can break into the starting 11 for Argentina. As good as Messi has been playing lately, I just can't see him starting over Crespo or Tevez. Crespo is probably Argentina's best striker...and most experienced. And Tevez is simply too good not to start, even if he is playing in Brazil. And, this also depends on whether Messi can be a regular player for Barcelona because at is, he isn't (won't play against Bremen for example). Of course, this all depends on how Pekerman uses Messi. After all, he is capable of playing AM...so who knows. If Messi werent Argentine, then he would definitely be starting. But the fact that he's from a team with so much depth, I just can't see him really pushing out any more established players. Either way, I think we will likely see a Messi performance similar to Owen in 98. Certainly enough to impress and make a difference...but as a sub. Then again, we could see him having a rather limited role, like Ronaldo in 94 or Kaka in 2002. Who knows. But yeah, definitely possible to see an Owen-like performance. That though, isnt enough for him to "own" 2006.
apart from the ones already mentioned, I think that juan roman riquelme and robinho are going to shine in germany next year.
Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Adriano (not being biased, i swear). Ronaldo, because he's simply a clutch player... He'll miss the easy goals, but when it matters, he will score (Brazil - Turkey semifinal for example). And, he's played 2 great World Cups...I cant blame him for the Final in 98. He shouldnt have been playing. Ronaldinho because he decides games. Just look at his performance against Real. He single-handedly defeated Real (poor Ramos). He won't score many goals, but he'll make everyone around him better (even mediocre Juan and Lucio). And finally, Adriano, because he saves his best for Brazil. He is in consideration for Golden Boot. Hah. Kaka is a player who is really overshadowed by those 3. For Brazil at least, I do think he will be a breakout player. He has the potential to "own," but I dunno... Bascially, we are seeing a ton of 20-23 year old talent, especially at striker, who werent old enough to figure in the last World Cup. A lot of these guys are on good teams and I think they will all likely look very good. I'm really high on Tevez, who is the best player in Brazil at the moment. If Argentina go far, he will score tons for them. Rooney I think will look good too. It's important in the World Cup to stay disciplined (ballack, for example, who missed out on the final). Rooney has to minimize those yellow cards. More games he plays, the more he will score obviously. I'm sure both Ruud and Sheva, some older guys, will own for their respective teams. This again, depends on how far they go, but I think Ruud certainly will like to shine on the international stage. I think Zlatan will play very well too. He has the potential to score a lot...Sweden are usually good for the quarters...and theyve looked well lately. So yeah. And oh, Torres too, although he hasnt had the best of seasons yet. I expect him to pick it up in the new year. And finally, Klose. He's been playing extremely well for Bremen. Germany will go far, and I think we'll see another good performance out of him in the World Cup. Who won't: Vieri and del Piero are aging. I'm sure come the World Cup, we'll see Toni and Gilardino playing a bigger role on the team. Not so sure about Drogba. This all depends on the draw I guess. If they get a tough draw, I dont think he will be capable of doing much. Juninho won't either. I don't think he's good enough to start for Brazil. I still think he is good for maybe 2 or 3 set-piece goals though.
Landon Donovan is going to take the world cup home for the USA baby. In my mind a top 10 player in the world for sure, he showed that in the last world cup and in the MLS for the galaxy, concacaf qualifying and the gold cup.
I think it's a bit odd that the one Dutch player that gets a mention is Ruud van Nistelrooy (and he gets voted for too!). Don't think many Dutch people would even pick him from the Dutch squad. Overall I would say Ronaldinho as he is the world's best player by a mile at the moment. For Holland either Robben or Van der Vaart.
I voted Rooney. Although Ronaldinho obviously can't be ruled out. And I don't think he'll be doing any owning, but CRonaldo always shines for portugal.
ill hope for ballack to help germany win the title...i expect good performances from adriano, ronaldinho and lampard also