The Falling Stars of the World Cup

First it was Michael Ballack, then Michael Essien. Now we have Didier Drogba, Rio Ferdinand and possibly Jozy Altidore, who are all injured and may not be able to play in the World Cup. If I could make on suggestion to all the teams who have friendly warm-up matches…. Don’t play them. The stars of the World Cup are dropping left and right, and with them the hope of a nation.

Ballack, Essien and Drogba are key components to their teams and major contributors to any type of success they planned to have in 2010. It’s a shame that these players lose out on an opportunity to play for their country and it’s a shame for their countrymen who had such high hopes for these players.

Perhaps there is more to this story… Karma’s a bitch, huh? All those soccer players who take a dive when a stiff wind hits their legs trying to draw a foul, only to pop back up once the desired outcomes occurs. Drogba, I’m looking at you. Not as fun when you actually go down and can’t keep on playing.

Wait. Is there a Chelsea connection, at least for these three (Ballack, Essien and Drogba)? Did they sell their souls to cash-in on the big paycheck and win the English Premier League (EPL) title? Chelsea did become the powerhouse of the EPL when Roman Abramovich bought the team back in 2003. Money may have bought you a championship, but was it worth it?

The World Cup will still be amazing, but it’s a shame these great players will miss this opportunity to represent their country. This completely changes my outlook on how the World Cup turns out. Maybe not the winner, but the teams that advance… more on that next week.