JOHANNESBURG – One of these days Cristiano Ronaldo might realize that if he is to stand a chance of reclaiming his status as the world’s best player, he could use a little help from his friends.
The Portugal captain was toppled from his perch by Lionel Messi last year when the little Argentina maestro became universally acclaimed as the soccer world’s elite talent. But Messi’s individual skills aren’t the only reason why he is the best. He also embraces the innovative concept that soccer is a team game.
That theory is one that appears to have escaped Ronaldo, especially at this World Cup, as he tries to do things single-handedly.
Statistics don’t always tell the full story in soccer, yet a look at the amount of times Messi and Ronaldo have each passed the ball in the tournament speaks volumes. Messi has completed 159 of his 217 passes, while Ronaldo has attempted just 114 – 74 of them finding the intended target.
“What it shows is that Messi is a true team player,” said statistical expert John Ley of the London Daily Telegraph. “Ronaldo tries to use his individual brilliance to help his team.”
Few men in history have had the outrageous talent to win a World Cup on their own – Diego Maradona led Argentina to the 1986 title – but Messi, Maradona’s heir apparent, has embraced teamwork enough to see his team ensconced as one of the tournament’s leading favorites.
Messi and the Albicelestes earn the No. 2 spot in our latest rankings as the World Cup enters the knockout stages.
Yahoo! Sports’ World Cup rankings
1. Brazil (last ranking: 1) – Went into cruise control against Portugal but still the best all-round outfit seen so far.
2. Argentina (2) – Blessed with magnificent attacking talents, the Argentines are stuck with a dangerous draw.
3. Spain (5) – Recovered seamlessly from disappointing opening defeat to Switzerland and now look strong.
4. Netherlands (3) – Yet to really burst into life but have the ability to go all the way.
5. Portugal (4) – Will Ronaldo lift them on his shoulders or will his single-mindedness cost them?
6. Germany (10) – Will go head-to-head with England in a clash with national pride at stake.
7. England (13) – Crept through from Group C despite three mediocre performances and low confidence.
8. Uruguay (7) – Diego Forlan’s attacking threat makes the two-time champion a sleeper to watch.
9. Paraguay (9) – Steady more than spectacular, but won’t be afraid of anyone in the knockout stage.
10. Chile (8) – The Chileans looked nervous and tentative against Spain and will be a huge underdog against Brazil.
11. United States (14) – A nice draw and a wave of confidence has good vibes flowing through the USA camp.
12. Mexico (6) – In-fighting and personality clashes are threatening to undermine El Tri’s challenge.
13. Ghana (17) – The last remaining African side has the pride of a continent to uphold in Rustenburg.
14. Slovakia (25) – Fine effort to get out of the group but surely the road ends here.
15. Japan (18) – Tremendous attacking soccer helped oust Cameroon and Denmark and set up a deserved last-16 spot.
16. South Korea (22) – Short on genuine firepower, but the South Koreans have exceptional fitness and resolve.
