Ronaldinho

      Chalk up some of the confusion over whether Ronaldinho is playing in the 2010 World Cup to a fantastic Nike commercial. Nike's "Football: Write the Future" ad campaign features the Brazilian star who plays for Italian powerhouse club AC Milan performing his latest new-and-amazing move, which, of course, is copied by everyone, including basketball great Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. But in reality, Ronaldinho just wasn't good enough (or perhaps was too good) to make the final 23-man squad managed by former Brazil star Dunga. He decided to leave Ronaldinho at home for the cup (despite Nike's grandest marketing).

     Back in March, Dunga was firm that Ronaldinho would not play in the monthlong World Cup competition in South Africa. Dunga might well be compared to Josh McDaniels, the coach of the U.S. National Football League's Denver Broncos, for his no-nonsense approach to players; his avoidance of highly-gifted-but-domineering players for more predictable, teamwork-focused midfielders, such as Gilberto Silva and Elano.  Nonetheless, fans in Brazil have been frustrated, especially since Ronaldinho has played well lately for AC Milan.
Dunga in March shrugged off the criticisms: "I guess it's normal (for Ronaldinho's exit to cause controversy) because the players who are absent are always the best and everyone wants to talk about who is not part of the national team," Dunga Told FIFA News. "None of this is new on the eve of a World Cup. The questions and answers continue to be the same. The pressure on the coach of the Selecao is always very strong. Every region and newspaper would like to impose their own players, but I will go forward in my own way."

Nike's commercial featuring Ronaldinho dressed in a Brazil uniform to boot: