It feels like a while ago now, but there were two or three years (2004ish-2007ish) when Ronaldinho was the best player in the world. Unanimously. He had no equals, no foils the way Messi has Ronaldo. He was so good he basically trademarked his own moves, and created the whole "elastico" rage. He was the quintessential Brazilian superstar, with his bouncing head of hair, his swanky boots, and his ultra-exuberant, uber-expressive personality. To watch Ronaldinho was to watch youthfulness personified, ever joyful, ever mischievous, and always eager to flash that broad-faced smile that alone was responsible for the death of 26 Brazilian dentists.
In the 2002 World Cup, while still playing under the shadow of Ronaldo and Rivaldo, Ronaldinho asserted himself on the international stage. He was to Ronaldo and Rivaldo what Iniesta is to Messi, although he displayed a scoring touch of his own as well. Against England, in the quarterfinals, he did this to David Seaman. Brazil won the match 1-0 en route to claiming their 5th World Cup title.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
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