Cristiano Ronaldo vs Original Ronaldo: Who’s More Likely to Make World Cup 2010?

May 8th, 2009 | by: Daryl |

Both Ronaldos – the younger, prettier Cristiano and the older, more injury prone original – will be hoping to represent their respective countries at World Cup 2010 next summer. And someone had asked last summer which one stood the better chance, then we’d all have said Cristiano.

The Portuguese winger had just completed a 42 goal season for Man Utd and was about to lead Portugal into Euro 2008, while the older Ronaldo’s career looked to be over after yet another knee injury saw him one-legged, unemployed and rapidly gaining weight.

What a difference a year makes.

CR7 is still in good form (just ask Arsenal) but Portugal are trailing both Denmark and Hungary by seven points in UEFA World Cup Qualifying Group 1. Doesn’t matter how well he plays for Man Utd. If Portugal doesn’t go to the World Cup then neither does C-Ron.

Meanwhile the other Ronaldo has made a mockery of probability by getting himself fit, signing for Corinthians and scoring 10 goals in his first 13 games back from the dead (including this beauty). And now Brazilian national team coach Dunga is making positive noises about a possible Seleção return for the man they call O Fenômeno.

“I’ve said already that the national team doors are open for any player who is technically good enough,” Dunga told a news conference.

“He is certainly in excellent form and is being watched by the technical staff.

“It’s the first time since 2006 that he has managed to play more than 10 games in a row, so the trend is for him to progress.

“Ronaldo has never stopped scoring goals,” Dunga added. “He knows his potential. There is one year between now and the World Cup for everyone to work and earn a chance.”

OK, so it’s not a cast iron guarantee. But if Ronaldo keeps finding the net then he should get at least one more chance to wear canary yellow. And – unlike Portugal – Brazil are all but guaranteed to be appearing at South Africa 2010.

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

Mattydub

If O Fenômeno does get picked for the squad, he will no doubt add even more goals to his already record world cup tally!! Things aren’t too bright for CRon as he just doesn’t seem to have the same talent surrounding him in the Portugal Selection…
http://scotland.worldcupblog.org Ian

I for one would love to see one more World Cup appearance from (older) Ronaldo. But 10 goals in 13 games is still a long way from being in form (and unhurt) 13 months from now. I’d like to see it happen, though – will add a great story to the tournament.
lazar

10 goals in 13 games isnt good enough??
Bruno

It’s not that the talent around cr7 is bad. I just saw them play in Porto a few months ago. They dominated and are fluid. They are just missing ONE key player and that is a striker. No Pauletta no goals. I would like to see old ronaldo in action though. 3 favorite teams would be Spain. Portugal and Argentina tied with brazil.
Sami Alamuddin

No doubt Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world.
He enriched the football game with his outstanding talent & performance.
He is the “Pele” of the 21st Century.
Jessie

I am so upset CRON wont be in the WC Oh wait I could care less. NO portugal is no big deal.
Sergio

Hey Jessie, I wont be upset Portugal wont be at WC2010 either, as long as Canada is there. Oh wait, Canada wont be there FOR SURE.
Alex

Ha! O Fenomeno will no doubt be “carrying” the # 9 for the Selecao como June 2010!!!!!!!!!!YEAHH…I am so glad he is back…the guy is one of those that make soccer the beauty it is: I doubt CR7 will have the same luck…
Leo

Ronaldo will represent Brazil for the last time in the 2010 World Cup. He will wii the World Cup in South Africa and be one of the top scorers in the tournament and will retire as a WORLD CHAMPION!!!!!
Leo

Brazil has as much chance as winning the 2010 Wc as Canada.
luis

O Fenomeno is the best…………..
ruzzi

What about the African teams? Remember how Ghana dominated in 2006, especially the way they anhilated the Americans? With alot of the top footballers in the toughest leagues of African descent, I think its high time Africa has something to show for all its raw talent
Valentinho

The World cup is coming to Africa and has a minimum stay of 4years. Fenomeno and/or CR7 makes no difference. Fenomeno (was) is (will be) the most dangerous striker the football worls has ever seen, no doubt, but remember Samuel Eto’o Fils is a force to reckin with and Cameroon as a team is a threat to the Euro-Latin America football ‘conspiracy’. Don’t be surprised to see African soccer legend and now roving ambassador Roger Milla.
http://theflatbackfour.blogspot.com The Flat Back Four

There is no comparison! CRon is nowhere near the status of the legend which is Ronaldo. There is only one Ronaldo and he is not from Portugal.