Noticia nº73.381

/noticias.info/ by FIFAworldcup.com

Ronaldinho, Ballack, Del Piero, Zidane, Crespo, Figo and Beckham are household names to everyone in the world of football.

But while these superstars carry the burden of responsibility for their countries' fates in the tournament, other lesser-known stars are also looking to write their names into footballing folklore.

The stadiums of Germany will provide them with the arena they need to parade their talent in front of a global audience. This is their chance to become standard-bearers in world football, an example to millions of youngsters. In short, to steal the limelight reserved only for those who stand out on the sport's greatest stage.

Of course, some of them are icons in their own countries, and all have performed at the top level for their clubs. But there is something else that binds these players together: their rise to the top has been steady, rather than spectacular, sometimes following an unconventional path. From the bus driver turned football star, to the man who only turned professional after completing his university studies, FIFAworldcup.com can now reveal the stories behind seven of these unlikely heroes.

Debut at 27
Luca Toni’s reputation as a penalty-box predator is firmly established in Italy, but, contrary to custom, the Fiorentina striker only forced his way into the Azzurri squad at the grand old age of 27, just in time to play a crucial role in his country’s qualification campaign. However, Toni’s late bid for FIFA World Cup™ glory has done nothing to undermine the confidence of the Italian tifosi in a player who has not yet made his debut in European football.

Europe, at last
The injury suffered by Brazil’s Edmilson has opened up a window of opportunity for Mineiro, one of the mainstays of the Sao Paulo team. With the sole exception of the reserve goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni, the tenacious midfielder will be the only player in the reigning champions’ squad who has never played for a foreign club. His determined displays in domestic football for Ponte Preta won him his first call-up in 2001, but only now, at the age of 30, will he have the opportunity to perform on a global stage.

Changing of the guard
Increasingly, football is an exact science, but there are still exceptions to the rule. Take Mexico’s 19-year-old prodigy Andres Guardado, for example. Unlike most players of his age, the talented youngster has not come through the ranks of the national team. In fact, he only made his debut for his club Atlas three months ago. But his quality and versatility on the left flank convinced the national coach Ricardo La Volpe to put his faith in the teenager’s ability, and include him in the Mexico squad for Germany.

Study comes first
Though certainly uncommon, it is not unheard of for budding pros to put the books before the ball. Japanese target man Seiichiro Maki only turned professional at the age of 22, after finishing his degree in Business Studies at the University of Komazawa. The player's work ethic off the pitch has been reflected in his commitment and endeavour on it, and his hard-working displays for JEF United have found an admirer in the shape of the national coach, Zico, who named him in his final 23.

Long and winding road
Five years ago, the great Brazilian Ronaldo was lighting up Italy in the colours of Inter Milan, French legend Zinedine Zidane was starring for Juventus, David Beckham was making his name as the linchpin of Manchester United, and Scott Chipperfield was a bus driver in Australia. As he recently revealed to FIFAworldcup.com, the rugged defender was forced to take on a job to pay the bills as he struggled to make his way as an amateur. By his own admission, Chipperfield enjoyed his time on the buses, but fame and fortune came calling, and he moved to Europe where he has become one of the stars of Swiss first division side FC Basel.

National icon
Until the start of the 2003/04 season, few fans had heard of Didier Drogba. He had arrived in France from his native West Africa and established himself as a top-flight player, but it was only after a stunning season in the colours of Marseille, and a multi-million pound transfer to Chelsea, that the hard-working centre-forward leapt to worldwide attention. He has won two consecutive English league titles with the west London club, and his emergence has coincided with that of his country, Côte d’Ivoire, who after qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup last year went on to finish runners-up at the CAF African Cup of Nations in February. The 28-year-old Drogba now has the chance to showcase his undoubted ability on the biggest stage of all.

Surprise call
Before hearing of his inclusion in the final 23-man squad chosen by France’s coach Raymond Domenech, right-back Pascal Chimbonda had never worn the colours of Les Bleus. But his selection in the English Premiership’s team of the year after a fine season at top-flight newcomers Wigan Athletic helped him to leapfrog more familiar names such as Lyon’s Anthony Reveillere and Juventus star Jonathan Zebina. At the age of 27, the defender is now on the verge of fulfilling an ambition which, until recently, had seemed destined to pass him by. But the case of Chimbonda has shown once more that sometimes good things really do come to those who wait.