From grass roots to elite superstars, players from across the planet share the same dream, to play in the World Cup. We all face disappointment or failure at some point of our life, coming second in the egg and spoon race, not doing well in an exam and etc. Professional footballers wait in agony to represent their country but when their names were not called, it will be a bitter pill to swallow.
The deadline for final squad selection is June 1. Here are some of the national “rejects” that didn't even make it to the preliminary squad selection.
Country: England
Current club: Blackburn Rovers
Fabio Capello's mission statement at the beginning of his tenure was to not shirk the responsibility of dropping star names in favor of in-form players. Sam Allardyce believes, the omission of a revitalized Robinson is one big mistake.
Country: France
Current club: Fiorentina
Clearly peeved at not being selected by Raymond Domenech, Frey made his decision to retire from international duty at the age of 28. Now 30, maybe Laurent Blanc will re-evaluate him in the future.
Country: Italy
Current club: Sampdoria (on loan from Milan)
The Milan want away is performing very well with the Sampodria club and his exploits propelled his club into finishing fourth in Serie A, just one place below Milan.
Country: Argentina
Current club: Inter Milan
A legend in Milanese blue, former captain and record caps holder of his country he is world renowned as a truly great footballer and would be a shoo-in for any other boss for any other country.
Maradona is not any other boss. “There is nothing strange and nothing to explain about Zanetti's exclusion.”
Country: Brazil
Current club: Barcelona
When you find a left back playing at the top of his game for one of the best clubs in the world, you would think a starting place for your country is not too big to ask. Wrong!
Country: England
Current club: Everton
Last season, the versatile Jagielka was flying high with club and country, being hailed as one of David Moyes' greatest signings.
Injuries have put his World Cup dreams on ice but if he can get more games and regain his old form, he will be in future England squad.
Country: Brazil
Current club: Chelsea
Playing his trade with newly crowned champion, Chelsea. An accomplished deputy for either regulars Ricardo Carvalho or John Terry, he has never failed to perform when the opportunities arise. The brilliance of Lucio and Thiago Silva kept him out of the selection.
Country: France
Current club: Lyon
Perhaps the unluckiest man. The depth and quality of the left back position for France is incredible. Patrice Evra, Eric Abidal and Gael Clichy are in front of the queue. The 22-year-old will just have to wait for his turn.
Country: England
Current club: Tottenham Hotspur
One of the best defenders in Europe, when he is fit. Period! Need to improve on his fitness to be selected.
Country: France
Current club: Arsenal
A very surprising omission from the France squad, Nasri has been one of Arsenal's shining lights in another fruitless domestic campaign. Able to play through the middle or on either flanks. His pace and attacking versatility alone should have booked him a ticket to South Africa.
Country: Argentina
Current club: Inter Milan
One of Jose Mourinho's first names on the team sheet and regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in the world. A great season with the Italian champion. Another mystical decision from "Hand of God".
Country: Brazil
Current club: Juventus
The ex-Bremen superstar had a woeful season with Juve, same goes to his club. Injury and dip of form at the wrong time didn't help his case.
Self induced retirement from international scene due to unexplained disagreement between him and the great Maradona. A great disappointment and a serious hindrance to Argentina's chance of lifting the trophy.
He is the Xavi-type player that Argentina need to give Lionel Messi the space to destroy opposition. A case study on 2007 Copa America will reveal the midfield maestro's ability and vision.
Country: Argentina.
Current club: Valencia.
A revelation of the season for Valencia, who finished third behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. Valencia's good season has been helped by the flourishing presence of Banega. His determination and silky skills have been delightful. A good prospect for future.
Country: France
Current club: Manchester City
Nobody can deny the big Frenchman's credentials, but not enough games for City has seen the end of his international career.
“For me the French chapter is finished. That does not mean it erases all the great years I spent donning the blue shirt of France.” - Vieira
Country: England
Current club: Chelsea.
Plenty of skills, vision and creativity. A potential match winner but his recent poor form has made him the loser.
Country: Brazil
Current club: AC Milan
Another player who suffered with injury over the course of this season The most prized asset of Milan. The highly rated youngster is being touted as becoming one of the best strikers in the world, but Dunga's faith lies somewhere else for this time around.
Country: Argentina
Current club: Lyon
The forgotten man in the Argentine front line. The €24 million purchase from Porto has only figured twice for his national team under Maradona. Third highest goal scorer in Ligue 1 for this season but the Lyon hotshot lost his place to the aging Martin Palermo. Why?
Country: Brazil
Current club: Flamengo
He is only 28 but seems like he has been around for ages. Troubles on and off the pitch have ruined his chances but his power and ability was never in doubt.
Currently playing very well in Brazil but Dunga chose Wolfsburg's Grafite over the former Inter player.
Country: Brazil
Current club: AC Milan
Former world player of the year and super smiley forward Ronaldinho has been playing some good football with Milan this season after some dip of form with Barcelona.
He may has lost the speed but his vision, passing ability and hold up play are still some of the best in the game. His flashes of brilliance and pure genius will be a big miss at this year's tournament.
Country: Italy
Current club: Inter Milan
Arguably the most hated player in the whole of Italy. Super Mario has immeasurable talent for such a young player, but his now infamous temper and attitude looks certain to curtail any possibility of playing for his adopted country under Marcello Lippi.
Country: France.
Current club: Real Madrid.
It is not often that a new and expensive Real Madrid signing, a star in his native land, is sat on the bench every week gaining weight and not scoring goals, but that's just what happened to this Frenchman.
Unable to break the fearsome double act of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain, the bright spark of the French forward line is in danger of fizzling out.
Country: Italy
Current club: Roma
He had another marvelous season for his beloved Roma. His glowing form has put the Romans on the brink of Scudetto glory. His 25 goals tally for this season in all competition has not been enough to convince Lippi. He certainly deserved one last shot at World Cup glory.