Brazil’s World Cup hopes are largely dependent on Kaka’s form. The Real Madrid superstar is expected to play a major role in Brazil’s campaign this year in South Africa. Although a lot depends on him, Kaka himself has a few things to worry about. He has been largely affected by injuries and this could be a real problem for the playmaker. However, Kaka is confident that he will recover in time and play a big role in this year’s World Cup.

Kaka comes to South Africa after an injury disrupted season in Spain, as he suffered from thigh and groin injuries. His form has been far from what it was when he won the FIFA footballer of the year award once.

Doctors have assured that these injuries are a thing of pat now and Kaka will be fully fit to play Brazil’s opener. In fact, Kaka played for almost 45 minutes against Zimbabwe in a warm up match and after the match he said that though it wasn’t his best performance but he definitely felt strong and fit. This should come as a big relief to all the Brazil fans who have pinned their hopes on Kaka.

Kaka has been a part of Brazilin World Cup side last time where he managed to hold on to his position as a top player, in spite of having other superstars in the side. It remains to be seen if Kaka lives up to the expectations and helps Brazil win the World Cup after last times disappointment.

• Brad Guzan and Aston Villa have agreed to the fee that it will take to send him from the States to England. Guzan is a good keeper and I think he will thrive in a more competitive environment. English Soccer could possibly shape the 23 year old into America’s next number 1.
• Although Barca failed at landing Arshavin, he apparently has his eyes set on Arsenal.
• Frank Lampard‘s potential move to play for the Inter side is all up to him now and it is completely his decision.
• With the completion of the Nasri signing, the Gunners are looking to complete the deal with Barca to move the unsettled Hleb.
• Former Barcelona player, Deco, has moved on to Chelsea to join former Portugal manager Luis Scolari. He moves into a rather deep midfield as they already have the likes of Joe Cole, John Obi Mikel, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Florent Malouda, Claude Makelele, and Frank Lampard.

Corrections

• After Brazil confirmed that Ronaldinho would be joining a very young Brazilian Olympic team in the Beijing Games, the FIFA has denied him. While it would have been fun to watch an Olympics with Ronaldinho on the field, Brazil has enough young players to take his place. He would have only over-shadowed somebody else’s opportunity to shine.
• Although the source from AC Milan believes that they can acquire Ronaldinho if a move is to occur. The key phrase there is: if he moves. Amidst all the speculations and rumors, Barca may decide to keep ‘dinho after all.

Currently there are many favorites and possibly bosses for Barca.  However, I think two are the front-runners.

Josep “Pep” Guardiola is certainly capable and well liked at the Camp Nou.  He is currently coaching in the Barcelona system already at the level B and the Senior level.  I think since he is well liked and has played for Barcelona, the transition process will be easy with his hiring.  However, he does have a rather thin managerial resume which may take away from his chances.  All in all, being a fan favorite and former Barcelona family member, he should garner a lot of support.

Felipe Scolari is a well-traveled and very good manager.  He has a lot of experience having managed his first team in 1982 to now where he is coaching the Portugal National Team.  He will be leaving Portugal after the Euro 2008 as he states that “a coach is limited to 5 or 6 years.”  I would have to imagine that Barcelona is considering him as he has coached Portugal since ’03 and coached Brazil to a World Cup victory in ’02.  Very impressive, indeed.

I  think Barcelona and their supporters all have a lot to look forward to as the team is determined to succeed.

As some of you may know, I put out an article myself about one of his National Team Teammates, Ronaldinho. It seems both ‘Inhos, have fallen out of favor with their respective clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid-how ironic. Both rivals, are sure to be losing key players if they so choose to let go both guys.

Furthermore, the Robinho situation is quite interesting. He has been benched by Bernd Schuster, the Madrid boss. Supposedly Robinho has ditched training sessions rather sneakingly which has not impressed his coach either. He has taken a rather nice liking to jumping out of a dressing room window during training sessions while avoiding the team, the press, and of course Schuster himself.

The general consensus is that Manchester City, who has been in the market for sometime for a big name, is interested. Also, Manchester City has been included in the discussion for Ronaldinho’s services if they become available.

We shall watch these situations very closely to see what ends up happening. By the way, Robinho was the proposed front-runner for the FIFA World Player of the Year award but has fallen out of this race due to these occurrences.

I have been honestly thinking about this for quite some time. So what does a player do if he truly can not make an MLS squad or even get a look?

Internal Options:

1. The United Soccer Leagues or USL, offers just about the same thing that the U.S. does without the money and obvious fame. They are also considered “semi-pro” however the Seattle Sounders will reach the MLS by 2009. The USL also has 2 divisions plus the Premier Development League which is generally geared towards developing College athletes.
2. The next step down from this would have to be the Major Indoor Soccer League or MISL. These players make significantly less money however they are still professional. Something that someone just looking to play or get noticed might consider doing. The MISL however is not as popular.
3. The National Premier Soccer League or NPSL, is truly semi-pro. As a matter of fact I do not believe any of these teams actually pay their players to play. I think some travel expenses are paid for and pretty sure equipment is taken care of as well.
4. United States Adult Soccer Association: (USASA) This is to be honest, amateur level. There is no professional or even semi-pro status tag that is tied to this level of competition. Here you will see the little pub team to Hollywood United–an adult amateur club team that is known to have Alexei Lalas on its side from time to time. If a player were to go this route, I would strongly advise picking a team that competes in a strong league year to year, plays regular and many friendly matches against the senior USL, PDL, or NPSL teams, and always enters into the U.S. Open Cup…this is the least that you want from this type of team.

When all else fails, go international:

If everything else has failed you, and the U.S. simply isn’t your fit or place, look either North or South.

North: Canada has many different teams and leagues that are separate from the USL and NPSL. The CSL would have to be considered the strongest league outside of USL play. The Canadian Soccer League has many good teams as well as opportunities. Look here first.

The next level would have to be the Pacific Coast Soccer League, however it is relatively small. The league consists of teams that are all on the Pacific Coast of Canada and the level varies. Some teams do host top USL players during the USL off-season.

Right near the bottom comes the Canada Indoor Soccer League or CMISL. It is probably comparable to the level of the MISL here in the States, however we would probably consider it a lower league.

South: Mexico, Caribbean, and Latin America as well as Central.

Mexico: This country has a lot of opportunities, however if you do not speak Spanish, I do not know how you will even get a try-out. If you can not make the MLS, then forget about the top league. I would take a strong look at one of the lower level teams or even semi-pro down there.

Caribbean: I have heard most of the Caribbean is not very strong and as a matter of fact I bet one who would be willing to nationalize himself would have a decent shot at making the National team of one of these island nations.

Latin America: Latin America has its share of good playing countries and their respective pro leagues. Obviously, one who does not make the MLS will have an issue making say the Brazilian league team or Argentinian. The level of play is generally strong in Latin America because creativity, ball handling, and speed is a mere “given”.

Central America: Many of these nations will have spots open surely for players that are decently good.

Next: We shall take a look at English Soccer Opportunities!