Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo has accepted an offer to lead the Brazilian 2014 world cup organising committee. Ronaldo who holds the record of having scored the most goals in world cup finals history, will be confirmed in his new role today.
Ronaldo who recently retired after admitting that the injuries he had sustained over the course of his career had taken a toll on his fitness is regarded as one of the all time best out and out strikers in the game.
Having scored 247 goals in 343 appearances in total for club and country Ronaldo has established himself as a world class striker and only one of two players who have won the coveted world player of the year title 3 times.
Former team mate Cafu was among the people who were in agreement with Ronaldo’s nomination. Speaking to reporters this is what he had to say:
“I approve and I believe that he can do a great job. There are so many people that are linked with football and that are not athletes, they do not understand much. Ronaldo has his business, so he knows how to administrate. He will become a better leader with time and experience,”
That said, Ronaldo definitely has his work cut out for him. With reports suggesting that most key projects are behind schedule and allegations of corruption, ‘O Fenomeno’ must ensure that the country will be ready for the tournament.
Meanwhile, a number of Europeansides now know their qualification fixtures after they were released last week. England will start their campaign away to Moldova on Friday September 7th 2012 and finish at home against Poland on Tuesday 15th October 2013.
The Three Lions have been placed in a very fair group that includes Montenegro, Poland, Moldova, San Marino and Ukraine.
2006 winners Italy on the other hand have been handled a very tough group. The Azzurri will also start their campaign on the 7th of September 2012 against Bulgaria and finish against Armenia on the 15th of October 2013.
Italy are in Group B alongside Czech Republic, Denmark, Bulgaria Armenia and Malta.
Photo Credit © Jiawang Liu