When the playoff draw pitted Portugal against Sweden for a place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, there was one immediate reaction: either Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be absent from the festival of football next summer. The two stars scored all six goals in the two-legged tie but, ultimately, Ronaldo would be Portugal's difference maker, scoring a hat-trick in Stockholm to book his team's place at the tournament.
While it may seem cruel for Ibrahimovic to miss out, the talismanic Swede has already experienced all that the World Cup has to offer, representing his country in 2006 and 2010. He has had the chance to make his mark on the biggest international stage in the game.
Some stars have not been so lucky, however. For a variety of reasons, ranging from bad timing to hailing from a small country, the unfortunate list of top class performers to have never appeared at a World Cup makes interesting reading. Inside Futbol takes a look at a handful of these names and their stories.
George Best, Northern Ireland
A case of an extraordinary talent playing for a small nation that was rarely in a position to compete with the world's finest. Best was an unstoppable force for Manchester United and considered one of the finest players of his generation, but was limited to just 37 caps. Ironically, when Northern Ireland reached the World Cup in 1982, Best was past his prime and had not been part of the squad for several years. A call-up was still reportedly considered but ultimately Northern Ireland opted to head to the tournament without Best.
Eric Cantona, France
Cantona's international career never really got off the ground, in large part due to bad luck with timing. While the striker did appear at Euro 1992, France failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup in embarrassing fashion, prompting Gerard Houllier's resignation and an overhaul of the squad. Cantona was one of the casualties. Despite his outstanding displays for Manchester United, the Frenchman was overlooked for the 1998 World Cup and had to look on as France lifted the trophy.
Alfredo Di Stefano, Argentina / Colombia / Spain
A legend of the all-conquering Real Madrid teams of the 1960s, Di Stefano tried his luck for three different countries but struck out on the World Cup on each occasion, depriving the tournament of his dynamic talent. Luck certainly was not in his favour. In 1950, Argentina qualified for the World Cup but withdrew from the tournament; four years later, Di Stefano was banned because he had been capped by two countries. It finally seemed as though he would break the streak in 1962, but a heartbreaking injury kept him from taking his place in the Spanish squad.
Ryan Giggs, Wales
With 13 league titles, four FA Cups and two Champions League triumphs, Giggs has done it all at club level for Manchester United and ranks among the club's all-time greats. But despite earning more than 60 caps, the Welshman never came close to reaching a World Cup. Given that Giggs represented England schoolboys back at the beginning of his career, it is easy to think about what might have been. Instead, the Manchester United legend will have to settle for some impressive individual performances for his country, as well as being part of the Great Britain team for the 2012 Olympics. Compatriot Gareth Bale now faces the same daunting challenge.
Laszlo Kubala, Czechoslovakia / Hungary / Spain
Kubala may not be a household name but he ruled the Camp Nou back in his day, winning four La Liga titles. He came close to representing Spain at the 1962 World Cup only for injury to intervene. Kubala eventually made it to the promised land of the World Cup in 1978 as manager of the Spanish national team.
Jari Litmanen, Finland
Of all Litmanen's classy performances for his country, none of them came at the World Cup. The Finn notched over 130 caps and has taken his place in the history books as Finland's top goalscorer and one of their most inspirational captains. But Finland were never able to put the pieces around Litmanen to reach a World Cup tournament, denying him the chance to prove his value against the elite.
Bernd Schuster, Germany
It is hard to believe that the highly rated German star never graced the World Cup. Schuster was a key man for Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but left his potential on the international stage unfulfilled with an early retirement at the age of 24. Had his relationships with the German coaching staff not soured early in his career, the midfielder would surely have represented his country in at least two World Cups.
George Weah, Liberia
Weah's list of clubs is mightily impressive – Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Chelsea, among others – and he was such a dominant force in the mid-1990s that he earned the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year double in 1995. He won league titles in France and Italy. However, hailing from Liberia left Weah with an uphill battle to ever experience World Cup action. He put together a fine international career, with a scoring rate of better than a goal every three games, but never got the chance to star on the world's biggest stage.
And this unhappy list will continue to grow over the years ahead. So, while the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Xavi are preparing to chase glory in Brazil, spare a thought for those that have never sampled the unique experience of competing at the World Cup.
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