WC2010: Mzansi Would Have Relished Neymar & Ganso

In a country that loves soccer and loves it played with style and finesse, the presence of the Brazilian duo of Neymar and Ganso would have been highly appreciated by the thousands who will attend the games and the millions who will view it on television.

The Santos pair have unbelievable talent and ability and can walk through opposition defenses.

Neymar has speed, skill, and marvelous dribbling abilities, together with an attitude of his greatness. For many enthusiastic Brazilian fans he's been dubbed the next "Pele," while others refer to him as "El Messi—Brasiliano."

Personally watching him on television, as I have not been given the honour to watch him live as yet, he's got the quickest feet from all current footballers. Many Messi fans might disagree, but I believe that with experience and exposure to tougher opposition he could be better than the "Magical-Messi."

As for Ganso (Paulo Henrique), he's another amazing talent to come through the ranks at Santos since joining the club's youth system in 2005.

Ganso has been regarded as one of the latest revelations of Brazilian Football, and his performances for Santos speaks for itself. When paired with Neymar they are unstoppable and provide the most difficult task for defenders.

Ganso and Neymar were both on everyone's list of the 23 possible players to fly to South Africa, but they didn't make the list that counts.

Carlos Dunga, national coach, didn't feel the need to add these two amazing talents to the squad, and also failed to add one that was previously tried and tested in Ronaldinho.

Since then he has been heavily criticised for their exclusion as many feel the current Brazil squad don't pose any creative ability in the center of midfield, which is unusual for a Brazilian team.

Every previous Brazilian team has someone with creativity to open up defenses. Having had the privilege to attend three of Brazil's Confederation Cup matches last year, I witnessed them win on every occasion but with some difficulty. In the match against Italy they seemed to have won the match comfortably looking at the result, yet there were periods when Italy dominated, in the semifinal against host South Africa held them for 87 minutes until substitute Dani Alves scored the winner from a free-kick. In the final at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, the USA led 2-0 after the first half, but Brazil fought back winning 3-2.

So they have the ability to win matches but at what extent, Brazilian football is loved so much for their skill, finesse, and style. Willing to take on players and been successful in doing it.

South African's appreciated this kind of soccer/football, the character of Brazilian football has been sucked out of the team somewhat.

And with the inclusion of the likes of Neymar, Ronaldinho, and Ganso many felt it would add to the flavour of Brazil. It's a great loss to the game, the "beautiful game."

Let's hope it's not a loss to the Brazilian plans for World Cup Glory....