Source: Daily_Mail
THE LIST: The best players to have never reached the World Cup
With the 2010 World Cup draw just days away in Cape Town, spare a thought for the nations that won't be pulled out of the hat for next summer's finals in South Africa.[LNB]And then consider the host of world class stars who won't be there either next June. Keane, Arshavin, Adebayor and Cech immediately spring to mind.[LNB]But who are the best ever players to have never reached what is the pinnacle event of every professional's career?[LNB]Sportsmail's experts have cast their deciding votes and we'll guide you through the all-star list of 50 everyday, counting down to Friday's draw when we'll reveal our top 10.[LNB]And, as ever, make sure you have your say...[LNB] 50. Brede HangelandThe Norway and Fulhamdefender has courted interest from all the big clubs in the PremierLeague but the fact is his country have failed to qualify for the WorldCup since 1998 means his talents have not been seen by a worldwideaudience.[LNB] No way: Norway haven't reached the World Cup since '98, thus failing Hangeland[LNB]49. Kalusha BwalyaBwalya is Zambia's most capped player,all-time top goalscorer and was nominated for the 1996 FIFA WorldPlayer of the Year where he was voted the 12th-best player in the worldbut the fact Zambia has never qualified for the Finals means not manypeople have ever seen him play.[LNB] Shut out: Bwalya (C), pictured playing in a recent African legends game, was shortlisted for the 1996 FIFA World Player of the Year but never made the finals[LNB]48. Nolberto SolanoA consummately gifted footballer but,unfortunately, Peruvian. Newcastle hero Nobby entertained the PremierLeague for many years with his attacking style of football but the factthat his home country hasn't qualified for a Finals since 1982 meansthat he never got to show off his talent to the world.[LNB] Double blow: Solano and Boli were two to have never played on the biggest stage[LNB]47. Basile Boli Boli is remembered for two things - scoringthe winning goal in the inaugural Champions League Final and forheadbutting Stuart Pearce. He played for the Ivory Coast when theyweren't very good and that's how he makes it into this List.[LNB]46. Thomas VermaelenArguably Arsenal's best defender - andprobably attacker - but a dip in form for the Belgium national football teammeans that the Gunners centre back was just 16 when his countryappeared at the Finals in Japan and Korea.[LNB] Red midst: Vermaelen has suffered at international level with Belgium failing[LNB]45. Fredi KanouteKanoute, the former West Ham and Spursstriker, has scored goals at every club he has played for but electedto represent Mali instead of turning out for the senior France sideafter representing Les Bleus at under-21 level and the rest is history. [LNB] No entry: Kanoute's international switch has ruined his World Cup finals hopes[LNB]44. Hasan Salihamidzic A highly-skillful right sidedmidfielder who's career has taken in Hamburg, Bayern Munich and,currently, Juventus but Bosnia failed to qualify for the fourtournaments they were eligible to enter and so his talents remainunknown to many. [LNB] Who are ya?: Ex-Bayern favourite Salihamidzic remains anonymous at international level with Bosnia failing on four occassions to reach the World Cup[LNB]43 Alexander HlebThe demise of Communism may have seen therelease of many countries from the grip of Russian control but some ofthe tiny states that were spawned haven't had much luck in qualifyingfor major tournaments - much to the annoyance of the likes of former Arsenal midfielder, Hleb. [LNB] Waiting game: Former Arsenal midfielder Hleb is a one man show for Belarus[LNB]42 Yossi BenayounOne of the players who has the ability to change a game at will for Liverpool but Israel haven't qualified for the Finals since 1970 - 10 years before he was born. [LNB] Walk alone: Isreal star Benayoun will have an extended summer break next year[LNB]41 Eidur GudjohnsenPremier League winner with Chelsea,Champions League winner with Barcelona but sadly from Iceland.Gudjohnsen is Iceland's all-time top goalscorer but they have neverappeared at the Finals. [LNB] Frozen out: Iceland have never reached the World Cup - even with ace Gudjohnsen[LNB]The best of the rest of The ListSportsmail's top 50 players from Tottenham or ArsenalSportsmail's top 50 football kits of all time Sportsmail's top 50 sporting feuds of all timeSportsmail's 50 great sports photographsSportsmail's worst 50 strikers in the Premier LeagueSportsmail's top 50 stars who failed to play fairSportsmail's top 50 midfield maestrosSportsmail's top 50 commentators of all timeSportsmail's top 50 sporting venuesSportsmail's top 50 free-kick kingsSportsmail's top 50 England heroesSportsmail's top 50 performers of the season so farSportsmail's top 50 all-time managers in BritainSportsmail's top 50 goal poachersSportsmail's top 50 footballing traitorsSportsmail's top 50 FA Cup heroesSportsmail's top 50 signings of the season Sportsmail's greatest Wembley finals in historySportsmail's top 50 biggest hitters in cricketSportsmail's top 50 British & Irish LionsSportsmail's top 50 Ashes heroesSportsmail's top 50 partnerships [LNB] Explore more:People:Stuart PearcePlaces:Newcastle, Liverpool, Cape Town, Barcelona, South Africa, France, Israel, Japan, Bosnia, Norway, Mali, Belgium
