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Ashley Cole (England) One of Roy Hodgson's most unexpected decisions was not to include London Chelsea's left-back in the national team. However, the 33-year-old veteran lost his place in the starting lineup for the "Blues" last season, for which he was likely not invited to the national team. A.Cole played only 17 matches in the English Premier League, and his place was taken by Cesar Azpilicueta. Instead of the experienced Chelsea defender, R.Hodgson invited Leighton Baines and Luke Shaw to the national team. After this decision, A.Cole decided to permanently retire from the English national team and ended his career there. He defended his country's honor 107 times.
Isco (Spain) The young football star, Spain's national team hope - that's how a year ago they talked about Isco who turned 22 in April. After triumphing at the European U-21 Championship and moving to Real Madrid, it seemed that the Spaniard would be one of the most realistic candidates to go to Brazil, but Vicente Del Bosque did not include him in the preliminary squad. The start of the season for the midfielder at the royal club was excellent, but Carlo Ancelotti's changed tactics did not allow the young Isco to shine, and he settled for the role of a substitute. However, the former Malaga player played a total of 53 games last season, scored 11 goals, and made 8 assists, but he did not manage to convince V.Del Bosque with these statistics.
Kaka (Brazil) For the former "Ballon d'Or" winner, this World Championship could have been the last, but it is now clear that the last one was in South Africa in 2010. In 2013, Kaka was given a chance to return to the national team when he was invited to friendly matches against Russia and Italy, but Luiz Felipe Scolari did not need his experienced services anymore. Kaka defended the honor of Madrid's "Real" for four seasons but was a substitute player. In the summer, the Brazilian decided to return to Milan and try to revive his career. The 32-year-old Kaka played 37 matches and scored 9 goals, but the coach of the Brazilian national team decided to keep those players in the safety net who played in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Samir Nasri (France) Prior to announcing Didier Deschamps' preliminary squad for the World Championship, there was no doubt that Manchester City's attack conductor Samir Nasri would be included, but football fans were surprised when the 26-year-old player was not even included in the squad of 30 players. After this decision, S.Nasri was disappointed with the coach's choice, and there were rumors in the press that it was a personal choice of the coach, but S.Nasri angered the French Football Federation in the summer of 2012 when he insulted a journalist during EURO 2012. For the former Arsenal player, this season was one of the most successful. He stepped onto the field 46 times, scored 11 goals, and contributed significantly to Man City's triumph in the Premier League, but he will have to forget about the World Championship in Brazil.
Carlos Tevez (Argentina) The 30-year-old Tevez last played for the Argentine national team in 2011, but many expected the Turin Juventus striker to be invited to help the Argentinians fight for the title in Brazil. Last season was the first for C.Tevez in Juventus ranks. He performed successfully, as the striker managed to score 21 goals, but there would have been significant competition for him in the Argentine national team - Alejandro Sabella had Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Gonzalo Higuain in his lineup. It is believed that another reason why C.Tevez will not help Argentina is his family. The striker mentioned to the national team coach a little earlier that he would devote his summer to his family.
Aivaras Katutis
