For football/soccer fans, predictions for the World Cup

[Rayaan]

Ronaldo's are the ultimate deceiving free kick. He hits it in such a way that the flight of the ball can change drastically. Many goalkeepers would attest to that fact. Anyone who has ever played with today's balls knows that smashing a ball in a certain way can have pretty hilarious variances in the ball flight.

Indeed. In the documentary below, starting from the 27 minute mark, it shows how Ronaldo hits free kicks and the various aerodynamic effects it can have on the ball's trajectory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeNLd68TTsM


Regarding Messi, although currently he seems to be slipping down from the peak of his performance, I think he's a remarkable player, too. He is better at dribbling than Ronaldo because of his greater speed and balance (which are partially aided by his smaller body frame). I'm not saying that to underestimate Ronaldo's dribbling either. I know that he's very good at that also.

But yes, when it comes to free kicks and goals, Ronaldo is much better at that than Messi. And of course, his strength is another factor which makes his free kicks so effective.