Brazil's Rivaldo

By Pedro Pinto, CNNSI.com

Like most children in Brazil, Rivaldo grew up kicking a ball every day of his life.

The skills learned on the streets of Recife were good enough to land him a job with Corinthians and then Palmeiras, where he shot to stardom.

Spending the last six years of his career in Spain, Rivaldo has grown into one of the best players in the world, as testified by the numerous awards he has won, including the Golden Ball and the coveted FIFA world player of the year trophy.

The Barcelona forward has a lethal left foot and can score from virtually anywhere on the field.

Criticized by Brazilian fans for being selfish and sluggish, Rivaldo still netted eight goals in a troublesome qualifying campaign.

And playing alongside a reborn Ronaldo and his youthful namesake Ronaldinho, he will be a good bet to score a few more in the World Cup finals.

World Sport, the sports news show that airs on CNN International, previewed many of the individuals expected to shine at the World Cup.