[Jameison]

"The depth and substance of that statement sums it up. You're clueless on this subject. "

Rubbish.
How many third world world/African countries have you lived in/worked in/played sports in again?
Bottom line : The two countries with the biggest populations on the planet, accounting for over 35% of the world's population haven' even played in the World Cup before. Ever.

On the other hand, the most populous country, China regularly plays in both the basketball World Cup, and at the Olympics basketball competition.

"and afterwards Michael made a telling statement that he considered Rossi to be as good or better athlete as any he's ever seen. Was does THAT tell ya? "

That you are as creative as Dan Rather?

[Tspud1]

There is a quailifing process to get into the World Cup. If you are not good enough you don't go, hence no China or India.