Blanco does not have a high-powered publicity machine driving his career, but his ability to bend the ball makes him a worthy rival to David Beckham.

And this could be Blanco’s final fling with the Fire, with the World Cup beginning in South Africa in June. Blanco last week signed a contract worth $1.5 million to play 11 games for Veracruz in Mexico’s Liga de Ascenso (second division), a move that will prepare him for the national team and also is considered a political favor that could influence state elections.

This also could be a last chance for the Revolution’s Jeff Larentowicz, who becomes a free agent in December. Though Larentowicz has had a low-profile career and no international experience, he has proven to be a durable, effective central midfielder and lethal free kick specialist. Larentowicz’s 20-yard blast against the Columbus Crew provided the difference in a 1-0 victory as the Revolution clinched their eighth successive playoff berth last week.

Larentowicz’s free kicks are less benders than laser-like rays that often go right through defensive walls. Larentowicz has scored eight goals since becoming a starter in 2006, most of them game-deciders. But his offseason options are going to be low-profile; unless the Revolution make a substantial offer, he will likely make a move to a mid-level Scandinavian club.

Larentowicz has had to compensate for a right knee bruise in recent weeks. Last year, he performed in the playoffs with a similar injury, then was knocked out of action by a John Thorrington tackle late in the first half of Game 2 against the Fire.

“That was with his bad leg; can you imagine what he could do if he wasn’t [injured]?’’ Revolution coach Steve Nicol said of Larentowicz’s free kick that beat the Crew. “The fact he’s playing on one leg shows how important he is. He’s important, not just the playing side, but he’s a guy you’ll stand behind - he leaves it all on the field.’’

Larentowicz has converted four times off direct free kicks, including one in US Open Cup play.

“Sometimes, it comes down to that,’’ Larentowicz said. “We haven’t scored that many restart goals this year. Set pieces, corner kicks, free kicks, those are the times when everybody has to concentrate both defensively and offensively. In the flow of play everyone is very cautious, but anything can happen on free kicks, set pieces.

“Hopefully, it gives our forwards and players around the box that half-inch because defenders are worried about fouling. I know when we played Columbus we didn’t want to give [Guillermo] Barros Schelotto a chance.’’

Said midfielder Shalrie Joseph, “Jeff has been huge for us. He plays hurt, but once he’s on the field you wouldn’t know it.’’

The Revolution overcame the loss of five national team players (Chris Albright, Gabriel Badilla, Mauricio Castro, Steve Ralston, Taylor Twellman) to qualify for the playoffs on the last day of the season.

“A lot of people didn’t expect us to get into the postseason, but we’ve made it this far,’’ Joseph said. “We’ve proved the doubters wrong.

“The last six or seven years, we’ve gotten the bounce of the ball [against Chicago], but they got it this year in the SuperLiga and last year in the playoffs. We both know what it takes to win. It could be a free kick or set piece that makes the difference.’’

Without Ralston and Twellman, the Revolution attack has sputtered. But the team has compensated with a revamped formation, going to a 4-4-2 after playing a 3-5-2 alignment for four successive seasons, the back line including three newcomers: right back Kevin Alston and central defenders Darrius Barnes and Emmanuel Osei.

“We know we can’t really give up a lot, we have to play good, solid team defense,’’ goalkeeper Matt Reis said. “That starts up top and goes through the team. We’ve gone from defending with three guys to defending with 10.

“Being the underdog is always good. We haven’t won it as the favorite so we’ll try to do it as the underdog. We’ve overcome a lot of obstacles and people can write us off if they want. But we’re going to go out and try to make another final.’’

Frank Dell’Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com.