FIFA World Cup 2010: The Golden Ball Nominees
FIFA has announced a list of 10 players that have set the World Cup alight, apart from the golden boot winner there is also an award for the player that stood out from the rest and will win the Golden Ball award to emulate the feats achieved by the greats of the game such as Maradona, Zidane and Ronaldo.
Here is a list of star acts of this year’s World Cup:
Diego Forlan, Uruguay
The former Manchester United man is one of the super stars of this World Cup having already scored 7 goals Forlan has excelled in his role either behind the two strikers of the leading front man. His free kick against Ghana helped his side progress to the semi finals of the World Cup while his goal against the Dutch in the last 4 is also in line to be voted the best gaol of the tournament.
Asamoah Gyan, Ghana
No other African player has shone brighter that the Satde Rennais forward. His winner is the top scorer for his side in South Africa and has some crucial goals for his home country at this year’s World Cup. He miss a crucial penalty against Uruguay in the quarter finals that would have sealed his side’s progress to the last four but bounced back to convert the first kick in the penalty shoot out.
Andres Iniesta, Spain
Iniesta is one half of the Spain’s midfield pass-axis, around which the success of his Country’s side is based. He came into the tournament after an injury hit season that saw him miss the crucial last part of the club season but since reclaiming full fitness he has had an immense impact on his team’s progress to the finals of the World Cup.
Lionel Messi, Argentina
Although the reigning Ballon D’or winner failed to bag a single strike through out the tournament but his impact in his side could not be undermined. He had 30 shots on goal in the tournament and was only denied by some spectacular and at times miraculous save by the opposing goalies. He was instrumental in side’s first win against Nigeria and also helped in tearing South Korea apart in a 4-1 win.
Mesut Ozil, Germany
This year’s World Cup will be remembered by the emergence of some of the biggest players that are bound to set the world of football alight in the coming years and no one has had a better World Cup that the Werder Bremen forward who has had an electrifying campaign in South Africa. Ozil was the pivot in every of his teams success either be it the 4-1 drubbing of England or the 4-0 thrashing of Argentina. A true star is born.
Arjen Robben, Netherlands
He almost missed out on the trip to the African continent after picking up a hamstring injury but Martin Van Marwijk had firm faith in his winger and he has repaid that faith magnificently. Robben along with Sneijder has been a key figure in his side’s march to the finals and will play an even important role if Netherlands are to win the World Cup. His best performance came against the best side, when he had the Brazilian defenders dumbfounded with his dazzling runs on the wings.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germany
Only at the age of 25 he has already been capped 80 times for his country. Never before in the history has a footballer remodelled his game with such profound effect. He emerged at the world stage as a winger with electric pace but has now become a holding midfielder with power, precision, panache and finesse. The per oxide blonde kid was name by Manchester United manager as the best player at this World Cup and is being courted by Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho for a big money move to the Barnabeau.
Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands
Robben’s partner in crime is the Robin to Robben’s batman. The Flying Dutchman is having the time of his life. After being deemed surplus to requirements by Real Madird he joined InterMilan and has not looked back ever since. He helped his side to win the Champion League, Italian Serie A and the Coppa Italia and has carried on his club form at the international level. He is the creative spark in the Dutch national side along with Robben and is one of the top contenders for the Golden boot award in South Africa.
David Villa, Spain
El guaje has been the stand out performer in a side that is studded with some of the best players of all time let alone this year’s World Cup. With Fernando Torres out of form his goals have been worth more than gold dust for his side. He is equally devastating cutting in from the left side of the midfield or playing as the lone target man. He has already scored 5 gaols in the competition and if he manages to score another two in the final than he is guaranteed the Golden boot award, only if Sneijder does not have a say on the matter.
Xavi, Spain
He was named the best player at the Euro 2008 and he just doesn’t stop. Either he plays for Barcelona or Spain he is a midfield general that just bosses the game. He is the chief architect of his side’s beautiful game and is simply the best passer and keeper of the ball. He sets the tempo of his side’s game irrespective of whether they are defending or attacking and after having set up the winner in the semi final against Germany he will have more than a say in the Final.
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