World Cup 2010: FIFA Golden Ball awarded to Diego Forlan
World Cup in South Africa reaches its climax, attention is focused once again on which player will receive the coveted Golden Ball. In the end it went to Uruguay’s Diego Forlan for his outstanding contribution during the World Cup. Announced in alphabetical order, we take a look at the 10 most on-form players of the tournament.
1. Diego Forlan, Uruguay
The former Manchester United player has been a surprise success at this year’s finals, not least by scoring five goals for his country and helping them to their best World Cup finish in over 40 years. He has been the architect of Uruguay’s attacking force and the quality of his final passes has been superb.
2. Asamoah Gyan, Ghana
Recognised by FIFA as having a “huge work rate”, Gyan has had an excellent tournament, creating problems for the opposition defence and bagging three goals in the process. It was heartbreaking to see his penalty kick bounce off the bar in the final minute of extra time in the quarter final against Uruguay, thus taking the game to a penalty shootout. Although he showed extraordinary courage to step up and score from his spot kick, Uruguay won the penalty shoot out 4-2.
3. Andres Iniesta, Spain. As an attacking midfielder, Iniesta has the natural all round skills that make him a true star of his national side. An impressive dribbler of the ball, he is lightning-quick on his feet and teams up beautifully with team mate Xavi to run rings around the defence. He scored a stunning goal against Chile and played a crucial role in two of David Villa’s goals.
4. Lionel Messi, Argentina
Argentina’s number 10 may have suffered a run of bad luck when it comes to hitting the back of the net in this tournament, but that hasn’t stopped him being an intrinsic part of the team, using his pace and creativity to spectacular effect. His dribbling, passing and shooting have been outstanding, with his 30 shots on goal being denied by equally outstanding goalkeeping, woodwork and bad luck.
5. Mesut Ozil, Germany
The Werder Bremen midfielder has caused a sensation at this year’s World Cup with his quick feet and excellent passing ability. He scored a wonder goal against Ghana and was instrumental in the drubbing of both England in the last 16 and Argentina in the quarter final, before being closed out by Spain in the semi-final.
6. Arjen Robben, Netherlands
A key figure in the Netherland’s journey to the World Cup final, Robben provides the much needed flair in the side. He put his pace and dribbling skills to devastating effect, running Brazil ragged in the second half of their quarter-final and then brilliantly heading in the decisive third against Uruguay in the semi-finals.
7. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germany
It’s hard to believe, but 'Schweini' is till only 25. Sent of during Euro 2008, the German number seven has never looked back after moving from winger to a holding midfielder of power, precision and influence. His first pass has been forward and accurate as he drives the game from the centre of the park. He has had moments of individual brilliance as well as wining the ball, which has resulted in him being named by several pundits as this tournament’s outstanding player.
8. Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands
The FIFA technical committee has called him “a maestro in midfield”, and he has certainly sparked life into a Netherland’s team on the hunt for World Cup glory. Sneijder has an exceptional work rate as well as being a visionary passer of the ball. He scoring rate isn’t bad either, having found the back of the net five times in this competition, putting him in contention for the Golden Boot award.
9. David Villa, Spain
The second player in the list to still be in the running for the Golden Boot, Villa has been in stunning form, equally devastating cutting in from the left or playing as a central striker. His goals have been crucial, particularly in light of team-mate Fernando Torres’ lack of form, and his first goal against Honduras has been described as the goal of the tournament. He has been the provider of some excellent final passes and is good in one-on-one situations.
10. Xavi, Spain
Named best player at Euro 2008, Xavi is accepted as being one of the best midfielders in the world. He is the engine driving Spain’s tempo and passing style of play – always able to receive the ball and make passes that would seem impossible for lesser players. He has had a huge influence on the Spanish national side including setting up the winner for Carles Puyol’s header against Germany in the semi-final.
