World Cup Golden Ball shortlist revealed

adamhigginsuk
Jul 11, 2014
2 min read

FOUR Germany players have been named on the 10-man shortlist for the 2014 World Cup Golden Ball award.

Thomas Mueller, captain Phillip Lahm, Mats Hummels and Toni Kroos have been nominated for Joachim Loew's side - who reached the final after thrashing host nation Brazil in the semis.

Argentina - who beat Holland on penalties to book their final spot - have four-goal Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Javier Mascherano on the list.

Colombia's James Rodriguez, Holland forward Arjen Robben and Neymar of Brazil complete the selection, which was compiled by Fifa's technical study group of coaching analysts.

Rodriguez, 22, remains the top scorer in the tournament at present with six goals despite Colombia's quarter-final exit.

Holland's Memphis Depay and France duo Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane are in contention for the Best Young Player prize.

Costa Rica's Keylor Navas, Argentina stopper Sergio Romero and Germany custodian Manuel Neuer will battle for the Golden Glove, awarded to the best goalkeeper.

No Premier League players were included in the nominations across all three awards.

The winners - including the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball - will be revealed after Sunday's final at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

Man for the big occasion: Bayern Munich forward Mueller, who won the Golden Boot in 2010, has shone once again in Brazil (Picture from Zimbio.com)

Previous Golden Ball winners:

1982 World Cup: Paolo Rossi (Italy) 1986 World Cup: Diego Maradona (Argentina) 1990 World Cup: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy) 1994 World Cup: Romario (Brazil) 1998 World Cup: Ronaldo (Brazil) 2002 World Cup: Oliver Kahn (Germany) 2006 World Cup: Zinedine Zidane (France) 2010 World Cup: Diego Forlan (Uruguay)