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FIFA announces Golden Ball candidates
adidas Golden Ball candidates announced
As a memorable 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ draws to a close, FIFA has officially announced the names of the ten players in the running for the adidas Golden Ball, which is awarded to the competition’s most outstanding performer.
- Angel Di Maria (Argentina)In providing Lionel Messi with the best possible support, Di Maria has led the Albicelesteattack with distinction, posing a constant menace to opposing defences with his long-range shooting, mazy dribbling and finishing skills, which he showcased with a well-taken winner against Switzerland in the Round of 16.
- Mats Hummels (Germany)The Borussia Dortmund centre-half has attracted much praise for his solid displays at the heart of the German defence. As if that were not enough, Hummels has also impressed at the other end of the pitch, rising high to score against Portugal in the group phase and head home the winner against France in the quarter-finals.
- Toni Kroos (Germany)
Kroos ran the show as Die Mannschaft swept aside hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals, dominating the midfield and posing a constant threat with his passing and shooting, which brought him two goals – all in a day’s work for this most consistent of performers.
- Philipp Lahm (Germany)The Germany captain began the tournament in midfield before seamlessly making the switch to the right-back slot, without it undermining his performance levels or his considerable influence on Joachim Low’s side.
- Javier Mascherano (Argentina)Though their much-vaunted attack attracts most of the headlines, Argentina have also been solid in defence, a large part of the credit for which must go to Mascherano for his tireless work in providing the Albiceleste rearguard with essential protection.
- Mats Hummels (Germany)The Borussia Dortmund centre-half has attracted much praise for his solid displays at the heart of the German defence. As if that were not enough, Hummels has also impressed at the other end of the pitch, rising high to score against Portugal in the group phase and head home the winner against France in the quarter-finals.
- Toni Kroos (Germany)
Kroos ran the show as Die Mannschaft swept aside hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals, dominating the midfield and posing a constant threat with his passing and shooting, which brought him two goals – all in a day’s work for this most consistent of performers.
- Philipp Lahm (Germany)The Germany captain began the tournament in midfield before seamlessly making the switch to the right-back slot, without it undermining his performance levels or his considerable influence on Joachim Low’s side.
- Javier Mascherano (Argentina)Though their much-vaunted attack attracts most of the headlines, Argentina have also been solid in defence, a large part of the credit for which must go to Mascherano for his tireless work in providing the Albiceleste rearguard with essential protection.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi added to his FIFA World Cup goal tally with some lethal finishing in each of Argentina’s three group matches in Brazil. Though yet to find the back of the net in the knockout rounds, he has remained an influential figure for his side.
- Thomas Muller (Germany)
In opening his campaign with a hat-trick against Portugal, Muller picked up where he left off at South Africa 2010, where he collected the adidas Golden Boot. His performances since have underlined his status as the spearhead of Germany’s deadly front line.
- Neymar (Brazil)
Though only 22, the livewire forward ably shouldered the huge responsibility of leading A Seleção. Neymar was his side’s stand-out performer with four goals before an unfortunate injury ended his tournament in the quarter-finals.
- Arjen Robben (Netherlands)The flying Dutch wide man has been in peerless form since putting defending champions Spain to the sword in his side’s opening match. His incisive runs from deep have been a feature of the tournament.
Messi added to his FIFA World Cup goal tally with some lethal finishing in each of Argentina’s three group matches in Brazil. Though yet to find the back of the net in the knockout rounds, he has remained an influential figure for his side.
- Thomas Muller (Germany)
In opening his campaign with a hat-trick against Portugal, Muller picked up where he left off at South Africa 2010, where he collected the adidas Golden Boot. His performances since have underlined his status as the spearhead of Germany’s deadly front line.
- Neymar (Brazil)
Though only 22, the livewire forward ably shouldered the huge responsibility of leading A Seleção. Neymar was his side’s stand-out performer with four goals before an unfortunate injury ended his tournament in the quarter-finals.
- Arjen Robben (Netherlands)The flying Dutch wide man has been in peerless form since putting defending champions Spain to the sword in his side’s opening match. His incisive runs from deep have been a feature of the tournament.
- James Rodriguez (Colombia)Recognised as a huge talent heading into the competition, the gifted Rodriguez has since proved his ability to rise to the big occasion. His haul of six goals in five outings was a major reason why Los Cafeteros broke new ground in reaching the last eight for the first time.
The winners of the adidas Golden Ball, Silver Ball and Bronze Ball will all be announced after Sunday’s Final.
source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=7/news=adidas-golden-ball-candidates-announced-2403393.html
Related:
FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina's Angel Di Maria Ruled Out of Semifinals
Belo Horizonte, Brazil: Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria has been ruled out of the World Cup semifinal against the Netherlands with a thigh injury while striker Sergio Aguero has been declared fit to play after recovering from a similar problem.
Di Maria limped off the field in the first half of Argentina's quarterfinal win over Belgium after straining a muscle in the back of his right thigh.
Team doctor Daniel Martinez on Sunday said tests showed it was a "first-degree" strain - the mildest kind but added that Di Maria wouldn't be fit to play in Wednesday's semifinal. (Also read: Argentine Coach Wanted Di Maria to Play Semis)
Martinez said Aguero, who sustained a similar injury 10 days ago, had recovered in an "excellent" way.
Losing Di Maria is a big blow for Argentina as it prepares for its first World Cup semifinal since 1990. Besides Lionel Messi, he's been the team's most influential player in Brazil.
Di Maria scored the extra-time winner against Switzerland in the second round and set up Gonzalo Higuain's winning goal in the first half against Belgium on Saturday.
"He's a key player in this project," Higuain said of Di Maria.
The last time Argentina reached the semifinal stage in the World Cup was 24 years ago in Italy, when it made it to the final but lost 1-0 to West Germany.
via:-http://sports.ndtv.com/fifa-world-cup-2014/news/226577-fifa-world-cup-2014-argentina-s-angel-di-maria-ruled-out-of-semifinals
