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Golden Ball shortlist

July 11, 2014

Thomas Müller, Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm and Mats Hummels have made the 10-player shortlist for the Golden Ball, awarded to the best player of the World Cup. Three Argentine opponents in Sunday's final are in the running.

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Verleihung der FIFA-WM-Auszeichnungen
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

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Four Bayern Munich players made FIFA's 10 player shortlist, with Dutch winger Arjen Robben the non-German entrant from Säbener Strasse. Dortmund center-back Mats Hummels was the only other German-based representative, along with the Bayern trio of Philipp Lahm, Thomas Müller and Toni Kroos - a probable summer signing for Real Madrid.

Captain Lahm has led Germany from both defense and midfield in the course of the competition, Hummels has two goals and some big defensive interventions on his account, while Kroos banged in a quickfire brace when Brazil capitulated in the semifinals.

Thomas Müller Jubel
Müller's five goals helped him onto the list, along with three Germany teammatesImage: Reuters

Müller has five goals so far in the World Cup, meaning he is also still in the hunt for the Golden Boot award handed to the competition's top scorer. To reclaim the prize he claimed in 2010, however, Müller will need to score in the final against Argentina. Colombian star James Rodriguez leads the scoring charts with six World Cup goals, he is also the only Golden Ball nominee not to play for a team that made the final four.

Fußball WM 2014 Brasilien Kolumbien Viertelfinale
James Rodriguez will hope for the Golden Boot currently in Müller's cabinetImage: Reuters

Argentine trio in the discussion

Four-time world player of the year Lionel Messi, four times a scorer in Brazil so far, is the lead candidate from Argentina on the list. Defensive all-rounder Javier Mascherano, a Barcelona teammate of Messi's, also made the shortlist and can further his case for nomination in Sunday's final against Germany.

The third candidate from the Albiceleste, Angel di Maria, is doubtful for the final against Germany. The pacy midfielder suffered a muscle injury in the quarterfinal against Belgium and missed the semi against the Netherlands. He took part in light training for the first time on Thursday, prompting hopes that he could make an appearance off the bench at the Maracana.

Fußball WM 2014 Halbfinale Niederlande Argentinien
'Atomic flea' Lionel Messi has another chance to shine in the finalImage: Reuters

Brazil's nominee, Neymar, will not be able to take on Robben and the Netherlands in Saturday's third-place playoff; he's under doctor's orders not to take to the pitch for several weeks.

As well as the Golden Ball winner, silver and bronze awards will go to the runners-up.

The Golden Glove, given to the top goalie, will be awarded either to Germany's Manuel Neuer, Argentina's Sergio Romero, or Keylor Navas of Costa Rica.

Two French youngsters, midfielder Paul Pogba and defender Raphael Varane, join Memphis Depay of the Netherands as candidates for the best young player of the competition.

msh/pfd (AFP, dpa, Reuters)