Uruguay's Forlan pockets the Golden Ball

Johannesburg, Jul 12: Edging out finalists David Villa of Spain and Wesley Sneijder of Netherlands, Uruguay striker Diego Forlan grabbed the coveted Golden Ball award as the Best Player of the tournament.

Forlan claimed the title for scoring five goals in the tournament tying-up the goal tally with Sneijder and Villa. Germany midfielder Thomas Muller, who scored five goals with three assists, grabbed the Golden Boot and the Best Young Player of the tournament title.

Uruguay outperformed expectations in FIFA World Cup 2010 by reaching the semi-finals. And the role of the Atletico Madrid ace was key in taking the South Americans on the great journey.

Forlan was up against nine other contenders for the Golden Ball award. Besides, Sneijder and Villa, Andres Iniesta and Xavi of Spain, Lionel Messi of Argentina, Mesut Oezil and Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany, and Arjen Robben of Netherlands were the other nominees.

The ten man shotlist was unveiled by on Friday, Jul 9 FIFA for the Golden Ball, after it was voted for by the international media in South Africa.

Forlan managed to edge out all his contenders and emerged on top after having polled 23.4 per cent of the vote.

OneIndia News