Official Awards

On the day of the Final, the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy outshines everything and everyone else. For the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup, Spain have laid hands on the most prized trophy in football. But away from the cup itself, a number of outstanding players have been recognised with individual awards, spearheaded by Uruguay superstar Diego Forlan, named Best Player at the tournament.


adidas Golden Ball: Diego Forlan (Uruguay)
Diego Forlan has been named Best Player at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Uruguay striker topped the prestigious poll of accredited media representatives ahead of the Netherlands' Wesley Sneijder and Spain hitman David Villa. The 31-year-old Forlan took the starring role in his country’s heroic performance at the FIFA World Cup finals.

The striker's five goals propelled his team to the last four at the global showdown for the first time in 40 years, underscoring his status as one of the modern greats and the undisputed figurehead of his team. Forlan was the fulcrum and focus of all his team's best attacking moves. The South Americans fell 3-2 to the Dutch in the semi-finals, but their overall performance at the tournament holds out enormous hope for the future, and Forlan has been justly recognised for his stellar contribution to the diminutive nation's success.

adidas Silver Ball: Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)
adidas Bronze Ball: David Villa (Spain)


adidas Golden Boot: Thomas Muller (Germany) - 5 goals, 3 assists
Thomas Muller's opening goal for Germany against Uruguay in the third-place play-off proved enough to earn the Bayern Munich starlet the adidas Golden Boot. Muller finished on five goals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but claimed the top scorer accolade thanks to no fewer than three assists, leaving him ahead of Spain marksman David Villa and Dutch hitman Wesley Sneijder, both of whom finished on five goals but with only one assist apiece.

adidas Silver Boot: David Villa (5 goals, 1 assist)
adidas Bronze Boot: Wesley Sneijder (5 goals, 1 assist)


adidas Golden Glove: Iker Casillas (Spain)
The Spain keeper has conceded just two goals at South Africa 2010. Under pressure after La Roja opened up with a shock defeat by Switzerland, Casillas has since answered his critics with a string of superb displays that have proved crucial to his Spain's progress to a Final they have long dreamed about. One of his most vital interventions was the second-half penalty save from Paraguay's Oscar Cardozo in the quarter-finals, the prelude to two more priceless stops in the closing minutes. Casillas was on top form again in the semi-final against Germany, making fine saves from Piotr Trochowski and Toni Kroos. With Spain failing to take more of the numerous chances they have created (five of their victories having come by a single-goal margin), the Real Madrid custodian's performances between the posts have taken on even greater significance. In this his third FIFA World Cup™ finals, the ice-cool and ultra-professional Spain captain has reproduced his very best form, showcasing his agility and fabled powers of concentration and confirming his status as one of the finest custodians in the world.

Hyundai Best Young Player: Thomas Muller (Germany)
The Germany forward rates as the biggest discovery of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The Bayern Munich youngster has hit the headlines on and off the field, with five goals and three assists, and any number of quotable comments for waiting reporters. After just one season in the Bayern first team, the 20-year-old has become the darling of the German football scene, and provided all the evidence the FIFA Technical Study Group required to name him Best Young Player of the tournament. Practically the only blemish on Muller's record at the finals was his yellow card in Germany’s meeting with Argentina, causing him to miss his side’s semi-final defeat to Spain due to suspension. Muller succeeds fellow German Lukas Podolski as winner of the Best Young Player award, testament to the outstanding youth development programmes run by the German FA (DFB).

FIFA Fair Play Award: Spain
Spain have ended the tournament as both the best team in the world, and the fairest too: coach Vicente del Bosque's men collected only eight yellow cards in the course of the tournament. Korea DPR actually finished with just two yellow cards against their players, but the Asian side only played three matches at the finals. The FIFA Fair Play Award for Spain arguably comes as little surprise in the light of the fair play ratings from 2006, when the Spaniards and Brazil finished joint top.

Spain is the world champion!

Netherlands 0-1 Spain (after extra-time)
Goal~ Esp: Iniesta'116
Red Card~ Ned: Heitinga'109

MATCH SUMMARY

# Man of the Match: Andres Iniesta. Once again Iniesta and Barcelona team-mate Xavi were imperious in the centre of midfield, bossing possession and helping Spain play the same patient game that has characterised their triumphant campaign. Possessing vision, craft, and guile in abundance, Iniesta produced a number of fine flicks and back-heels, while his winning goal was taken with aplomb.
Note: Official MOM - Andres Iniesta (Spain)

# Netherlands verdict: After an unimpressive first period - in which four players were yellow carded - Bert van Marwijk's side came into the game more after the interval, trying to get the ball to Arjen Robben as much as possible. It almost worked to devastating effect on two occasions when Carles Puyol's pace was exposed, but Robben was twice thwarted by Iker Casillas. Were outclassed in extra-time and after losing their cool a third World Cup final defeat will be the bitterest pill to swallow.

# Spain verdict: Completely dominated possession but had few clear-cut chances to show for it, with a free header from Sergio Ramos and a David Villa strike that was deflected over the best opportunities in normal time. Demonstrated some excellent touches in midfield, with plenty of classy interchanges and never showed frustration when they couldn't break through. Defensively, they looked shaky when Puyol was dealing with long balls but after letting the Oranje back into the game in the second half, Spain upped their tempo in extra-time. The introduction of Fabregas injected some much-needed freshness into Vicente del Bosque's side and the winning goal was just reward for the team that unquestionably played the better football.

# Could do better: Robin van Persie. A terrible tournament for Van Persie was epitomised by an anonymous performance in the final. Nothing was working for the Arsenal frontman against Spain, and he never seemed to have the ball under control. An early booking meant he always looked reluctant to chase back and even when he was played through by Sneijder and called offside, he missed an open goal after the whistle had gone.

# Stat attack: The 14 yellow cards handed out in the match by referee Howard Webb is the record for most ever in a World Cup Final.

Preview: Netherlands v Spain

The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Final promises to be quite an occasion, with the Netherlands pitting their wits against reigning European champions Spain. Both sides have produced some good football during their campaigns and have been rewarded with the chance to add their nation's names to the select list of former winners: Uruguay, Italy, Germany, Brazil, England, Argentina and France.

The match
Netherlands-Spain, Final, Soccer City, Sunday 11 July

As a glance at the head-to-head record between the two nations shows, tipping a winner is no easy task. Both sides have won four of their nine meetings, with the other game ending in a draw. The Oranje have been here before, reaching the Finals at Germany 1974, with Johan Cruyff, and Argentina 1978, without him, and losing to the hosts on both occasions. For Spain, however, this is new territory, although their confidence at rising to the occasion will be high after ending a 44-year trophy drought at UEFA EURO 2008.

The Netherlands' record at South Africa 2010 could hardly be more impressive: six wins in six games with 12 goals scored and five conceded. For their part Vicente del Bosque's men have strung together five wins in a row after kicking off with a surprise defeat. But while the Spaniards have found goals hard to come by, scoring just seven in total, they have been far more miserly in defence, letting in just two so far. The winners will also end an old hoodoo, with no European side having ever won the biggest prize in world football outside the old continent.

Players to watch
Wesley Sneijder v David Villa

The leading goalscorers at South Africa 2010, alongside Diego Forlan, Miroslav Klose and Thomas Muller, this in-form pair are in the frame for both the adidas Golden Boot and the adidas Golden Ball. Their goals have been vital to their sides' respective runs to the Final. Can one of them end the tournament with a winner's medal and two coveted individual awards? All will soon be revealed.

The stat
8 - Sunday's game will be the eighth all-European Final. In 19 FIFA World Cup tournaments, Europe has been represented in 16 Finals, a record that includes an unbroken run of 14 going back to Switzerland 1954. Only two showpiece games have been all-South American, with the remaining nine pitching together sides from the competition's two dominant continents.

What they said
“I don’t see David Villa as Spain’s most dangerous player. The ones you really have to watch are Xavi [Hernandez] and [Andres] Iniesta. They’re the players who set the tempo and make sure the ball gets to Villa. We have to stop them from playing and getting free. We need to mark them very tightly because if we give them the slightest space we’ll have problems,” Arjen Robben, Netherlands forward.

“I don’t think they’ll sit back and defend. They’ve got some quick players who are in terrific form right now. They’ll do what we do and stick to their style. I know Robben. He’s quick powerful and strong, and his shooting from outside the area is a concern for me. What we need to do is cut him off, although there’s more to the Netherlands than just Robben. They are powerful in defence and midfield, and [Wesley] Sneijder and [Dirk] Kuyt are just as dangerous,” Iker Casillas, Spain goalkeeper and captain.

Prediction: Both sides to draw 1-1. Netherlands to win through penalty.

Khedira broke Uruguayan heart

Uruguay 2-3 Germany
Goals~ Uru: Cavani'28, Forlan'51; Ger: Mueller'19, Jansen'56, Khedira'82

MATCH SUMMARY

# Man of the Match: Sami Khedira - The holding midfielder scored the winning goal but it was an all-round performance of real energy and verve that sees him given this honour ahead of Diego Forlan. Khedira was his usual bustling presence alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger but also contributed to Germany's attacking thrusts and his headed goal was just reward for a tournament in which his reputation has grown immeasurably.
Note: Official MOM - Thomas Mueller (Germany)

# Uruguay verdict: Oscar Tabarez's side demonstrated the spirit and determination that took them to the semi-finals when responding to Thomas Muller's opener, but, like their campaign in South Africa, they just fell short. Forlan was masterful in attack, rounding off a tremendous tournament for the Atletico Madrid striker, but goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was culpable for two Germany goals.

# Germany verdict: Third place is the least that Germany deserve after lighting up the tournament with the quality of their play. With Thomas Muller back on the right side of the attack following his suspension against Spain, Joachim Low's side once again hit their stride and played a full part in an entertaining contest. They undoubtedly missed Miroslav Klose as well as flu-hit captain Philipp Lahm though, with Cacau disappointing and Dennis Aogo lucky not to be dismissed for a horrible challenge on Diego Perez.

# Could do better: Cacau - Miroslav Klose's injury gifted the Brazilian-born striker the chance to make his mark on the World Cup, but Cacau failed miserably to do so. Isolated, listless and wayward in his shooting, this was a performance in total contrast to the general excellence of Klose. His night came to a premature end when replaced by Stefan Kiessling, who immediately looked a much more dangerous presence in the Germany attack.

# Stat attack: The last seven third-place play-offs matches have been won by European teams.

Preview: Uruguay v Germany

For evidence of just how much the play-off for third place at the FIFA World Cup™ means, you only have to go back to the summer of 2006 and recall the determination with which host nation Germany rounded off their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Portugal in Stuttgart. It was the same for 1990 hosts Italy, who bounced back from the huge disappointment of semi-final defeat to Argentina with a spirit-lifting 2-1 success over England.

And the showdown for the final place on the podium often proves most rewarding for dark horses that have lit up a tournament, such as Sweden at USA 1994, Croatia at France 1998 and Turkey at Korea/Japan 2002. What's more, with the pressure off and coaches’ tactical leashes loosened, these games can result in end-to-end football, chances aplenty and goals galore.

The match
Uruguay-Germany, play-off for third place, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Saturday 10 July

This is the second time Germany and Uruguay have met to contest third place at a FIFA World Cup, with the pair doing battle at the same stage of Mexico 1970. At the finals 40 years ago, Die Nationalmannschaft had lost a semi-final thriller 4-3 to Italy, while La Celeste had been downed 3-1 by eventual winners Brazil, with the Germans snatching third spot thanks to a solitary 26th-minute strike from Wolfgang Overath.

The two teams also met in the quarter-finals at England 1966 in a match Germany won 4-0, and again at Mexico 1986, when the pair’s group meeting ended 1-1. In conclusive proof of their historical upper hand, of a total of nine international matches between the duo to date, Germany have won six and suffered only one defeat, which came at the 1928 edition of the Olympic Football Tournament.

Not that Oscar Tabarez’s charges will let the record books concern them, having exceeded all expectations with the country’s best FIFA World Cup performance since lifting the Trophy for the second time at Brazil 1950. As they seek a victory which would crown their impressive showing on South African soil, striker Luis Suarez returns after missing the semi-final defeat against Netherlands through suspension while captain Diego Lugano should be fit to play after missing said game with a knee injury. Leading scorer Diego Forlan, meanwhile, has been declared fit to play despite a knock against the Dutch and, with four goals so far, is only one strike behind adidas Golden Boot pace-setters Wesley Sneijder and David Villa.

Speaking of in-form forwards, the spotlight will also no doubt fall on Miroslav Klose, now just one goal behind the all-time FIFA World Cup record of 15, set by Brazil’s Ronaldo. However, his appearance in what will be Germany’s 99th match at the competition is in doubt after suffering he suffered a back injury against Spain on Wednesday, while midfielders Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira's participation is also in doubt. German coach Joachim Low is therefore expected to give a run-out to squad players such as Serdar Tasci, Dennis Aogo and Stefan Kiessling.

Players to watch
Miroslav Klose vs Diego Forlan

This duo of vastly experienced strikers have four goals apiece so far and will be determined to further their respective Golden Boot hopes by finding the net again at the Port Elizabeth Stadium. The lethal pair both picked up knocks in their sides’ semi-final defeats, however, and may struggle to fire on all cylinders come Saturday evening.

The stat
10 – The signs suggest that the match for third place is unlikely to go to extra time, given that Germany’s last ten games - including friendlies - have all had a winner after 90 minutes.

What they said
“Obviously we now have to get over our disappointment, lift the players’ spirits and prepare for this game just as seriously as we would any other. We want to finish the World Cup on an upbeat note because, despite losing the semi-final, we’ve had a very good tournament. I’m really proud of my team,” Joachim Low, Germany coach.

“This will be a difficult game, but we’ll go into it with the same attitude and commitment that we showed against the Netherlands. There’s no guarantee of winning, we’re preparing to do everything we can to clinch third place at the World Cup for Uruguay. However, I know Germany will make it very difficult for us, so we’ll have to fight to our last breath if we want to win,” Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay coach.

Prediction: Germany to win 2-1

Puyol headed Spain into finak

Germany 0-1 Spain
Goals~ ESP: Puyol'73

MATCH SUMMARY

# Man of the Match: Pedro - The Barcelona forward was picked ahead of Fernando Torres and justified the decision with a lively start. His mazy runs and slick interplay caused the German defence multiple problems and he maintained that level throughout the match. When Spain eventually made a change in attack it was David Villa that went off, not the 22-year-old.
Note: Official MOM - Xavi (Spain)

# Germany verdict: Joachim Low's side couldn't get their game going early on as Spain pressed high up the pitch and the absence of the suspended Thomas Muller deprived them of width on the right. Although the Germans happily surrendered possession they maintained a threat on the counter-attack, but after the break they lost that threat. Low tinkered with his team to try and find a spark but were reduced to hopeful punts into the box as time ticked away.

# Spain verdict: Vicente Del Bosque's decision to finally drop Torres initially seemed to hamper Spain as the change meant goal-machine David Villa had to abandon his normal tactic of cutting in from the left and instead led the line. After the break Del Bosque got it right as his team upped the tempo and began to carve through Germany. It was only a matter of time before they got the goal their slick possession football deserved. However, when it came it was from a corner - Carles Puyol heading in after 73 minutes - not from open play. But another 1-0 win will do.

# Could do better: Piotr Trochowski - The Hamburg SV midfielder was unable to fill the rather large boots of Muller, refused stay out wide and deprived the Germans of their safety valve. He couldn't really get into the game and was replaced by Toni Kroos after 62 minutes as Germany looked to get something going.

# Stat attack: Since the statistic was first tracked starting in 1966, Spain have now become only the third team to complete 3,000 passes at a single World Cup. (Brazil, 1994 & Netherlands, 1998)

Preview: Germany v Spain

There will be at least one European representative in the Final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, after Germany and Spain go head-to-head in the second semi-final on Wednesday evening. The match gives the Germans the opportunity to avenge their defeat to a Fernando Torres goal in the final of UEFA EURO 2008. No less than 19 survivors from that game – eight Germans and 11 Spaniards – will be on show in Durban, yet much has changed since that night in Vienna.

La Roja have struggled at times to produce the same majestic football that swept them to the European title, while Joachim Low’s revamped unit are unquestionably the form side of the competition. Die Nationalmannschaft have been winning new fans with their adventurous approach and earning praise from even the most seasoned of observers, Franz Beckenbauer among them. “Germany have never played like this before,” said an admiring Kaiser after his compatriots had seen off Argentina in the last eight.

The match
Germany-Spain, Semi-Final, Durban, Wednesday, 7 July.

While no side has scored more goals in the tournament than Germany’s 13, the statistics show that Spain have done more attacking than anyone. If those two pieces of information are anything to go by, this should be quite a match. The Germans have been nothing short of spectacular in South Africa. After putting four past Australia in the group phase, they clicked into top gear in the Round of 16, overwhelming England 4-1 with their rapid counter-attacking style and then put another four past Argentina in the quarters.

Though Spain have reached a semi-final for the first time ever, they have been unable to match the exacting standards they have set for themselves in recent times, reproducing their eye-catching possession football only sporadically. Victors by a single goal in their last three games, the European champions can justifiably point to some massed defences as the reason for their reduced creativity, but there will be no excuses for a lack of spark come kick-off time on Wednesday.

All the indications are that Vicente del Bosque will keep faith with the XI that started against Paraguay, which means a reprieve for the misfiring Torres, who has yet to score. As for opposite number Low, his most pressing problem is to find a replacement for the suspended Thomas Muller, with Piotr Trochowski, Toni Kroos and Cacau all in the frame.

Players to watch
Miroslav Klose v David Villa

The leading marksman at South Africa 2010 with five of his country’s six goals, the Spanish striker is just one away from joining Raul as La Roja’s top scorer of all time. No less important to his team than the in-form Villa, Klose is closing on another record. The German forward needs to find the back of the net one more time to draw level with Brazil’s Ronaldo as the leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup finals history with 15 goals. One behind the Spaniard in the South Africa 2010 charts, Klose has not given up hope of making off with the adidas Golden Boot as well.

The stat
3 - The number of times the two sides have faced each other in FIFA World Cup matches. Germany have yet to lose, winning 2-1 at England 1966 and Spain 1982 and forcing a 1-1 draw at USA 1994.

What they said
“Spain are the favourites to my mind and their team play is just amazing. They don’t have one Messi, they have several, and they don’t make many mistakes either, unlike England and Argentina. We need to force them to make errors,” Joachim Low, Germany coach.

“We haven’t come this far to finish fourth. We are going to fight hard against Germany to reach the Final, which is our one and only objective. We’ve reached a landmark for Spanish football by getting past the quarter-finals, but we know the Germany match is the most important in our history, even more so than the EURO 2008 final in Austria,” Iker Casillas, Spain goalkeeper and captain.

Prediction: Germany to win 2-1