Golden Ball

I find it extremely annoying that none of the players up for contention for the Golden Ball come from countries that didn't make it to the semis. And among those nominated, a staggering 7 players are Italians or French. It seems so narrow minded to focus only on the last 4 countries. No doubt the 10 nominated played an integral part in helping their respective countries reach the final 4, but the prize is for the most valuable player in the competition. How about players like Riquelme, Ayala, Rodriguez, Appiah, and in fact, most of the other Ghana players? Even Hargreaves who was simply outstanding against Portugal.

Just because you didn't make it to the finals or even the semis shouldn't matter. If it does, then one of the criteria besides skill, flair and whatever else they consider should be "must be a semi-finalist". The selection panel needs a good knock on the head.

I'm not saying that all 10 nominated don't deserve it, it's the inclusion of a particular few that boggles my mind. I hope Cannavaro wins because of the 10 he's my favourite. And it certainly helps that he's HOT. I suspect that Zidane might have a good shot at it though, for sentimental reasons. Well we'll all know come Monday.