Germany, Argentina dominate Golden Ball shortlist

Finalists Germany and Argentina have four and three players shortlisted respectively for the Golden Ball award given to the World Cup’s best player.

Defenders Mats Hummels and Philipp Lahm, midfielder Toni Kroos and forward Thomas Muller were among 10 contenders announced by football governing body FIFA on Friday, reports Xinhua.

Argentina, who will also vie for football’s ultimate prize at Rio’s Maracana stadium on Sunday, have midfielders Angel Di Maria and Javier Mascherano and forward Lionel Messi as their contenders.

Others named were Brazil forward Neymar, Netherlands forward Arjen Robben and Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez.

Candidates for the Golden Glove awarded to the best goalkeeper are Costa Rica Keylor Navas, Germany’s Manuel Neuer and Argentina’s Sergio Romero.

Those shortlisted for the Young Player award were Netherlands winger Memphis Depay, France midfielder Paul Pogba and France defender Raphael Varane.

The winners will be announced following Sunday’s final.