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On Thursday, ten contenders for the "Golden Ball" prize were revealed - an award given to the most valuable player of the World Cup.
One of the most realistic candidates to win this prize is considered to be Frenchman Zinedine Zidane, whose career will end after Sunday's final match.
Among the candidates are even four Italians: Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Pirlo, Gianluca Zambrotta, and Gianluigi Buffon.
"This time it will be very difficult to choose the winner," said Franz Beckenbauer, the president of the organizing committee of this World Cup. "This time there are no new names. I think one of the older players should win - I liked the games of Henry, Zidane, and Luis Figo, even though he is not on the list."
In 2002, the "Golden Ball" was won by German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, and in 1998, this prize was given to the Brazilian Ronaldo.
The winner of the FIFA "Golden Ball" will be announced on Monday morning, after the final match, which will definitely be significant in determining the winner.
List of contenders for the "Golden Ball": Fabio Cannavaro (Italy) Maniche (Portugal) Michael Ballack (Germany) Andrea Pirlo (Italy) Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy) Thierry Henry (France) Gianluigi Buffon (Italy) Patrick Vieira (France) Miroslav Klose (Germany) Zinedine Zidane (France)
