World Cup Golden Ball

[Doctor MJ]

My understanding is that the Golden Ball is decided based on the play done to this point (which honestly seems crazy to me). Assuming that's correct, posting my thoughts below. Regardless, would like to see the thoughts of others.

Seems like only 3 guys can win this: Sneijder, Villa, or Xavi - with Sneijder being the favorite. Forlan has a good chance at getting one of the top 3 slots, but they won't want to give the top spot to a guy on a team thought to be lucky to make it to the semis. The Germans will get shut out of the top 3 because of their clear defeat by the Spanish - Muller will get the best young player of the tournament.

Personally, Sneijder seems most worthy of the Golden Ball at this point. You can talk about his luck, but 4 goals in knockout games is an extraordinary feat for anyone - let alone for someone who isn't a pure striker. Also, while the fact the Dutch are undefeated means nothing in the finals (Spain seems most likely to win to me), I do think it's another point in Sneijder and Netherlands' favor in terms of accomplishment at this point.

[FAB0L0US]

I vote for Forlan. He put that team on his back and willed them into contention almost single handedly.

If not for him I vote for David Villa. He may be on the receiving end of all of Iniesta's and Xavi's hard work but he still has 5 goals. Sneijder has two butt-azz-lucky-as-hell goals and has disappeared from play much more often than Villa has. Plus I think Robben has been at least as vital, if not as lucky, as Sneijder for his teams success.

[treiz]

It tends to go to the winning team of the World Cup. So it depends on who wins, if Netherlands wins, it should go to Sneijder. If Spain, Villa. Xavi hasn't really done anything noteworthy this tournament.

[AdamTheGreek]

It's looking like David Villa.

[sergiio_88]

David Villa

[Slava]

Between Villa, Sneijder, Forlan, Xavi and Schweinsteiger.

[sorokii]

Sneijder or Robben on Netherlands side (despite Kuyt has played at least as good as them, but didnt score), Villa and Xavi on Spain´s (but in this case with high importance on what happens in the Final, Iniesta could stand a chance).

[_SRV_]

Villa or Sneijder, depends on the winner, if finals don't matter then Villa will take it

[britblazerdude]

No love for Müller anyone?

[Doctor MJ]

No love for Müller anyone?

Can a guy who missed the semis possibly win? I know it was a BS call and that Muller shouldn't have had to miss the game - but realistically, it's so hard for me to imagine him as even a major contender at this point. Seems a lock for team of the tournament and big favorite for best young player though.

[Doctor MJ]

If not for him I vote for David Villa. He may be on the receiving end of all of Iniesta's and Xavi's hard work but he still has 5 goals.

If Spain, Villa. Xavi hasn't really done anything noteworthy this tournament.

Okay, I'd like to hear more insight on Spain. I'll say up front that I'm not a soccer expert - and I'm hoping to learn.

I understand the thinking that Villa has scored the vast majority of Spain's goals, and up until today, had an assist in the other, so he should be considered the man who's making the goals happen - which means he's the reason they're winning.

However, the most noteworthy aspect of Spain's World Cup on the scoreboard has quite clearly been in Goals Allowed, not Goal Scored - unless you're talking about how few goals they score. There's never been a team to win the Cup scoring less than 11 goals, and Spain's only got 7 right now. If you didn't know better, you'd say this was because they were winning through defense - and you'd say the MVP of the team should be the guy leading that defense.

Now, I don't think it's due to defense in the classic sense (though I'm willing to listen to anyone who thinks so) - the clear thing that stands out to me is that Spain's ability to dominate the ball is keeping opponents' scoring opportunities to a minimum, and that puts the credit toward the midfield from my perspective.

And certainly, if you were to try to emulate Spain strategy, I would think the obvious place to start would be with the midfielders, wouldn't it? I mean, is Villa playing drastically differently than other strikers?

When you add in that Spain won the Euro 2008 with I believe about the same strategy while seeming to prove strikers to be interchangeable, it seems a little odd that Xavi's not getting more love right now to me.

[TheUroborosWorm]

Well here in spain, the guys who are getting more love, and are playing better thorough the WC are Villa and Busquets(amazing tournement for him) then xavi iniesta and pique

[pass first]

Good points Doctor MJ, but the midfielders are also interchangeable imo. (Fabregas)

[Doctor MJ]

Good points Doctor MJ, but the midfielders are also interchangeable imo. (Fabregas)

Okay, so who isn't?

Why is Spain able to dominate in this way? Or is it a tactic you think any contender could use as effectively?

[pass first]

Good points Doctor MJ, but the midfielders are also interchangeable imo. (Fabregas)

Okay, so who isn't?

Why is Spain able to dominate in this way? Or is it a tactic you think any contender could use as effectively?

Yes, it is a tactic that theoretically anyone could adopt, but, big but, it takes tremendous technical skills and superior positional play, to make sure the ball stays in possession and every player has options to pass all the time.

To me the midfielder that stands out most in terms of 'unique' skillset is Iñiesta, but without him their system can still work. But that's the luxury of their depth with Fabregas obviously. I think Villa is the most essential part of their team individually now, because if he hadn't scored they would have suffered a lot. Had Torres been in form, he might be dispensable, but Torres has struggled so he was key.

[Slava]

Xavi is like a sponge that absorbs everything in the midfield and orchestrates the ball movement perfectly. While I do agree that Iniesta is a much better player talent-wise, Xavi has been the fulcrum around which the Spanish game plan evolves.

Like someone else pointed out, Busquets has done a great job of putting in hard work so that Xavi gets the time and space he needs to do his job but their MVP has been Villa for sure. If not for him this would be the same old Spain choking in the big games due to a lack of clinical finishing.

[Slava]

Good points Doctor MJ, but the midfielders are also interchangeable imo. (Fabregas)

Okay, so who isn't?

Why is Spain able to dominate in this way? Or is it a tactic you think any contender could use as effectively?

They have close to 8 players on the field that are extremely good on the ball and they prefer to play the passes on the pitch than go aerial, two things that have been very essential for their success.

It also helps that they have a very veteran team that have the composure to play the simple passes until they can carve open an opportunity. Not all teams have that kind of luxury and heck Pique, their center back does a great job of setting up attacks from time to time.

As much as I hate to say this the Spanish team is enjoying a once in a generation talent crop at the prime of their careers.

[magik9113]

My choices would be:
1. Sneijder
2. Forlan
3. Xavi/Iniesta
4. Villa
5. De Rossi

[Batu7]

Xavi is like a sponge that absorbs everything in the midfield and orchestrates the ball movement perfectly. While I do agree that Iniesta is a much better player talent-wise, Xavi has been the fulcrum around which the Spanish/Barcelona game plan evolves.

I think the most valuable players are Forlan and Sneijder, but a player from the champion will win this. If Netherlands win, the award will be Sneijder's. If Spain wins, it'll go to either Xavi or Villa.

[fudgie]

My List:

1 Villa
2 Forlan
3 Sneijder
4 Xavi

I'd also give an honorable mention to Puyol who's been impressive.