Golden Ball Nominations

The following are the ten nominations for the Golden Ball (Player of the tournament):

1. Diego Forlan, Uruguay

Has been the focal point in 6 of Uruguay's 7 matches and looked a true modern forward. In with a good shout I reckon

2. Asamoah Gyan, Ghana

Token nomination for an African player. Maginalised in some of the games with his midfield colleagues more worthy of praise (Ayew and the other Asamoah in particular)

3. Andres Iniesta, Spain

Has only looked his old self since the knockouts began. Spain haven't been scintillating so I think the trophy will go else where

4. Lionel Messi, Argentina

Was very sharp in the first two games but was nullified by Greece and did little in Argentina's one big game, the defeat to Germany.

5. Mesut Ozil, Germany

A shoe-in for young player of the tournament. Always involved, great all round ability and only 20!

6. Arjen Robben, Netherlands

Missed the first two games through injury but has looked lethal since then carrying over his form form the Champion's League. Don't think he's done enough to win though.

7. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germany

A great box-to-box performance in every match. Able to read the game as a defender and an attacker, a managers dream. A very strong contender.

8. Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands

Creativity, vision and an end product too. 5 goals in 6 games from midfield! My favourite to receive the award (especially if the Dutch win the final)

9. David Villa, Spain

Spain can do all the tick tacka (or whatever its called) but without this man they'd be nowhere. Offers pace, touch and finishing to add the much needed cut and thrust to Spain's game. Will run Sneijder and Sweinschteiger close.

10. Xavi, Spain

See Iniesta.

So between Sneijder, Schweinsteiger and Villa for me. If the voting is after the final then it might be an easier call but i reckon Sneijder should get it