Old master heads shortlist
06 Jul 2006 - 13:07:42
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- Old master heads shortlist
Zinedine Zidane is one of three France players short-listed for the FIFA Golden Ball award.
The trophy is designed to recognise the World Cup's outstanding player and it is no surprise that seven of the ten nominees come from the finalists.
Zidane, who will retire after Sunday's final against Italy, was an obvious choice for the shortlist after producing some inspired displays for Les Bleus in the knockout stages, and is joined by team-mates Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.
Azzurri captain Fabio Cannavaro is one of four Italians nominated, together with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, playmaker Andrea Pirlo and attacking full-back Gianluca Zambrotta.
Germany captain Michael Ballack and the tournament's leading scorer Miroslav Klose are acknowledged for helping the hosts reach the last four, while the shortlist is completed by Portugal's midfield dynamo Maniche.