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Podolski rewarded for success

07 Jul 2006 - 10:40:51

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Germany forward Lukas Podolski has been named as FIFA's Young Player of the World Cup.

The 21-year-old, who will join Bayern Munich from Koln straight after the tournament, netted three goals as the hosts reached the semi-finals, including both goals in the 2-0 second round win over Sweden.

Podolski beat off competition from Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina's Lionel Messi, Tranquillo Barnetta of Switzerland, Cesc Fabregas of Spain and Luis Valencia of Ecuador to claim the award.

He formed an effective partnership with Miroslav Klose during the competition, with the Werder Bremen ace scoring five times to be the competition's leading scorer ahead of the third-place play-off and the final.