World Cup 2010 South Africa

Muller named Hyundai Best Young Player

Germany and Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller was officially presented with the Hyundai Best Young Player Award at a ceremony held in Munich, Germany today. The 22-year-old player was at the Olympic Stadium to receive the trophy and an ix 35 car; a fitting recognition of his outstanding performances at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ where he announced his arrival on the international stage.

Muller’s pace, vision and exceptional technical ability mesmerized football fans around the world during the last year’s FIFA World Cup. Scoring five goals and with three assists, Muller helped Germany to a third-place finish, knocking out historical rivals England and Argentina along the way.

The sound of the vuvuzelas are still lingering in the air and an atmosphere of togetherness and celebration continues to reign in South Africa, all thanks to a FIFA World Cup™ that has left an indelible mark on the country and its people. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, anticipation is already building for what is sure to be an equally joyous and unforgettable 2014 finals on Brazilian soil.

“Are Africa and Brazil really so different?” wondered FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter during 8 July’s launch in Johannesburg of the Official Emblem for Brazil 2014. “Perhaps the drums beat to a slightly different rhythm but the essence is the same: joie de vivre.”

Diego Forlan

If there was one thing lacking from Diego Forlan’s stellar performance here at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ it was a piece of silverware, particularly after the deadly striker just missed out on clinching the adidas Golden Shoe for the competition’s top scorer. No matter, the inspirational Uruguayan No10 instead made off with the coveted adidas Golden Ball – awarded to the finest player at this year’s finals on South African soil.

Forlan thus becomes the fourth South American to claim the prize, following in the footsteps of Argentina’s Diego Maradona (1986) and Brazilian duo Romario (1994) and Ronaldo (1998). Just minutes after learning of his award, the Atletico Madrid hitman spoke exclusively to FIFA.com.

South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will use tomorrow's final warm-up match against Denmark to decide on his starting XI for the FIFA World Cup™ opener against Mexico.

Just seven days before the tournament kicks off in Johannesburg, Parreira has admitted he is still not sure what his best team is. His most pressing concern centres on who will fill in in the holding midfielder's role, with Fulham's Kagiso Dikgacoi and Thanduyise Khuboni in contention, while Tsepo Masilela and Lucas Thwala are vying for the left-back position.