World Cup Player of Tournament betting

Player of tournament odds for 2010 World Cup

The Golden Ball is presented to the player who is voted as the tournament’s best player. The award has much sought after and has been won by some of the world’s greatest ever players, such as Zinedine Zidane, Diego Maradona and Pele.

The battle for the Golden Ball in South Africa is an intriguing one, with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo battling over who is currently the best player in the world. Both would love to add the Golden Ball to their C.Vs to further argue their case. However, there are several other world class players ready to pounce should the opportunity arise.

For a start, there are several Spanish players who could win the award. Either one of their strikers, David Villa or Fernando Torres could be amongst the main contenders for the award should either of them recapture their form from Euro 2008.  At the opposite end, Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Casillas is one of the only goalkeepers in the world that can be a regular match winner and he’d love to repeat the achievements of German ‘keeper Oliver Kahn who became the first goalkeeper to win the award, in 2002. Of the Spaniards, Villa and Torres are the most likely to win the award, but Xavi has received a lot of praise over the past season and doesn’t have anything to show for it yet. The Golden Ball would be the perfect way to cap off his season and he seems like a very good outside bet.

Brazilian’s have won the award more times than any other nationality, having won the award at seven of the eighteen tournaments so far. Due to Brazil’s unique brand of attacking football, the most likely candidate for them is Real Madrid’s €70 million man, Kaka. The last two Brazilian winners have been Romario and Ronaldo. Two potent strikers in their prime, but coming into 2010, Brazil look short of quality strikers which may hinder their chances of winning the award. Kaka hasn’t had his greatest ever season but he’s the sort of man who can turn a match with a single touch. Although an outsider, he still might give himself a chance.

Many people have talked about Wayne Rooney as a man who can almost single handedly win England the world cup in 2010, and his form for Manchester United this season backs that up. Rooney has been named PFA Players’ Player of the Year this season and is in exceptional scoring form at the minute, recognised as one of Europe’s most feared strikers. It all comes down to whether England win the tournament, because England lifting the World Cup and Rooney winning the Golden Ball are likely to go hand in hand. Expect to see both, or neither.

However, regardless of how many other great talents there will be on display in South Africa, many are expecting the battle for the Golden Ball to be a direct shootout between Ronaldo and Messi; without doubt, the two best players in the world at the moment. Portugal had Eusebio, Argentina Maradona. Now they have two new stars with a shot at greatness.

Player of Tournament betting odds

Recommended Bet: Lionel Messi has been lighting up Europe this season and everyone’s eyes are going to be on him which gives him a real chance to shine. If Messi can handle the pressure of the World Cup and recreate his club form then he should win the Golden Ball.

Outside Bet: Xavi has been undoubtedly the best midfield player in Europe. A fellow club mate of Messi, Xavi’s phenomenal statistics are often highlighted. During the 2nd leg of the Champions League semi final, Xavi completed more passes that the entire Inter Milan team. The media love these sorts of stats and if Xavi can pass Spain to glory this summer then he has a great chance of winning the Golden Ball.

Click here to view all World Cup free bets from online bookmakers