Berlin, Germany (My Sportsbook) - FIFA's Technical Study Group named Germany's Lukas Podolski as the Gillette Best Young Player on Friday. Podolski, who helped lead Germany into the semifinals, was voted over six finalists, including Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina's Lionel Messi. "Lukas Podolski was instrumental in the German attack and forged a great partnership with Miroslav Klose. Together they scored eight out of their 11 goals," Holger Osieck, the head of FIFA's Technical Study Group said. The 21-year-old forward was among 40 candidates competing for the award. Podolski has played in each of Germany's six World Cup matches thus far, netting three goals to help lead the host country to Saturday's third place match against Portugal. The committee based its votes on criteria such as youthful and refreshing playing style, creativity and inspiration and tactical maturity. Lothar Matthaus handed Podolski the award Friday at Berlin's Olympiastadion. Along with FIFA's Technical Study Group, fans were also given the chance to cast their votes for the six finalists. |
