Podolski picks up young player prize
Friday, July 7, 2006
Article summary
The 21-year-old Germany striker Lukas Podolski has been voted the best young player at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, beating five other short-listed players.
Article body
Germany forward Lukas Podolski has been voted best young player at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, beating five other short-listed players.
Fan power
The 21-year-old, newly signed by FC Bayern München from relegated Bundesliga rivals 1. FC Köln, has scored three goals in six matches at the finals, including both in the 2-0 last-16 victory against Sweden, and could still add to his tally in Saturday's third-place play-off against Portugal. Strike partner Miroslav Klose is the leading scorer overall with five. Podolski was chosen by the world governing body's technical study group after an initial poll by fans.
'Key element'
"He not only scored three goals, he was a key element in Germany's attack," Holger Osieck, who led the study group, told the official tournament website. "He showed a great understanding with Miroslav Klose and the two players formed a very effective partnership." The five other nominees were Tranquillo Barnetta (Switzerland), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Luis Valencia (Ecuador).