Which player deserves the Golden Ball of the 2018 World Cup?

One thing is for sure, the Golden Ball must be in the squad of 4 excellent teams France, Belgium, England and Croatia who are present in the semi-finals of the World Cup 2018 and have made important contributions to their teams. The candidates have 2 more matches to compete for the important individual title of their football career.

Golden Ball precedent

Many people think that the Golden Ball should belong to the champion, but in reality, it is not like that. According to FIFA statistics, from the 1998 World Cup until now, the title of "Golden Ball" has never belonged to the champion team. At France 98, although Brazil ended up with a 0-3 defeat to the French, "Alien" Ronaldo was the one who won this title.

Modric's achievements after the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. Photo: Internet

4 years later, in the 2002 World Cup in Asia, where Ronaldo lost in the final, German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was again awarded the honor despite his errors in both goals conceded to Selecao in the final. Once again, the Golden Ball award went to a player from the losing team in the final..

Everyone remembers the Italian team that played in the 2006 World Cup, but the Golden Ball that year went to the captain of the French team.Zinedine Zidane. The talented midfielder was awarded this award for his headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the final because the voting ended in the first extra time (minute 105) and it was not until 4 minutes later that Zizou used his "headbutt" on the Italian player.

In South Africa 2010, the title of “Golden Ball” even belonged to a player who did not participate in the final match, Diego Forlan of Uruguay, the team that finished 4th. When no one thought that this title would escape the hands of Wesley Sneijder - the leader of the Netherlands or Xavi - the heart of Spain.

These are the two teams that were extremely excellent in the summer in South Africa, present in the final. FIFA completely “avoided” the controversy between Spain and the Netherlands because both of their stars were so great.

Most recently, the 2014 World Cup took place in Brazil and this title belonged to Lionel Messi, who was also defeated by Germany in the final match at the Maracana stadium.

Over the past two decades, FIFA has always proposed awarding the "World Cup Golden Ball" as a personal reward for contributions to the development of football.

Therefore, the tendency of the Organizing Committee is to “not put all eggs in one basket”, the champion team’s players have little chance of receiving this title. Perhaps that is why there is very little controversy about the accuracy of the votes (completely different from the famous European Golden Ball).

Who will win?Golden Ball?

If France is a balanced team, without any outstanding individuals deciding the team's path, thenBelgium, England and Croatia have decisive stars.

Modric deserves to be the brightest star, the true leader ofCroatia.Photo: Internet

After 20 years, Croatia is now in the semi-finals of a World Cup after defeating host Russia in a penalty shootout.In the Croatian squad,Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic are indeed excellent, but neither of them has ever created moments that changed Croatia's fate like Suarez did for Uruguay in South Africa (a double against South Korea).

With 2 goals, 1 assist and 3/5 matches voted as the best player of the match, conductor Modric is showing great influence on the team's achievements, worthy of being the brightest star, the true leader of Croatia.

Modric's opponents are Hazard, De Bruyne in the Belgian national team or Kane of the English national team. If they continue to shine brightly in the semi-finals and the following match, they can still win this noble individual title.

But Croatia is currently the weakest team in the semi-finals, so is there a slight advantage for this 33-year-old midfielder?