image: fifaworldcup.com

FIFA have awarded Zinedine Zidane the Golden Ball for best player of the 2006 World Cup. Fabio Cannavaro won the Silver Ball for second place, Andrea Pirlo the Bronze Ball (which looks a lot like the Golden Ball) for third place.

The final decision was made at half time of the World Cup final, and it's unlikely Zidane would still have won the award following his fantastic but not very FIFA-friendly attack on Marco Materazzi.

I'm not sure his performances were consistent enough to deserve the award anyway. For my money, either Cannavaro or Pirlo produced more effective displays throughout the entire tournament.

Perhaps in 2010 FIFA will have the patience to wait until the final is over before handing out balls.