Diego Forlan: A reward for Uruguayan football

2010 FIFA World Cup: If there was one thing lacking from Diego Forlan’s stellar performance here at the 2010 FIFA World Cup it was a piece of silverware, particularly after the deadly striker just missed out on clinching the adidas Golden Shoe for the competition’s top scorer. No matter, the inspirational Uruguayan No10 instead made off with the coveted adidas Golden Ball – awarded to the finest player at this year’s finals on South African soil.

Diego Forlan thus becomes the 4th South American to claim the prize, following in the footsteps of Argentina’s Diego Maradona (1986) and Brazilian duo Romario (1994) and Ronaldo (1998). Just minutes after learning of his award, the Atletico Madrid hitman spoke exclusively to FIFA.com.

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2010 FIFA World Cup: Awards

2010 FIFA World Cup: Match 63 - Match for third place - 10 July

2010 FIFA World Cup: A podium place is on offer as beaten semi-finalists Uruguay and Germany meet in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth in the traditionally goal-laden 3rd-place play-off.

Match Statistics

2010 FIFA World Cup : Netherlands Vs. Uruguay

2010 FIFA World Cup: The Netherlands are through to the Final of South Africa 2010 after seeing off Uruguay 3-2 in an incident-packed semi-final at Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium.

Match Statistics

2010 FIFA World Cup : FIFA World Cup power rankings -- semifinal edition

1. Germany -- Yowza. They have scored 4 goals in 3 different games already, including twice in the knockout round (vs. England and Argentina, no less). Have been in a class of their own and a treat to watch. I severely underrated them but not picking them to win Group D, however I guess they didn't run away with it in the 1st round. How they play as a team is incredible. They are always willing to make that final pass to set up a teammate. A true collective.

2. Netherlands -- The uber-productive midfielder Wesley Sneijder might be the World Cup MVP of the tournament until now, in my opinion. And now that Arjen Robben is healthy (when he stays on his feet), they definitely have a higher ceiling than before. The defense and goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg have definitely exceeded expectations. Can't let down vs. Uruguay after beating Brazil, can they?

3. Spain -- My pick to win it is still alive, which is more than some prognosticators can say. Sadly La Furia Roja hasn't looked hardly dominant. Fernando Torres is the scapegoat, but he does appear to have thrown things out of whack and fellow forward David Villa has made up for it and is another FIFA World Cup MVP nominee. Still have the pedigree to make a run, especially with that overwhelming Xavi and Iniesta combo in the middle.

4. Uruguay -- What a great run for the small country. Survived by the skin of their teeth in the quarterfinal vs. Ghana due to that infamous/notorious/genius/despicable intentional handball by Luis Suarez. Attack mate Diego Forlan -- who also could be a FIFA World Cup MVP -- has put the team on his back. They won't be intimidated of the Oranje, I don't think.

2010 FIFA World Cup : Match 61 - 6 July Semi-finals Uruguay Vs. Netherlands

2010 FIFA World Cup : Uruguay Vs. Ghana

2010 FIFA World Cup: With a place in the semi-finals at stake, 2 of South Africa 2010's dark horses will face off in Johannesburg today with a chance to keep the dream alive.

Here is the squad list.

2010 FIFA World Cup : Top 8 teams to compete

2010 FIFA World Cup: Round 16

2010 FIFA World Cup – 16 Qualifier!

2010 FIFA World Cup: The table below shows the top contenders and the upcoming contenders that will qualify depending on the results of their game face-offs from their respective groups.

• Uruguay (Group-A) 2 wins VS South Korea (Group-B) 1 win: June 26, 14:00 GMT (or) 10 am ET

• USA (Group-C) 1 win VS Group-D Runner-up: June 26, 18:30 GMT (or) 2:30 pm ET

• Group-D winner VS England (Group-C) 1 win: June 27, 14:00 GMT (or) 10 am ET

• Argentina (Group-B) 3 wins VS Mexico (Group-A) 1 win: June 27, 18:30 GMT (or) 2:30 pm ET

• Group-E Winner VS Group-F Runner-up: June 28, 14:00 GMT (or) 10 am ET

• Group-G winner VS Group-H Runner-up: June 28, 18:30 GMT (or) 2:30 pm ET

• Group-F winner VS Group-E Runner-up: June 29, 14:00 GMT (or) 10 am ET

• Group-H winner VS Group-G Runner-up: June 29, 18:30 GMT (or) 2:30 pm ET

The bullets with unnamed country team will reflect upon completion of the groups qualifying events to complete the final 16 top teams of the next round. Indeed, this FIFA World Cup is one of the most exciting ever as we are now seeing surprising teams joining the qualifying 16 and we’ve yet to see top teams like Italy and Brazil to join the final 16 for this season of 2010 FIFA World Cup.