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The FIFA World Cup has provided fans with some enthralling action over the past 2-3 weeks or so. Fans have been treated with some of the best goals and some unrealistic goalkeeping. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane have lived up to their expectations whereas, the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar have been disastrous.
The tournament has seen a lot of upsets and surprises. The main one being, Germany's ouster from the World Cup in the group stage itself. They lost against Mexico but the most shocking one was against the Republic of Korea. Argentina could have faced a similar situation as the Germans but a late winner from Marcus Rojo ensured that they qualified.
The Golden Ball will be awarded to the best player of the tournament. Players like Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane have won the prestigious award in the past. After the completion of the group stage, there are a few players who are heads and shoulders ahead of the others. Here's a look at the top 7 candidates to win the Golden Ball award for this year's World Cup:
#7 Diego Costa
The Atletico Madrid forward has been in stunning form at this year's World Cup. He has been instrumental for Spain having scored thrice in 3 matches so far. His brace against Portugal is one of the main reasons that Spain are still in with a chance of lifting the coveted World Cup. His brace was nearly as good as Ronaldo's hat trick in the same game. He also scored once against a stubborn and resilient Iran.
He has been the main man for Spain in what has been a rather disappointing campaign for them. It was David Silva and Isco who grabbed the limelight but since the beginning of the tournament, it has been a Diego Costa show. He has scored 10 times in 23 appearances for his nation. The former Chelsea man will look to add to that tally against Russia in the Round of 16.
He could be a strong contender for the Golden Ball if Spain can reach the Semi Final or the Final as they would definitely need a strong performance from him.
#6 Luka Modric
He is unarguably one of the best midfielders in the present world. He has been a selfless servant for Croatian football over the last decade or so. He has been instrumental in leading Croatia to the Round of 16 unbeaten. He was expected to contribute with assists and pre assists but instead has been their leading goal scorer at the tournament with 2 goals.
The Croatian skipper has been fantastic with his leadership skills as well. He has ensured that the team doesn't depend on individual performances and can deliver as a cohesive unit. He is definitely a top contender for the Golden Ball due to his exceptional captaincy and unparalleled skills as a player.
#5 Philippe Coutinho
The Barcelona star has been one of the best players at this year's mega event. He has been the main man for Brazil in a campaign where Neymar has failed to have a significant impact. He has scored twice so far and also contributed with an assist. He scored the only goal for Brazil in a draw against the Swiss and a goal in stoppage time against Costa Rica.
The attacking midfielder has scored 12 goals in 39 matches for his nation. He will look to deliver a perfect performance against a resilient Mexican team in the pre quarter-final. He will have to be at his best if Brazil are to have any chance of lifting the World Cup.
#5 Eden Hazard
The Belgian skipper has been sensational for his country thus far. He has scored goals and been brilliant as a playmaker. He has scored 2 goals and had an assist. He has also contributed to a couple of other goals other than the assists and goals. The Chelsea star has been a key player for them along with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.
He has scored 24 times in 88 appearances for the Belgium Football team. The skipper will be important in their quest for a World Cup title. If Belgium can even get to Final or the semis, Hazard will be a strong contender to win the Golden Ball courtesy his skills as a player and his brilliance as a leader.
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo
The Real Madrid forward had a superb time in the group stage. He managed to score 4 goals for his country, Portugal. He has scored 4 out of the 5 goals scored by Portugal and all of his goals have resulted in victories. He failed to score against Iran and Portugal couldn't manage a victory as the match ended with a scoreline of 1-1. He also missed a penalty against Iran which could have haunted them but, fortunately, they did qualify.
He has taken his country into the round of 16 single-handedly and they will expect more of the same from their talismanic skipper. The legend has scored 85 times in 153 matches and he will look to increase his goal tally in the upcoming World Cup games. He will look to inspire Portugal to more wins and he is definitely one of the strongest contenders for the Golden Ball.
#2 Romelu Lukaku
The Manchester United striker has been in superb form for the Belgians at the World Cup this year. Having scored 4 times in 2 games he is one of the front-runners for the Golden Boot along with Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo. He has ensured that Belgium qualified for the Round of 16 without any fuss.
He has scored with his left foot, right foot and with his head at the World Cup. He has scored 40 times in 71 games and is already the leading goal scorer for his country in their footballing history. He will look to inspire Belgium to an elusive World Cup title.
#1 Harry Kane
The England talisman has been sensational in the FIFA World Cup so far. He has already found the back of the net 5 times in 2 matches including a brace which was important for England against Tunisia. He has scored 18 goals in 26 matches already and looks destined for greatness. He also scored a hat trick against Panama.
The England skipper has led the team by example and will be very important for them. He is leading the race for the Golden Boot with 5 goals. He is definitely one of the top contenders for the prestigious Golden Ball award as he has led England from the front with a one-man effort.
