Boateng gave as strong a defensive performance as I can remember in a final. For me, he was man of the match. He did many unsung things, getting key tackles, blocking space, and winning balls.
Warrior. Lion. Discipline. Grit. Intelligence. He was simply German and everything that applies in a team like this.
But Golden Ball? It really is tough to single any 1 German. This isn't criticism, but rather an compliment to their strength and style. How do you choose between Boateng, Schweinsteiger, Neur, or Lahm over the whole tournament?
No 1 German carried the team. Did any really make a heavily weighted contribution that the team couldn't ultimately do without? Keep in mind, they were able to sustain the losses of Reus, Khedira, Hummels, and Kramer in one context or another. Simply reverting Lahm to right back and putting Boateng, Hummels, Khedira, and Schweinsteiger in the middle allowed each individual to truly shine and the team all the stronger...which to me is more beautiful than what any 1 individual ultimately did.
Golden ball for a German? On a song, I'd vote for Neur. He truly was a difference maker, the best at his position, and even revolutionized the position as almost an extra sweeper...something no other goalie matched.
But when I think of this team, the actual WC trophy comes to mind, not a Golden Ball. Leave the Golden Ball for Mess. Certainly there were some stars in this tournament. But none really rose like a Zidane, Xavi, Maradona, Pele, or so. This WC was more about individuals playing within a team concept.
If I had to choose a Golden Ball...Arjen Robben. But like Messi, he couldn't pull his squad forward. Again, no 1 individual could do this.
Cheers, Mate
_________________ Pax Americana...Wither Now?
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