BEIJING, July 4 -- When Germany 2006 began June 9, 41 players were eligible to be crowned as the Best Young Player of the tournament.
So far these young stars, born on or after Jan. 1, 1985, have received over 600,000 votes between them.
After voting closes July 5, the fans' top three choices will be added to another three, selected by members of FIFA's Technical Study Group (TSG). The TSG will decide upon the eventual winner of the award.
A surge of support from his home country has left Ecuador's Luis Valencia currently occupying top spot in the voting, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Lukas Podolski closing in behind. That order could change significantly in the next few days, however, as FIFAworldcup.com prepares to receive a host of votes from around the globe.
Podolski and Valencia were the first candidates on show during Germany 2006 as the host defeated Costa Rica 4-2 in Munich and Ecuador earned a 2-0 victory over Poland in Gelsenkirchen.
Two days later, Ronaldo announced his arrival in style. In Portugal's 1-0 win over Angola, the Manchester United player showcased the many facets of his prodigious talent, with the fleet-footed forward only lacking a clinical finish to add to his excellent approach work.
Before the shortlist is revealed both Podolski and Ronaldo have one last chance to shine. Together with Miroslav Klose, the tournament's leading scorer, Podolski has the arduous task of penetrating an Italian rearguard which has conceded just one goal so far.
Ronaldo on the other hand, will be coming up against a France side full of confidence following its 1-0 win over Brazil. Chelsea defender William Gallas will be given the task of trying to stop the flying winger.
The pair knows all about each other from their battles on the Premiership stage, but now the eyes of the world will be upon them.
Youth against experience, a country's pride on the line and the greatest players in the world on display. There really is no stage like the World Cup.
(Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)
