DORTMUND, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Germany striker Lukas Podolski was selected as the Best Young Player of the World Cup on Friday.

    FIFA's Technical Study Group gave him the award for his key role in Germany's performance on their way to the semifinals of the 2006 event.

    Former German international Lothar Matthaus handed the trophy over to the best youngster of the tournament during a press conference at Berlin's Olympiastadion.

    This coveted honour for players aged 21 and under is a FIFA award in which the fans had an opportunity to submit their vote onwww.FIFAworldcup.com for the shortlist of six players together with FIFA's Technical Study Group.

    The six finalists were Lukas Podolski (Germany), Luis Valencia (Ecuador), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Lionel Messi (Argentina),Cesc Fabregas (Spain) and Tranquillo Barnetta (Switzerland). Enditem