Gerard Houllier explains why Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball

Gerard Houllier has explained why Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2014 World Cup. The decision to selected the Argentine forward was met with some suprise, but Houllier insists he deserved the accolade for his performances throughout the tournament. “I understand you are all surprised as you only remember the second half […]
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sambafoot_admin
2014-07-20 02:19:00

Gerard Houllier has explained why Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2014 World Cup.

The decision to selected the Argentine forward was met with some suprise, but Houllier insists he deserved the accolade for his performances throughout the tournament.

“I understand you are all surprised as you only remember the second half of Lionel Messi in the final,” he said as reported by Mundo Deportivo and Football Espana.

“We in the committee looked at all the games and judged who was most important for their team. He also played in the final, which is one of the conditions for the award of the prize.

“Messi was more than decisive in the first four games. In the semi-final against the Netherlands he took the first penalty and scored.

“The analysis takes into account that he was captain of a united team, a team that played well together. That’s something not seen in a while for Argentina.

“Messi was more than key in the national team and the way he played. To me, he fully deserves the Golden Ball award and he led his team to the final.”

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