Corinthians goalkeeper Cássio has been awared the Fifa Golden Ball, awared to the tournament’s best player, after his heroic performance in the 1-0 Club World Cup final victory over Chelsea.
Cássio, 25, who moved to the now ‘World Champions’ earlier this year from PSV Eindhoven, was unbeatable in the final in Yokohama and pulled off superb saves to deny Victor Moses, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres to help the Timão lift the trophy.
“Thanks to our commitment!,” the keeper told Globo Esporte reporters after the game.
“Everyone struggled, ran for one another and so we come to the title. We are definitely going to have a crowd waiting for us in Brazil. It’s time to celebrate.”
Cássio reflected on the title by looking back to a crucial save made from a Diego Souza shot in the quarter-final against Vasco da Gama.
“That was a defining moment, but I just did my job.”
The final was a close affair but was decided in the 69th minute when Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero headed in Danilo’s deflected shot.
Guerrero, who also scored the winning goal in the semi-final against Al-Ahly, took the Bronze award for third best player and Chelsea defender Davis Luiz took the Silver award, given to the second best player.
