re: So Messi wins the Golden Ball

James should have been a virtual lock. Messi was not even the best player on his team.

I just have a hard time believing that someone who did pretty much nothing in the knockout rounds and completely disappeared in the 2nd half of the final deserved to be named the best player of the tournament. I'm not sure who would should have won, but it just shouldn't have been Messi.

Colombia was my favorite team this tournament. James was the one player that became a star to the world in this tourney. He was appointment television. I felt that way about no one else (except for the USA) even though I watched every single game.

I am biased because I have been a big fan of Rodriguez for a little while, but he was the only player who truly captured my imagination in this tournament.

Robben was great as well. I thought Muller, Cuadrado, and Mascherano were also very impressive.

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Robben

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It seemed like every time he touched the ball he had 3 defenders on him, but he still weaved his way in and out and created chances.

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Messi did have 3 defenders on him and still weaved his way in and out and created chances. Argentina did a great job of shutting Robben down, as they did with many countries best players.

Rodriguez was great, but you have to remember the competition Colombia played.

IMO Muller was the best all around player. He scored, had some great crosses into the box throughout, and was a real pain in the arse for every defender who had to mark him.

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we were one torn anus away from seeing Robben score the winner in the semis

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Solid.