Press-Selected Three Heroes Of The 2002 World Cup

The German’s Maginot Line, Olver Kahn (33) was voted MVP of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup and, therefore, received the Addidas Golden Ball.

Hong Myong-bo (33, Pohang Stealers), the Eternal Ribberto of Korea, ranked third, getting the honor of receiving the Bronze Ball for the first time as an Asian player.

Addidas announced Kahn received 147 votes, or 25% of the total ballots by the press. On the other hand, Ronaldo, the most scorer of this competition, received 126 votes. Therefore, Kahn beat Ronald and grabbed the honor.

Kahn was also selected the best goalkeeper and rewarded the Yashin Award. With two awards, he crowned himself with the title of best ’02 World Cup star.

Ronaldo (26) was originally a best shot for Golden Ball as well as Golden Shoe. He broke the unbreakable wall of 6 with his 8 goals, the highest in the World Cup history. He could not, however, realize his dream of “two-consecutive-time” MVP. He had to settle for the Silver Ball.

In the meanwhile, 108 votes were for Hong (18%), getting him the Bronze Ball.

stt77@donga.com