YOKOHAMA -- Turkey forward Hasan Sas was a surprise nominee on the 10-man list for the honor as the top player in this World Cup, sponsor adidas announced Thursday in Yokohama.
The Golden Ball nominees, who have been selected by FIFA's technical study group through the tournament so far, feature two players from finalist Germany -- midfielder Michael Ballack and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn -- as well as Brazil's "Three Rs," Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, plus Roberto Carlos.
The list also contains Senegal forward El Hadji Diouf as well as defenders Fernando Hierro of Spain and South Korea's Hong Myung Bo. Hong formerly played for Bellmare Hiratsuka and Kashiwa Reysol in the J. League.