Evaluating Individual Brazilian Accolades at The 2009 Confederations Cup

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Along with the championship trophy (and the FIFA Fair Play Trophy), Brazil racked up the most individual accolades of all the teams in the tournament.

Let's take a look at the award winners.

Golden Ball: Kaka

The Golden Ball award is given to the best player at the tournament. 

Kaka was the most consistent player on the Brazilian team during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. Not only did he have so many of his terrorizing runs which split the defense, but he was also one of the most consistent passers, completing 74% of his passes.

In the group opener against Egypt, he scored the first goal, splitting the Egyptian defense with some intricate footwork. Then in the ninetieth minute, the game was tied 3-3. Kaka stepped up to score a penalty because of a handball in the box by an Egyptian defender. Because of his penalty, the Brazilians were able to walk away with a full three points. 

In the next match against the USA, Kaka set up Ramires to make a long run, who then passed to Robinho who slotted it home. Later in the game, Kaka set up Maicon to score on a give-and-go.

In the final group match against Italy, Kaka assisted Luis Fabiano's second goal and the second goal of the game against Italy; and he also set up an own goal by playing a through ball to Robinho who played in a low cross which was slid in by Italian defender Dossena.

In the final, Kaka was one of the most threatening players on the field. At one point in the second half, a cross was played into the box which Kaka headed on goal. It looked as if American goalkeeper Tim Howard had saved the shot, so the referee signaled play on. However, video replays later on showed that the ball had clearly crossed the line. 

Moments later though, all of that was forgotten when Kaka made a superb run which split the American defense and played a low cross into the box. Initially, Robinho's first attempt to finish hit the crossbar, but Luis Fabiano headed the rebound into the net immediately afterward. 

Kaka finished the tournament with 2 goals, 3 assists, the Golden Ball award, and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup trophy.

Golden Shoe/Silver Ball: Luis Fabiano

The Golden Shoe is given to the highest scorer at the tournament. 

Luis Fabiano scored five goals on the road to being the highest scorer at the tournament and the highest scorer on the championship team. 

Fabiano scored his first goal on a header against Egypt in the group opener. He added another two against Italy in the final group game. In the final, Fabiano scored another double to tie up the game against the Stars and Stripes. 

The Silver Ball is given to the second best player at the tournament. The biggest reason for Fabiano winning this award was also probably because of the five goals that he scored. 

Fabiano was a constant menace to the opposing defense. 

Luis Fabiano and Kaka combined to give Brazil the most individual awards at the tournament; both were consistent and continuously attacked their opponents. 

Did Kaka deserve his Golden Ball award and did Luis Fabiano deserve his Silver Ball? Or should someone else have won the awards? Share your thoughts.

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