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Three-way fight Figo, Zidane, Rivaldo seek FIFA's world player award
Updated: Monday December 11, 2000 11:31 AM
ROME (Reuters) -- Portugal's Luis Figo, Frenchman Zinedine Zidane and Brazil's Rivaldo will be locked in a three-way fight on Monday to become FIFA's World Player of the Year for 2000. Meanwhile, a feud between Maradona and Pele regarding FIFA's player of the century award threatened to overshadow the annual honor. The prestigious award, won last year by Rivaldo for his exploits with Barcelona and Brazil's 1999 Copa America-winning side, is seen as the highest accolade in the game. All three candidates play in a similar position, attacking from advanced midfield positions, and all were born in 1972. Rivaldo may yet retain his title. But the two Europeans are a better bet since, unlike the South American, they have both played in a major international competition over the past year -- Euro 2000. Figo's stunning 30-meter shot past England goalkeeper David Seaman in Eindhoven signaled the start of a Portuguese revival that saw it overturn a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.
The winning roll continued right through to the semifinals, where they eventually went down 2-1 against France. Zidane scored the golden goal winner in that match, smashing home a controversial penalty in extra time. The Juventus midfieldfer, whose ball skills were a delight throughout the tournament, also played his part as France beat Italy 2-1 in the final to become world and European champions. Zidane's two goals in the World Cup final against Brazil ensured he became FIFA's World Player of the Year in 1998. Two years on, only Rivaldo and Figo stand between him and a repeat victory as the world's best footballer. Figo is optimistic about his chances of winning the award but says it does not necessarily go to the best player in the world. "Obviously I hope to win. And if I am on the final list, I am there with a good chance of winning," the Portuguese international told reporters on Sunday. "But winning the award does not actually mean you are the best in the world. It is more a reward for all the work you have done over the year." He said it would not add any extra pressure on him to perform: "I am already the most expensive player in the world and that doesn't worry me."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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