Updated 05:04 PM EDT, Thu, Mar 28, 2024

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: Our Top Predictions for Winner of the Golden Boot, Golden Glove, and the Golden Ball

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Well, folks. It's about that time again. With the 2014 World Cup games coming to an end, the winner of the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball will soon be determined. With World Cup stats as close as they are this year, it really is anybody's game. 

Well, not quite anybody. But you know what we mean. Here are the top picks for the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. Til next World Cup, y'all. 

Golden Boot

James Rodriguez -- The 23-year-old Colombian, who currently plays his club soccer for AS Monaco FC, has lit up the 2014 World Cup with 6 goals and 2 assists. His play was a major factor in Colombia's best ever World Cup showing before bowing out to host Brazil in the quarterfinals. 

Thomas Muller -- Thomas Muller picked up the Golden Boot at the 2010 World Cup at the age of 20. Muller currently sits at 5 goals and 3 assists going into the finals against Argentina. The German striker only needs one goal in the finals to jump Rodriguez and gain the top spot, since the number of assists is the tie-breaker. 

Lionel Messi -- "Leo" will need one of the all-time great World Cup performances to win the boot, but is definitely worth the mention. Messi would need to tally a minimum of 2 goals and 2 assists, or 3 goals in the finals against Germany, which is almost an impossible task.

Our pick: Even though there's no guarantee, we expect Muller to net one goal on his way to hoisting the World Cup and winning his second straight Golden Boot Award.

Golden Glove

Keylor Navas -- The 27-year-old goalkeeper from Costa Rica recorded 21 saves in Los Ticos' 5 games, including a match-winning display in the knockout round against Greece. Navas also was awarded man of the match in 3 of Costa Rica's games. 

Manuel Neuer -- The 28-year-old German is highly recognized as the world's top goalkeeper. Neuer has recorded 25 saves and kept 3 clean sheets during this year's tournament. A solid display in the finals could push him into the top spot. 

Sergio Romero -- The 27-year-old goalkeeper from Argentina has made 15 saves in Brazil 2014 so far. His most notable performance came against the Dutch, saving two penalty shots and pushing his team into the finals against Germany on Sunday. 

Our Pick: Since Tim Howard isn't a finalist, we'll go with Manuel Neuer.

Golden Ball

Lionel Messi -- Out of Argentina's three finalists, Lionel Messi tops that list. He has scored 4 of Argentina's 8 goals and has had an assist on one, and has carried this team to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1990.

Thomas Muller -- He's a strong contender out of the four German finalists. The 24-year-old could capture his second Golden Boot award. His performance could bring the World Cup back to Germany since 1950.

James Rodriguez -- This list would not be complete without Colombia's James Rodriguez, who lit this tournament on fire with 6 goals and 2 assists, which currently puts him in the lead for the Golden Boot award. His play inspired Colombia to their best ever World Cup finish. 

Our Pick: In our minds, the most exciting player in this World Cup is James Rodriguez. 

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