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<span class="vitstoryheadline">Germany's Kahn wins top player award</span>
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<span class="vitstorydate">07/02/2002</span>
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<span class="vitstorybyline">Associated Press</span>
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    TOKYO &#8211; German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn won the Golden Ball award on Tuesday 
    despite giving up a pair of goals to Ronaldo in Brazil's 2-0 victory in 
    the World Cup final.

    <p>
      Kahn allowed just three goals in the tournament and defeated Ronaldo in 
      the media vote for the World Cup's outstanding player.
    </p>
    <p>
      Kahn received 147 votes, followed by Ronaldo with 126 and South Korean 
      captain Hong Myung-bo with 108.
    </p>
    <p>
      Kahn's fumble in the beginning of the second half Sunday allowed Ronaldo 
      to charge into the penalty area and score the first goal. After the 
      game, Kahn slumped into the goal he had protected so well throughout the 
      tournament, his shoulders cradled by the net. Ronaldo wept with joy as 
      Brazil won the World Cup for the fifth time.
    </p>
    <p>
      Ballots were cast by journalists at the third-place game between South 
      Korea and Turkey at Daegu, South Korea, and the final at Yokohama, Japan.
    </p>
    <p>
      The award is sponsored by sportswear manufacturer adidas.
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