7. Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)

Ghana kept the African flag proudly flying this summer becoming only the third African nation to reach a World Cup quarter-final.

And, while team-work was the guiding ethic that cemented the Black Stars' success, one player stood out. That man was Asamoah Gyan.

Many will remember Gyan as the player who cost Ghana a spot in the semis after striking the bar with a last-minute penalty against Uruguay.

But, it should not be forgotten that without Gyan's goals in the lead up to that last-eight showdown, Ghana would never have got so far in the first place.

6. Mark Paston (New Zealand)

An unusual choice perhaps, but our Top 7 list needed a goalkeeping hero and nobody fits that bill better than New Zealand stopper Mark Paston.

From Walsall and St Johnstone to Paston's current home at Wellington Phoenix, the 33-year-old keeper was hardly a household name before the finals kicked off.

But Paston's hugely impressive performances between the sticks earnt New Zealand three draws against Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia and won him and his nation an army of new-found fans.

Most importantly of all though, Paston's heroics ensured the Kiwis achieved the almost impossible by finishing the tournament undefeatde and with more points than the 2006 world champions.

Not bad for a rugby-loving country of only 25 professional footie players!

5. Robert Vittek (Slovakia)

When Robert Vittek opened the scoring in Slovakia's first game against New Zealand, he became the first player to ever score for his country at a World Cup finals.

Sadly for the 28-year-old striker, a last-minute equaliser that day tainted what looked like becoming a dream finals appearance.

But, Vittek bounced back and two goals against Italy gave Slovakia a famous 3-2 win and dumped the world champions out of the tournament.

Thus ensued jubilation back home in the streets of Bratislava as the central European country sealed a second-round tie against Holland.

While a 2-1 loss saw the end to Slovakia's World Cup fairytale, Vittek's late consolation penalty saw him exit South Africa with four goals to his name.

It was also enough to jump the striker to the top of the all-time list of Slovakian goalscorers.

4. Diego Lugano (Uruguay)

The small South American country of Uruguay exceeded all expectations in South Africa after a run to the semi-finals.

With a defence marshalled by captain Diego Lugano, Uruguay reached the last four having conceded just two goals in five games.

But, a foot injury to Lugano against Ghana in the quarter-finals, ruled the Fenerbahce defender out of their crucial semi-final showdown with Holland.

And, without their commanding central back, Uruguay shipped three goals and crashed out of the tournament.

3. David Villa (Spain)

To be the best in the world a player must cut it at the very highest level. For David Villa the World Cup has been his finest achievement.

Following his exploits at Euro 2008 where the marksman won the Golden Boot award, Villa further reinforced his position as the world's top striker by scoring 49 goals in 65 games for Valencia in La Liga.

But, while the pressure of performing at the top level has cut to size many of the world's supposed best players this summer, Villa has thrived on the huge expectations.

Five goals in five games has been the recent Barca recruit's response, leaving few in any doubt that the world's best striker is Spain's number seven.

2. Mesut Ozil (Germany)

There are many contenders from Joachim Low's youthful side who deserve recognition for the part they've played in helping march Germany through the World Cup.

Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger have all been instrumental in the Germans' refreshing approach to life in South Africa.

But none have impressed quite like Mesut Ozil.

Right from the off, the 21-year-old has been the star performer at the heart of the German midfield, scheming, teasing and delighting audiences with a string of intelligent performances.

It's been a remarkable journey for the Werder Bremen playmaker who only made his debut last year and, until Michael Ballack's unfortunate injury in the FA Cup final, wasn't even assured of a place in the side.

But, Ozil has risen to the challenge with remarkable maturity and, in the process, added a considerable sum to his transfer value.

1. Wesley Sneijder (Holland)

Goals win you matches and, by this reckoning alone, Wesley Sneijder has carried Holland almost single handed.

As witnessed from Sneijder's impressive displays in guiding Inter Milan to a Cup treble this season, there is now much more to the diminutive playmaker than just his goalscoring record.

Where once Sneijder only threatened to do something magnificent, the 26-year-old now regularly delivers.

His summer displays could be enough to land him the most coveted individual prize in football, the Ballon d'Or award for Europe's player of the year.

And, victory in the final on Sunday, will see Sneijder become the first player to bag the World Cup, Champions League and league and cup double all in the same year.