James beats Messi in World Cup poll

James Rodriguez was voted as the star player of the 2014 World Cup ahead of Lionel Messi in a poll conducted among by AS readers.

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Argentina captain Messi won the actual Golden Ball but, in a poll conducted before the final on Sunday, Colombia's Rodriguez took 36.43 percent of the vote.

Rodriguez won the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament's top goalscorer with six goals in five games.

But his excellent form, including his volleyed goal against Uruguay which was among the pick of the goals of the tournament, saw him come out on top with the fans.

Rodriguez was followed by Toni Kroos, who received 26.45 percent of readers' votes, and Lionel Messi, with 14 percent.

In fourth place was Javier Mascherano and Arjen Robben came fifth.

Keylor Navas came out as the best goalkeeper in the tournament's Golden Glove award in another poll conducted by the Spanish newspaper.

The Costa Rica international received 53 percent of readers' votes, while Germany's Manuel Neuer trailed him on 37.62 percent.

Argentina's Sergio Romero came third with 9.38 percent following his heroics in the semifinal penalty shootout victory against Holland.

France defender Raphael Varane was voted best young player with a resounding total of 53.27 percent, followed by teammate Paul Pogba who received 33.46 percent and Holland's Memphis Depay 13.26 percent.