Korean defender Hong Myung-bo was selected to receive the Adidas-FIFA Bronze Ball award for his performance in the 2002 World Cup Korea-Japan, the first Asian player to win such prestigious recognition. Germany's goalkeeper Oliver Khan received the highest honor, the Golden Ball, and Brazilian striker Ronaldo won the Silver Ball.

FIFA and Adidas announced Tuesday that 25% of journalists from around the world voted for Khan, followed by Ronaldo with 21% and Hong with 18%. The total number of votes was not made public, and the time and location for the award ceremony will be announced later.

Team Korea won another honor, as it was selected as the favorite team in this year’s tournament in FIFA’s online poll; 365,619 Internet users cast votes, and 61% chose the national team as their favorite.

Along with teammate Yoo Sang-chul, Hong was included in the World Cup All-Star Team, and had his name put on the Best 11 list selected by major media, including Reuters and the Financial Times, proving his status as one of world's best defenders.

Having been a regular in the national team for thirteen years since February 1990, this year's tournament was Hong’s fourth consecutive appearance in the World Cup. Perfectly nicknamed "Asia’s finest libero," he played over 130 matches, a record in Korean soccer history.

(Jo Jeong-hun, donjuan@chosun.com )