AS EXPECTED

Last updated : 21 December 2004 By editor

This from The Guardian:

'The Barcelona forward came out on top of a poll of national team coaches, with a total of 620 votes followed by Henry, who won 552 votes and Shevchenko third with 253.

Ronaldinho pledged his long-term future to Barcelona by dismissing rumours of a move away.

"For me, just to be selected and to be here was already an honour. Of course, I have to thank my Barcelona colleagues because I could not have won it without them. I am very happy at Barcelona, I want to be part of a new winning era at the club and I have no plans to go anywhere else."

Women's Player of the Year: Birgit Prinz.
Team of the year: Brazil
Most improved team in FIFA world standings: China
Fair Play award: Brazilian football federation
Special Fifa president's award: Haitian football federation