Germany striker Lukas Podolski has won the young player of the World Cup award.

Podolski (21) has scored three goals in six matches - two against Sweden and one against Ecuador - ahead of Germany's third place play-off clash with Portugal in Stuttgart tomorrow.

Podolski won the award - chosen by a 14-man Fifa panel - ahead of fellow contenders Spain's Cesc Fabregas, Argentina's Lionel Messi, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Ecuador's Luis Valencia and Switzerland's Tranquillo Barnetta.

Podolski said: "I would have liked to have taken home another trophy - the World Cup - but nevertheless this is a great honour and will be a great motivation to become more successful."