The 2018 FIFA World Cup is almost over. Thirty of the 32 teams to enter the competition have already been sent home. The two teams that survive will meet in Moscow to play in the final on Sunday.
The race for the Golden Ball, the award handed to the tournament's best player, is heating up. The Golden Glove, which goes to the goalkeeper that puts on the tournament's most impressive display, report agencies.
With Messi, reigning Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil's Neymar long eliminated, the leading candidates for the Golden Ball are.
Luka Modric
The diminutive 32-year-old Croatia and Real Madrid playmaker can crown his career - which already boasts a host of club honours - with the title in Sunday's final against France. According to FIFA, no player has covered more ground at this World Cup; 63 kilometres.
Kylian Mbappe
The French sensation has taken the World Cup by storm with his skill and speed, scoring three goals so far.
Harry Kane
The Tottenham Hotspur forward tops the scoring charts in Russia with six goals.
Eden Hazard
Belgium have a wealth of talent, with the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens, but Chelsea attacking midfielder Hazard is their main man and captain.
Meanwhile, France's Hugo Lloris, Belgium's Thibaut Courtois, England's Jordan Pickford and Croati's Danijel Subasic is set to receive the Golden Glove award that will be offered to the best shot-stopper of the tournament.
Here is a look at the World Cup 2018 Golden Glove contenders:
Hugo Lloris
Although he conceded three goals against Argentina, Lloris shone against Uruguay by keeping a clean sheet that assisted his team to the next round.
Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian is the best goalkeeper in the World Cup so far in terms of the numbers. Jordan Pickford
The Everton goalkeeper stopped England's penalty shootout curse and proved that the country can produce quality player between the goalposts.
Danijel Subasic
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has managed to stop four penalties throughout the tournament, boosting the team's confidence when Luka Modric's golden generation comes unstuck at the other end of the pitch.
