Maniche

However, you should also consider that "Maniche" is also only a nickname for this player who was actually born Nuno Ricardo Oliveira Ribeiro.

Beaver Watch Kerron Cross 2006

Apparently he received the "Maniche" monicker after Danish forward Michael Manniche.

Archive 2006-06-01 Kerron Cross 2006

Apparently he received the "Maniche" monicker after Danish forward Michael Manniche.

Beaver Watch Kerron Cross 2006

However, you should also consider that "Maniche" is also only a nickname for this player who was actually born Nuno Ricardo Oliveira Ribeiro.

Archive 2006-06-01 Kerron Cross 2006

Portugal replied with a clinical attack as Sabrosa charged down the wing and pulled the ball back for Maniche to beat keeper Oswaldo Sanchez.

USATODAY.com - Portugal sweeps Group D; Mexico loses but advances with help 2006

Other nominees include Germany captain Michael Ballack and striker Miroslav Klose, who is leading the scorers with five goals, and Maniche from Portugal.

USATODAY.com - Golden Ball winner will be announced after final game 2006

Without a doubt the biggest absence on this list that of Inter midfielder Maniche.

Portugal Call-Up 2008

But the difference in the game was a beautiful goal by Maniche in the 23rd minute that came off a quick threat on the edge of the area.

USATODAY.com - Portugal plods past Netherlands 1-0 in rough, card-filled match 2006

Yellow cards: Portugal, Miguel, 26th; Maniche, 69th; Boa Morte, 88th; Nuno Gomes, 90th (injury time).

USATODAY.com - Portugal sweeps Group D; Mexico loses but advances with help 2006

Portugal won on goals by Maniche and Simao Sabrosa in the first 25 minutes, and Kikin replied by heading in a corner kick to put Mexico back in the game before halftime.

USATODAY.com - Portugal sweeps Group D; Mexico loses but advances with help 2006