How Fifa's bewildering World Cup award has distorted football reality

The article focuses on FIFA’s “Player of the Match” World Cup awards and argues they have distorted football reality by rewarding fan popularity over on-field performance. It highlights Casemiro receiving the award after Brazil’s Monday win over Japan that the piece describes as anxious and unconvincing. It also cites Cristiano Ronaldo being honored despite only one registered touch in the box besides a penalty, and Spain’s Lamine Yamal receiving the prize after a 3-0 win over Austria, even as Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice and Marc Cucurella added two assists. The article adds that fans vote online early and often, making selections susceptible to trolling. It points to Jude Bellingham admitting he did not deserve his prize after a draw with Ghana, and mentions Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah winning awards despite criticism of match impact.