Miroslav Stoch took a leaf out of Robben's book by cutting inside onto his right foot and shooting but Netherlands keeper Maarten Stekelenburg tipped over.

BBC: Netherlands 2-1 Slovakia

In the other major awards, Vicente del Bosque was named men's coach of the year for leading Spain to its second straight Euro title and Miroslav Stoch's stunning volley for Fenerbahce won the Puskas award for goal of 2012.

WSJ: Messi's Fourth Ballon d'Or Surprises No One

The FIFA Puskas award for the year's best goal -- which was voted for by more than five million fans in an online poll -- was awarded to Galatasaray's Slovakian striker Miroslav Stoch for his superb volley against Turkish league rivals Genclerbirligi.

CNN: Messi crowned world's best for record fourth time