Golden Shoe Betting

One of the more popular markets during a World Cup has proven to be the ‘Top Goalscorer‘ market, which in it’s simplest form means; who, as in player, will finish the 32 team tournament with the highest amount of goals. The ‘Golden Shoe’ (aka ‘Golden Boot’) is the official name for the award given to the player with the most amount of goals at the end of the tournament, and is second best only to winning the World Cup itself.

Some great names over the years have won the award, the likes of Brazil’s Ronaldo, Portugal’s Eusebio, even our own Gary Lineker, whom will be presenting coverage of the finals live on the BBC during the summers event, has a Golden Shoe in his trophy cabinet, while the current owner of the Golden Shoe belongs to Miroslav Klose of Germany. However, Klose didn’t have strain too much to land the award as his tally of just 5 goals was the joint-second lowest goal tally to have claimed the overall prize in the World Cup’s 80 year history.

So who will claim 2010’s Golden Shoe? Well, we’ve not had much luck predicting some of the previous years winners, with Klose not even on our radar back in 2006, but with some big names representing their countries over the summer, we’re fairly confident we’ll get closer this time around. Below is our brief assessment of some of the frontrunners in the betting market to win the 2010 FIFA Golden Shoe.

During the World Cup tournament we will update in regular intervals the World Cup 2010 Top Goalscorer Ranking and quote their best odds to win the trophy.

In the End quite surprisingly the winner was Thomas Muller of Germany because Fifa took the number of assists as decisive criterion as 4 players had all scored 5 goals. Thomas Muller won the golden shoe for the best goalscorer of the World Cup 2010.

5 Goals: Thomas Muller (Germany), David Villa (Spain), Wesley Sneijder (Holland), Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

4 Goals: Miroslav Klose (Germany), Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina), Robert Vittek (Slovakia)

3 Goals: Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Landon Donovan (USA)

2 Goals: Carlos Tevez (Argentina), Brett Holman (Australia), Elano (Brazil), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Keisuke Honda (Japan), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Javier Hernandez (Mexico), Kalu Uche (Nigeria), Tiago (Portugal), Lee Chung Yong (South Korea), Lee Jung Soo (South Korea), Arjen Robben (Holland), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay), Alvaro Pereira (Uruguay), Maxi Pereira (Uruguay)

World Cup 2010 Top Goalscorer (Golden Boot, Golden Shoe) Betting Odds

And here an always up-to-date goal scorer odds comparison table

More information on some of the favourites …

David Villa

Country: Spain

Club: Valencia

International Apps: 55

International Goals: 37

Club Form: 28 Goals in 42 Appearances

Odds: 11/1 Bet365

Ah, David Villa. One the most wanted strikers on the planet, and up their with the very best with a stunning goal return for both club and country. A fully fit David Villa is a scary thought for any opponent and he’ll be keenly watched over the course of the World Cup by every defender, although very few manage to keep the 2008 European Championship’s top goalscorer at bay for the entire length of a 90 minute game. He’s quick, skilful and so damn clinical in front of goal. You give him even the slightest whiff at goal and he’ll punish you with aplomb – This guy is deadly in and around the box and chances are you’ll see why.

Despite lacking in height (5ft 9in), Villa has this predatory presence in the opposing box, with any half-chance or defensive mistakes immediately snapped up by the little Spaniard. He also has so much to his game. An unlimited inventory if you like. He can take on a defender, weave in between the tightest of defences, take free-kicks and penalties under pressure, score from 30 yards… score from 2 yards; the man is a menace and it’s no wonder the bookies are no taking no prisoners by quoting Villa as the early favourite for the Golden Shoe award, although his price looks extremely generous considering he’s one of many world class players in the Spain squad. A team which will create plenty of chances during the course of the tournament, so Villa will get his fair amount of opportunities to score in South Africa and bolster his already mean International tally.

Fernando Torres

Country: Spain

Club: Liverpool

International Apps: 71

International Goals: 23

Club Form: 22 Goals in 32 Appearances

Odds: 13/1 Expekt

Liverpool’s No.9 is one half of a deadly striking duo for Spain. The name ‘Torres’ is now a household name around Europe after properly announcing himself on the scene after two prolific seasons in a tough and often gruelling English Premier League. In two seasons in England with Liverpool, Torres has built up a stunning goalscoring CV of 54 goals in just 77 appearances for the Reds, although his exploits for Spain are a tad more confined. Even so, the sheer sight of Torres on the starting sheet scares the living daylights out of defenders and he’s one of just a few who are almost guaranteed a starting berth for Spain in South Africa, that is providing he’s fully fit.

For all Torres’ amazing attributes; his lightening like acceleration and pace, his quick feet and skills, his composure in the final and his ability to position himself in the goalscoring areas… amongst others traits, he does seem prone to knocks and scrapes. Since joining Liverpool in 2007, Torres has endured a handful of injuries, some of which have kept him sidelined for several weeks at a time, and he’s had to deal with a stop-start season in England this year which will have affected his preparations for the World Cup somewhat. However, Liverpool’s talismanic forward appears to be back to his goalscoring best and if he keeps up his goalscoring form until the end of the season, his confidence should be sky-high, and so, Torres will surely be thereabouts on the top goalscorers list in South Africa.

Wayne Rooney

Country: England

Club: Manchester United

International Apps: 58

International Goals: 25

Club Form: 34 Goals in 44 Appearances

Odds: 12/1 SportingBet

One of the most energetic and enthusiastic players around is Wayne Rooney, of which he’s now added ‘Goalscoring Machine’ to his forte after a sublime season for his club in the Barclay’s Premier League. The Liverpool born forward has been enjoying his best ever seen for Manchester United, already lending a helping in hand in landing the Carling Cup trophy for the Manchester based club by scoring their winner at Wembley. Rooney will be hoping more trophies are still to come, with the biggest of them all being the Jules Rimet trophy in South Africa, but Rooney hasn’t faired too well on the big stage for his country in past events; suffering a tournament ending injury in the 2004 European Championships before later seeing Red in the 2006 World Cup. On both occasions his country went out in the same encounter, so while many back home in England are pinning their hopes on the fiery, ginger faced Scouser, the omens aren’t heavily stacked in his favour.

What Wayne Rooney does have to offer though is some stunning form, both from his club and international duties. Rooney was pivotal during England’s World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing as their top goalscorer with 9 goals after 9 qualifiers. However, it’s his form at Manchester United which has catapulted him into Golden Boot contention after a blistering season in the Premiership. After 38 competitive games with man Utd, Rooney has netted on 32 occasions averaging nearly a goal every-other-game. He’s not just about goals though, far from it. Rooney’s model like work ethic is something for our kids back home in England to aspire to. We’ve yet to see a game yet where Rooney just hasn’t turned up and performed, especially for England. He’s rapidly becoming one of the most consistent players around and he’ll set the bar in South Africa for the rest of the England players to follow– Let’s hope the rest match his high standards.

Luis Fabiano

Country: Brazil

Club: Sevilla

International Apps: 36

International Goals: 25

Club Form: 21 Goals in 34 Appearances

Odds: 13/1 bWin

Surprise-Surprise, Brazil have a nifty goalscorer, although this one isn’t exactly your stereotypical showboating Brazilian striker like those preceded him. Don’t get me wrong, Fabiano does have plenty of skill and wit in his locker, but he’s not as bumptious as say a Ronaldo or a Romario, yet his record for his country is second to none and on course to be up their with the very best in Brazil. That is providing he gets enough games in the forthcoming few years as Fabiano was a late bloomer and has only recently come into the limelight at the age of 29

While Fabiano took a while to really make a name for himself, with one reason perhaps being the ultra competitive forward competition he’s had to face in previous years, the Sevilla forward has shown his worth for Brazil despite his country only recently demanding his regular services. His tally of 25 goals in 36 Internationals is just breathtaking, while his form during qualifying put him firmly in the hat for the summers Golden Boot award. That was until injury put his season on hold, with an ankle injury restricting his pitch time for Sevilla of late. Even so, he’s been averaging a goal every-other-game in Spain, and should he be fit and raring to go by the summer time, Fabiano will definitely pose a threat to those craving a Golden Boot – While this could be Fabiano’s last chance to claim the prize with age clearly not on his side any more.

Lionel Messi

Country: Argentina

Club: Barcelona

International Apps: 43

International Goals: 13

Club Form: 47 Goals in 53 Appearances

Odds: 16/1 Boylesports

Where do we even begin to describe the Golden Boot credentials of thee best player on the planet according to FIFA, and just about every honest footballing pundit. The lad is still just 22 years-of-age yet he’s already known worldwide for his footballing exploits. Messi not only has the potential to be the players of the tournament in South Africa but he could very well end up as the greatest ever player to embrace the beautiful game if he continues at this pace. The little Argentine has been in scintillating form for his club, Barcelona, in Spain, racking up a staggering 29 goals in just 31 appearances. He’s already on track to land the Golden Boot award in Spain, which would be some feat for a winger, but does he have the making of a Golden Shoe winner? Some would say perhaps not.

While there is so much to love about Messi; his silky touches, his mazy runs, the sublime pieces of skill and the downright audacious goals, the criticism with Messi, especially back home, has been that he doesn’t quite emulate his club form at International level, with some journalists back in Argentina claiming Messi only really produces his best for his club, Barcelona. His average goal return while on International duty is perhaps the evidence to back up these claims but we mustn’t forget that Messi is still very young, with his best years still ahead of him, and yet the pressure on the lad from fans and pundits back home must be enormous. He’s done extremely well not to over burn, yet he poured his heart and soul into a lacklustre Argentina qualifying campaign. It would have been a huge blow had Messi and Argentina not made the finals, but they are there and the FIFA World Player of the Year will set out to make a real impact in just his second World Cup finals appearance.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Country: Portugal

Club: Real Madrid

International Apps: 69

International Goals: 22

Club Form: 33 Goals in 35 Appearances

Odds: 20/1 bWin

Despite claiming the 2008 FIFA Player of the Year award, the bookies don’t fancy the cheeky Portuguese star with Cristiano Ronaldo looking rather tasty at 20/1 to finish this summers finals as the most prolific player on the planet. The charismatic forward will certainly be eager to land the Golden Shoe award as it’s about the only accolade the Portuguese superstar, and captain, hasn’t won in what has been a glistering career up till now. There isn’t an awful lot Ronaldo can’t brag about, especially after his £80Million pound move to Real Madrid last summer from Manchester United after two very impressive years in England, even ending the 2007/2008 season as England’s deadliest forward with a sublime return of 42 goals in all competitions. Ronaldo now lays claim to being the most expensive footballer, not only on the planet, but to have ever lived.

Why is Ronaldo such big odds? Well, to put it bluntly, he will be spearheading one of Portugal’s poorest national sides in it’s history in South Africa and they’ll do well just to make it past the group stages. In a group consisting of Brazil and the Ivory Coast, Ronaldo will need to show some of his magic in order to drive Portugal deep into the competition. However, Ronaldo is another big name who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations when playing for his country, yet the burden of success upon his shoulders will be huge this summer as he will head into South Africa as the Portugal captain – God knows why as I couldn’t respect a player who spends a large portion of his game diving and winging, although the other half is usually spent scoring goals, so that’s probably why.

The Portuguese are now a one man team and if they are to go through, we have no doubts that Ronaldo will be to blame – and blame is the correct word as the inevitable will happen somewhere down the line where the winking, take my shirt off whenever possible, Ronaldo breaks English hearts for the third time in a row.

We will try to add others as we go along… But here are few other names, including their respective odds, that could challenge some of the more obvious selections at more appealing odds.

Gonzalo Higuain

Country: Argentina

International Apps: 4

International Goals: 2

Odds: 25/1 PaddyPower

Didier Drogba

Country: Ivory Coast

International Apps: 68

International Goals: 43

Odds: 33/1 bWin

Germany ensured that all of the summer’s major honours went the way of European sides, as a 3-2 win over South Americans Uruguay cemented their place in the finals top three and thus landing them third-place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup behind Holland & Spain.

In what proved to be a pulsating affair in this last intercontinental of what has been an absorbing FIFA World Cup in South Africa, a five-goal thriller ensued but it was the Germans who clinched their fourth third-place finish with a 3-2 win. The Germans made the brighter start to proceedings when Thomas Muller took his summer tally to five goal, thus taking him level with David Villa and Wesley Sneijder and well in with a short of claiming a share of the Golden Shoe, when he was the quickest to react after a fizzing effort from Schweinsteiger wasn’t tamed by Uruguay’s Muslera in goal, with Muller left with the easiest of tasks of sliding home into an unguarded goal. But, however, the South Americans once again displayed the sort of resilience which had earlier seen them reach the semi-finals only to lose to Holland when they grabbed one back to level the scoring at one a piece through Edinson Cavani.

Both sides went into the break with one strike each but it was Uruguay, the underdogs, who came out of the blocks faster in the second period. With just six minutes of the second half on the clock, Diego Forlan, one of the stars of these South African finals, sent Uruguay into the lead for the first time in the game with a sublime volley which had Germany shot-stopper Butt beaten all ends up. It was a goal of real quality and one that took Forlan also to five goal, equalling the earlier feat of Thomas Muller, scorer of Germany’s first goal. However, six was quickly becoming a familiar number in this lively second half as just six minutes later, Marcell Jansen drew Germany level with a header. Muslera was once again at fault as he rushed out of his goal only to get nowhere near the ball, leaving Jansen with the goal at his mercy.

The remainder of the game was enthralling, with both sides going all out for the win. The pair of them were throwing men forward to attack regardless of what the penalty for their enthusiasm may be. It was, though, the Germans who had the final say in this third-place play-off to remember, as Sami Khedira headed home following a scramble in the Uruguay penalty area in the 82nd minute. Uruguay did push for an equaliser and despite the best efforts of Forlan, who with the last kick of the game seen his free-kick thunder off the woodwork, Uruguay were once again a goal short as Germany reigned supreme in Cape Town.

It means Germany claim third place and now have every chance of ending these finals as the tournament’s top scorers with 16 goals in seven games. Thomas Muller and Diego Forlan were also winners, as the pairs goals means they have an outside chance of claiming a share of the Golden Shoe so long as Wesley Sneijder and David Villa fail to score in tomorrow’s final.

Golden Shoe Betting:

David Villa – 5/6 Boylesports
Wesley Sneijder - 12/5 SkyBet
Diego Forlan – 7/1 WilliamHill
Thomas Muller – 7/1 WilliamHill

At one stage, David Villa went as short as 1.55 on betfair to be the leading goalscorer at the World Cup, although his failure to score against Germany means that the Barcelona new boy is level on goals with Wesley Sneijder ahead of the final in Johannesburg.

Two weeks before the tournament, Blue Square were offering a generous 9/1 about Villa following his high-scoring success in Euro 2008 by landing the spoils in 2010. They also had each-way terms of ¼ first 5 places, although Spain’s opening game defeat against Switzerland saw their star striker matched at odds of around 20/1 on betfair.

Going into this final weekend of the World Cup, Villa is still favourite (10/11 bet365), although he has plenty of competition for the much-coveted award which is often won by a player who isn’t part of the victorious team.

Sneijder was an amazing 100/1 with Ladbrokes before the action got under way, although the Dutchman had done brilliantly with Inter last season and has played in an advanced position for most of the competition. After the group stages, the midfielder has only scored one goal and that saw odds of over 400/1 being matched on betfair, especially as his team looked like going out against Brazil.

However, FIFA’s decision to award Sneijder both goals against the Selecao saw the bookmakers cutting the odds on the Netherlands player winning the Golden Shoe. He’s now into 3/1 with Ladbrokes and if he remains tied for a share of the lead with Villa, then the bookmakers will pay out half your stake at 3/1 so you would still make a profit.

Nevertheless, the pair have Miroslav Klose breathing down their necks and the Germany striker needs no extra motivation when he takes to the field at Port Elizabeth on Saturday night. The Bayern Munich player needs one more goal to equal Ronaldo’s all-time World Cup goal record and two more to re-write history! While the World Cup final is likely to be low-scoring, the same cannot be said of the 3rd-place play-off if recent history is anything to go by.

Klose is 11/2 (Victor Chandler) to win the Golden Shoe four years after winning the prize during the 2006 World Cup and there are two more reasons for thinking this bet could yield a profit. Firstly, as this match is a ‘friendly’, he might expect team-mates to supply him with more ammunition (including any penalties that are awarded to Germany). Secondly, Uruguay conceded three goals to the Netherlands in the semi-final and looked pretty jaded towards the end of the game.

With Thomas Muller back from suspension, Klose can reward those punters that backed him at 33/1 before the World Cup kicked off, although the former has an outside chance (14/1 Victor Chandler) of landing the prize himself. The youngster also has four goals to his name and will be fresh from sitting out Wednesday’s match.

Diego Forlan is the final name in the mix, as he has been ever since that brace against South Africa during the group stages. Victor Chandler offer 16/1 that the Uruguayan walks off with the Golden Shoe, although he claimed after the Netherlands semi-final that he wasn’t 100% fit and manager Oscar Tabarez might use the occasion to use some fresh legs.

One of the more popular markets during a World Cup has proven to be the ‘Top Goalscorer‘ market, which in it’s simplest form means; who, as in player, will finish the 32 team tournament with the highest amount of goals. The ‘Golden Shoe’ (aka ‘Golden Boot’) is the official name for the award given to the player with the most amount of goals at the end of the tournament, and is second best only to winning the World Cup itself.

Some great names over the years have won the award, the likes of Brazil’s Ronaldo, Portugal’s Eusebio, even our own Gary Lineker, whom will be presenting coverage of the finals live on the BBC during the summers event, has a Golden Shoe in his trophy cabinet, while the current owner of the Golden Shoe belongs to Miroslav Klose of Germany. However, Klose didn’t have strain too much to land the award as his tally of just 5 goals was the joint-second lowest goal tally to have claimed the overall prize in the World Cup’s 80 year history.

So who will claim 2010’s Golden Shoe? Well, we’ve not had much luck predicting some of the previous years winners, with Klose not even on our radar back in 2006, but with some big names representing their countries over the summer, we’re fairly confident we’ll get closer this time around. Below is our brief assessment of some of the frontrunners in the betting market to win the 2010 FIFA Golden Shoe.

During the World Cup tournament we will update in regular intervals the World Cup 2010 Top Goalscorer Ranking and quote their best odds to win the trophy.

In the End quite surprisingly the winner was Thomas Muller of Germany because Fifa took the number of assists as decisive criterion as 4 players had all scored 5 goals. Thomas Muller won the golden shoe for the best goalscorer of the World Cup 2010.

5 Goals: Thomas Muller (Germany), David Villa (Spain), Wesley Sneijder (Holland), Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

4 Goals: Miroslav Klose (Germany), Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina), Robert Vittek (Slovakia)

3 Goals: Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Landon Donovan (USA)

2 Goals: Carlos Tevez (Argentina), Brett Holman (Australia), Elano (Brazil), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Keisuke Honda (Japan), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Javier Hernandez (Mexico), Kalu Uche (Nigeria), Tiago (Portugal), Lee Chung Yong (South Korea), Lee Jung Soo (South Korea), Arjen Robben (Holland), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay), Alvaro Pereira (Uruguay), Maxi Pereira (Uruguay)

World Cup Top Goalscorer (Golden Boot, Golden Shoe) Betting Odds

And here an always up-to-date goal scorer odds comparison table

More information on some of the favourites …

David Villa

Country: Spain

Club: Valencia

International Apps: 55

International Goals: 37

Club Form: 28 Goals in 42 Appearances

Odds: 11/1 Bet365

Ah, David Villa. One the most wanted strikers on the planet, and up their with the very best with a stunning goal return for both club and country. A fully fit David Villa is a scary thought for any opponent and he’ll be keenly watched over the course of the World Cup by every defender, although very few manage to keep the 2008 European Championship’s top goalscorer at bay for the entire length of a 90 minute game. He’s quick, skilful and so damn clinical in front of goal. You give him even the slightest whiff at goal and he’ll punish you with aplomb – This guy is deadly in and around the box and chances are you’ll see why.

Despite lacking in height (5ft 9in), Villa has this predatory presence in the opposing box, with any half-chance or defensive mistakes immediately snapped up by the little Spaniard. He also has so much to his game. An unlimited inventory if you like. He can take on a defender, weave in between the tightest of defences, take free-kicks and penalties under pressure, score from 30 yards… score from 2 yards; the man is a menace and it’s no wonder the bookies are no taking no prisoners by quoting Villa as the early favourite for the Golden Shoe award, although his price looks extremely generous considering he’s one of many world class players in the Spain squad. A team which will create plenty of chances during the course of the tournament, so Villa will get his fair amount of opportunities to score in South Africa and bolster his already mean International tally.

Fernando Torres

Country: Spain

Club: Liverpool

International Apps: 71

International Goals: 23

Club Form: 22 Goals in 32 Appearances

Odds: 13/1 Expekt

Liverpool’s No.9 is one half of a deadly striking duo for Spain. The name ‘Torres’ is now a household name around Europe after properly announcing himself on the scene after two prolific seasons in a tough and often gruelling English Premier League. In two seasons in England with Liverpool, Torres has built up a stunning goalscoring CV of 54 goals in just 77 appearances for the Reds, although his exploits for Spain are a tad more confined. Even so, the sheer sight of Torres on the starting sheet scares the living daylights out of defenders and he’s one of just a few who are almost guaranteed a starting berth for Spain in South Africa, that is providing he’s fully fit.

For all Torres’ amazing attributes; his lightening like acceleration and pace, his quick feet and skills, his composure in the final and his ability to position himself in the goalscoring areas… amongst others traits, he does seem prone to knocks and scrapes. Since joining Liverpool in 2007, Torres has endured a handful of injuries, some of which have kept him sidelined for several weeks at a time, and he’s had to deal with a stop-start season in England this year which will have affected his preparations for the World Cup somewhat. However, Liverpool’s talismanic forward appears to be back to his goalscoring best and if he keeps up his goalscoring form until the end of the season, his confidence should be sky-high, and so, Torres will surely be thereabouts on the top goalscorers list in South Africa.

Wayne Rooney

Country: England

Club: Manchester United

International Apps: 58

International Goals: 25

Club Form: 34 Goals in 44 Appearances

Odds: 12/1 SportingBet

One of the most energetic and enthusiastic players around is Wayne Rooney, of which he’s now added ‘Goalscoring Machine’ to his forte after a sublime season for his club in the Barclay’s Premier League. The Liverpool born forward has been enjoying his best ever seen for Manchester United, already lending a helping in hand in landing the Carling Cup trophy for the Manchester based club by scoring their winner at Wembley. Rooney will be hoping more trophies are still to come, with the biggest of them all being the Jules Rimet trophy in South Africa, but Rooney hasn’t faired too well on the big stage for his country in past events; suffering a tournament ending injury in the 2004 European Championships before later seeing Red in the 2006 World Cup. On both occasions his country went out in the same encounter, so while many back home in England are pinning their hopes on the fiery, ginger faced Scouser, the omens aren’t heavily stacked in his favour.

What Wayne Rooney does have to offer though is some stunning form, both from his club and international duties. Rooney was pivotal during England’s World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing as their top goalscorer with 9 goals after 9 qualifiers. However, it’s his form at Manchester United which has catapulted him into Golden Boot contention after a blistering season in the Premiership. After 38 competitive games with man Utd, Rooney has netted on 32 occasions averaging nearly a goal every-other-game. He’s not just about goals though, far from it. Rooney’s model like work ethic is something for our kids back home in England to aspire to. We’ve yet to see a game yet where Rooney just hasn’t turned up and performed, especially for England. He’s rapidly becoming one of the most consistent players around and he’ll set the bar in South Africa for the rest of the England players to follow– Let’s hope the rest match his high standards.

Luis Fabiano

Country: Brazil

Club: Sevilla

International Apps: 36

International Goals: 25

Club Form: 21 Goals in 34 Appearances

Odds: 13/1 bWin

Surprise-Surprise, Brazil have a nifty goalscorer, although this one isn’t exactly your stereotypical showboating Brazilian striker like those preceded him. Don’t get me wrong, Fabiano does have plenty of skill and wit in his locker, but he’s not as bumptious as say a Ronaldo or a Romario, yet his record for his country is second to none and on course to be up their with the very best in Brazil. That is providing he gets enough games in the forthcoming few years as Fabiano was a late bloomer and has only recently come into the limelight at the age of 29

While Fabiano took a while to really make a name for himself, with one reason perhaps being the ultra competitive forward competition he’s had to face in previous years, the Sevilla forward has shown his worth for Brazil despite his country only recently demanding his regular services. His tally of 25 goals in 36 Internationals is just breathtaking, while his form during qualifying put him firmly in the hat for the summers Golden Boot award. That was until injury put his season on hold, with an ankle injury restricting his pitch time for Sevilla of late. Even so, he’s been averaging a goal every-other-game in Spain, and should he be fit and raring to go by the summer time, Fabiano will definitely pose a threat to those craving a Golden Boot – While this could be Fabiano’s last chance to claim the prize with age clearly not on his side any more.

Lionel Messi

Country: Argentina

Club: Barcelona

International Apps: 43

International Goals: 13

Club Form: 47 Goals in 53 Appearances

Odds: 16/1 Boylesports

Where do we even begin to describe the Golden Boot credentials of thee best player on the planet according to FIFA, and just about every honest footballing pundit. The lad is still just 22 years-of-age yet he’s already known worldwide for his footballing exploits. Messi not only has the potential to be the players of the tournament in South Africa but he could very well end up as the greatest ever player to embrace the beautiful game if he continues at this pace. The little Argentine has been in scintillating form for his club, Barcelona, in Spain, racking up a staggering 29 goals in just 31 appearances. He’s already on track to land the Golden Boot award in Spain, which would be some feat for a winger, but does he have the making of a Golden Shoe winner? Some would say perhaps not.

While there is so much to love about Messi; his silky touches, his mazy runs, the sublime pieces of skill and the downright audacious goals, the criticism with Messi, especially back home, has been that he doesn’t quite emulate his club form at International level, with some journalists back in Argentina claiming Messi only really produces his best for his club, Barcelona. His average goal return while on International duty is perhaps the evidence to back up these claims but we mustn’t forget that Messi is still very young, with his best years still ahead of him, and yet the pressure on the lad from fans and pundits back home must be enormous. He’s done extremely well not to over burn, yet he poured his heart and soul into a lacklustre Argentina qualifying campaign. It would have been a huge blow had Messi and Argentina not made the finals, but they are there and the FIFA World Player of the Year will set out to make a real impact in just his second World Cup finals appearance.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Country: Portugal

Club: Real Madrid

International Apps: 69

International Goals: 22

Club Form: 33 Goals in 35 Appearances

Odds: 20/1 bWin

Despite claiming the 2008 FIFA Player of the Year award, the bookies don’t fancy the cheeky Portuguese star with Cristiano Ronaldo looking rather tasty at 20/1 to finish this summers finals as the most prolific player on the planet. The charismatic forward will certainly be eager to land the Golden Shoe award as it’s about the only accolade the Portuguese superstar, and captain, hasn’t won in what has been a glistering career up till now. There isn’t an awful lot Ronaldo can’t brag about, especially after his £80Million pound move to Real Madrid last summer from Manchester United after two very impressive years in England, even ending the 2007/2008 season as England’s deadliest forward with a sublime return of 42 goals in all competitions. Ronaldo now lays claim to being the most expensive footballer, not only on the planet, but to have ever lived.

Why is Ronaldo such big odds? Well, to put it bluntly, he will be spearheading one of Portugal’s poorest national sides in it’s history in South Africa and they’ll do well just to make it past the group stages. In a group consisting of Brazil and the Ivory Coast, Ronaldo will need to show some of his magic in order to drive Portugal deep into the competition. However, Ronaldo is another big name who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations when playing for his country, yet the burden of success upon his shoulders will be huge this summer as he will head into South Africa as the Portugal captain – God knows why as I couldn’t respect a player who spends a large portion of his game diving and winging, although the other half is usually spent scoring goals, so that’s probably why.

The Portuguese are now a one man team and if they are to go through, we have no doubts that Ronaldo will be to blame – and blame is the correct word as the inevitable will happen somewhere down the line where the winking, take my shirt off whenever possible, Ronaldo breaks English hearts for the third time in a row.

We will try to add others as we go along… But here are few other names, including their respective odds, that could challenge some of the more obvious selections at more appealing odds.

Gonzalo Higuain

Country: Argentina

International Apps: 4

International Goals: 2

Odds: 25/1 PaddyPower

Didier Drogba

Country: Ivory Coast

International Apps: 68

International Goals: 43

Odds: 33/1 bWin