Golden Boot contenders: FIFA World Cup 2014

Golden Boot contenders: FIFA World Cup 2014

Just under a week to go so we’ll take a look at the Golden Boot contenders for this years FIFA World Cup 2014.

Past winners have included; Thomas Muller (2010), Miroslav Klose (2006), Brazilian Ronaldo (2002), Davor Suker (1998).

At the last tournament, Thomas Muller took the trophy based on assists from David Villa and Wesley Sneijder who also scored five goals.

Unsurprisingly, Argentine Lionel Messi (15/2) is favourite for this year’s Golden Boot, with the Barca genius having scored over 40 goals in all competitions.

He doesn’t often replicate this for country and failed to net at both World Cup 2010 and Copa America 2011, but having said that, still averages over one goal per game for his home nation.

Group F opposition in the shape of Nigeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran, on his best form could have won the event by the end of the group stage!

Brazilian, Neymar (10/1) is another coming under pressure to deliver for his home nation.

The Brazilian’s talent is unquestionable but another who has the opposite goal tally. A less than impressive goal return for club Barca this season, it’s just a goal every 2.6 games. For country however, it’s an incredible 30 goals in 47 games!

With Brazil, Neymar plays through the middle instead of wide with Barca and is an easy group where he can get up and running for the Golden Boot title.

Cristiano Ronaldo (12/1) is a phenomenon in fron of goal but group opposition consisting of Germany, USA and Ghana, it’s doubtful he’ll get off to a flyer. Have Portugal the depth to progress beyond the quarters? Pobably not and that’s why he’s not going to be considered.

Liverpool’s Luis Suarez (20/1) fired  31 goals in 33 appearances as Liverpool were the nearly boys in the Premier League title race. With 38 goals in 77 international appearances, he is a proven international scorer but again like Ronaldo he finds himself in a difficult group.

Costa Rica, England and Italy all have resolute defences who will not want to exit at the group phase.

Have your say……..