Top 10 Contenders for The Golden Boot, Brazil 2014
#10. Name: Karim Benzema
Teams: Real Madrid France
2013/14 Goals: 27
Appearances: 57
Odds: Benzema to be World Cup top scorer
The Real striker hasn’t been at his best this season, but he’s still turned in a somewhat impressive 47% goal-to-game ratio in all competitions. With three goals from his last five internationals with Les Blues, Benzema has shown he’s still in good condition for the World Cup and could be a dark horse for the Golden Boot, with France boasting a very strong outfit this summer.
#9. Name: Diego Costa
Teams: Atletico Madrid Spain
2013/14 Goals: 36
Appearances: 52
Odds: Diego Costa to be World Cup top scorer
The Brazilian-born Spanish international striker was the third highest scorer in La Liga last season. Boasting a 25% shot-to-goal conversion rate, Costa trumps Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Set to be spearheading the Spain attack in the World Cup this summer, the Atletico striker has shown he doesn’t need many chances to score, and considering the amount of opportunities they create Costa could well bag a hatful.
#8. Name: Romelu Lukaku
Teams: Chelsea Belgium
2013/14 Goals: 20
Appearances: 42
Odds: Romelu Lukaku to be World Cup top scorer
A recent hat-trick for Belgium against Luxembourg has seen Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku show himself to be a genuine contender for the World Cup Golden Boot. While only 21 years old, his 20 goals in 42 games this season proves he’s unlikely to be fazed by the occasion this summer. And with Belgium many peoples’ tip to go far in the tournament, Lukaku could well be at the heart of it.
#7. Name: Luis Suarez
Teams: Liverpool Uruguay
2013/14 Goals: 32
Appearances: 39
Odds: Luis Suarez to be World Cup top scorer
Liverpool striker Luis Surez is tipped to be the danger man in this summer’s tournament. He shared the European Golden Boot with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo this season, and is among the favourites to repeat the feat in the World Cup. Suarez shone in the 2010 World Cup with Uruguay, boasting a 50% goal-to-game ratio. England will fear going up against him later this month.
#6. Name: Fred
Teams: Fluminense Brazil
2013/14 Goals: 11
Appearances: 22
Odds: Fred to be World Cup top scorer
Fred was the star of the show in the 2013 Confederations Cup, scoring five goals in the pre-World Cup tournament. He’s 30 now and has suffered from injury troubles this season, but has been backed by manager Luiz Felipe Scolari to lead the side to glory. His international record is very impressive, with 16 goals in 30 games. He’ll be hoping to add to that with the tournament favourites this summer.
#5. Name: Gonzalo Higuain
Teams: Real Madrid Argentina
2013/14 Goals: 25
Appearances: 50
Odds: Gonzalo Higuain to be World Cup top scorer
Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain has found his scoring boots following his move from Real Madrid last summer. He boasts a great international scoring record too, with 20 goals from 36 games for Argentina. With La Albiceleste being among the favourites to go all the way in the World Cup, striker Higuain could enjoy a good tournament.
#4. Name: Cristiano Ronaldo
Teams: Real Madrid Portugal
2013/14 Goals: 54
Appearances: 49
Odds: Cristiano Ronaldo to be World Cup top scorer
Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has been in the form of his life. The Portuguese international scored the goals that sent his country to the World Cup this summer, and he’s also being tipped to set the tournament alight in just a couple of weeks. He’s scored 48 goals in total for his country , he’s sure to add to that in the World Cup.
#3. Name: Sergio Aguero
Teams: Man City Argentina
2013/14 Goals: 30
Appearances: 37
Odds: Sergio Aguero to be World Cup top scorer
Despite having an injury-hit campaign, Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero still managed 30 goals for the season. The Argentina has enjoyed playing a more important role in the side with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and has scored 21 goals in 50 games for his country. He’s scored two goals in his last three games, and should certainly be considered among the favourites for the Golden Boot.
#2. Name: Neymar
Teams: Barcelona Brazil
2013/14 Goals: 21
Appearances: 49
Odds: Neymar to be World Cup top scorer
Despite having a disappointing debut campaign with Barcelona, Neymar has saved his best form for Brazil. He was the poster boy for the Confederations Cup and didn’t disappoint as the Samba boys romped to victory. He’s scored six goals in eight internationals this season, and with Brazil the favourites to win the World Cup, Neymar is sure to play a pivotal role. It’s worth noting he has 30 goals in 47 games already.
#1. Name: Lionel Messi
Teams: Barcelona Argentina
2013/14 Goals: 41
Appearances: 47
Odds: Lionel Messi to be World Cup top scorer
Despite enduring a trophyless campaign with Barcelona, Lionel Messi still scored 41 goals. The Argentine international has netted 37 goals in 64 games for his country, and is being tipped by many to finally shine on the world stage and prove his worth.
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