The Golden Shoe (often called the Golden Boot) has been awarded to the top goal scorer in the World Cup since the first Cup in 1930. An Argentine won the inaugural title as Guillermo Stabile scored eight goals in the competition. The favourite to win the title in South Africa 2010 also hails from Argentina as Lionel Messi tops most people's predictions. Given his club form for Barcelona, Messi seems like a reasonable choice. But to have his name on the Golden Shoe winner's list with the likes of Brazil's Ronaldo, Kempes, Lineker and Rossi, Messi will need to continue his scintillating club form.
And Messi and his counterparts will need to make the most of their chances to beat the tournament goal scoring record. Just Fontaine scored thirteen goals for France in 1958, a record no player has come close to beating.
Obvious Goal Scoring Threats at World Cup 2010
Ladbrokes.com, one of the world's largest betting organizations, lists David Villa of Spain as the favourite to win the goal scoring race offering odds of 8/1. Villa who plays his club football with Valencia in Spain won the golden boot when Spain won Euro 2008. Spain's attacking style and relentless forward forays are likely to present Villa with numerous opportunities. However he may have to share the goal scoring glory with Fernando Torres, his equally dangerous countryman, which may affect Villa's final goal tally.
Too many cooks may also spoil Lionel Messi's bid to win the goal scoring title. His countryman Gonzalo Higuain, who plays for Real Madrid, is likely to get his fair share of goals. Along with Spain and Argentina, Brazil also has a two-pronged attack with Fabiano and Kaka most likely to net a reasonable number of goals.
Wayne Rooney, England's star player, had a magnificent season for his club side Manchester United and next to Messi, he was perhaps the best striker in Europe this past season. If England play up to their potential, Rooney will get the service he needs and is as likely as any player to finish the bulk of his chances.
With Didier Drogba out of the tournament after breaking his arm against Japan in a friendly, other likely contenders to win the Golden Shoe include:
- Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, who will hope to finally make an impact on the world's biggest stage;
- Miroslav Klose of Germany, winner of the title in 2006 and runner up in 2002;
- Nicolas Anelka of France who has been in terrific club form but may be held back by a French team considered relatively weak.
Long Shots to Win the Goal Scoring Title in 2010
The forward who keeps a cool head and finishes their chances will have the best opportunity to win the coveted Golden Shoe. But the World Cup is full of surprises and 2010 will be no different.
Though England's Wayne Rooney may be their favoured son, two of England's midfielders have the ability to score - Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Offered at 66/1 by ladbrokes.com on June 6, either one of these players could get the job done given the right circumstances, such as free kick opportunities in 18-25 yard range or a few penalty kicks for Lampard to convert.
Arjen Robben of Bayern Munich and Holland, as seen in the Champions League, can score magnificent goals. If he is fit and is given enough playing time, Robben may be the surprise of the tournament. His countryman Dirk Kuyt if he plays to his potential may also pot a few in the back of the net.
As Roger Milla of Cameroon proved in 1990, scoring four goals in his country's fantastic run to the quarter finals, any player at any time can become a national hero. There are no certainties in sport - the only thing known for sure is that someone will have the tournament of their life and that player will hoist their own trophy as winner of the Golden Shoe in South Africa 2010.
Golden Shoe Scoring Race Update as at July 10, 2010
According to fifa.com, the current World Cup scoring leaders are as follows:
- David Villa (Spain), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) Thomas Mueller (Germany), and Diego Forlan (Uruguay) share top spot with 5 goals. Only Villa and Sneijder have the opportunity to win the title outright as they face off in the World Cup Final on July 11.
- Miroslav Klose (Germany), Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina), and Robert Vittek (Slovakia) - 4 goals
- Luis Suarez (Uruguay), LUIS Fabiano (Brazil), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), and Landon Donovan (USA) - 3 goals each.
Lorah Delaney - Lorah is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia. She has a degree in Physical Education from the University of British Columbia and a ...
