With the 2014 Brazil World Cup now just days away, there is no greater opportunity than now to assess some of the best odds and prices available for the competition this summer. One market that always offers particular intrigue is that of the Golden Boot market, as with each World Cup there are entirely new contenders for the award that goes to the player who hits the target the most time across the tournament. Here are our best bets for the Golden Boot market:
Neymar – 12/1 – Coral, William Hill
The Samba star set the Confederations Cup alight last year with his dazzling tricks and slick skills. Neymar won the player of the tournament trophy in that competition, which was also staged in his native Brazil and at 12/1 he looks a safe bet to end the World Cup as top scorer this summer. Brazil have far from the worst route to the final now that the tournament tree has been decided and that could prove decisive, with Neymar undoubtedly keen to build on the 31 goals he has already scored at international level, in just 48 appearances, we might add!
Karim Benzema – 33/1
The Frenchman has only played for the national side 19 times, but has managed 10 goals in that short space of time. It is a longshot at 33/1, but given France’s route out of the group stage, which is against lesser opposition in Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras, he could find the net more than a handful of times in the opening three matches alone. France have been known to crumble on the big stage however, so bet with caution!
Wayne Rooney – 50/1 Bet365
‘Roonaldo’ has long been scrutinised for his performances for the national side and with time running out at international level for the 28-year old, there is few opportunities left for him to show his stuff at international level. Rooney has never been one to shy away from pressure however and with England drawing one of the toughest groups of the lot in Uruguay, Italy and Costa Rica, it seems almost forecast that Rooney will put in a stellar showing this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 20/1 – BetVictor
What a year for Ronaldo. The Portuguese starlet arguably won the play-off tie against Ukraine all on his own to send his home nation to the World Cup this summer, before a Champions League winners medal compounded what was unquestionably a memorable campaign. While he remains a doubt for the opening games of Portugal’s campaign, it is unquestionable that he will play an integral role in their successes and fortunes this summer. A Golden Boot trophy would be the perfect way to cap the year he has had and almost seems appropriate, if anything.