World Cup 2010 Golden Boot Betting Odds

As the planet`s`s greatest footballers head to South Africa looking for World Cup glory, many of them will have another goal in the back of their minds. Winning the golden boot in the sport`s biggest competition is something only a very select few can accomplish and whoever wins it this year will be in exclusive company indeed, with the likes of Paolo Rossi, Gary Lineker and Brazil`s Ronaldo.

David Villa of Spain is 8/1 (bet £10 to win £80 profit) favourite to land the coveted award this year. Recently signed by Barcelona for €40 million, the striker has scored goals wherever he has played for club and country. He goes into the tournament with the incredible record of 37 goals in 57 games for the European Champions.

However, Villa will have to outscore Lionel Messi, hailed by most as the World`s best player and by some as the greatest of all time. Messi scored a stunning 46 goals for Barcelona last season and is 10/1 to top-score in South Africa, though the feeling does persist that he is yet to find his best form for Argentina.

Next in the betting at 11/1 is England`s Wayne Rooney. The Three Lions` most gifted player has a tendency to lose his temper but there is no doubt that he is among the most gifted players at the tournament. As the focal point of his side`s attack he will have opportunities but his chances of winning the golden boot are heavily dependent on England progressing far enough.

Finally, we come to the first Brazilian. Luis Fabiano, priced at 12/1 is the main goalscorer for the five-time winners, who are sure to go far in the competition and create many chances for their front men. Brazil`s emphasis on width through their gifted full-backs means the scoring burden is increasingly on strikers rather than midfielders. However, his partner Nilmar, who is a huge 50/1 with Extrabet, surely represents better value, particularly as an each-way bet.

Other Samba Stars of interest include Kaka and Robinho. Kaka is a previous winner of the Ballon D`Or and has an excellent scoring record for Brazil, with 27 goals in 78 games and the Real Madrid man can be found at 40/1 in places. At the same price is the controversial figure of Robinho. His lack of effort saw him fall out with the Manchester City hierarchy as he failed to live up to his £30 million price tag. However, he has always given his all for Brazil and his three goals in their last two friendlies shows that he will surely be central to coach Dunga`s plans.

Another striker with a far better record at international level than at club level is Peter Crouch. The England man has thirty-eight caps and has found the net 21 times, while he has managed only eight goals in the same number of games for Tottenham. At 50/1 with Totesport he is anther that represents real each-way value, although how much he will play is as yet unclear.

One final mention must be given to Cristiano Ronaldo. The world`s most expensive player is 18/1 to win one of the very few individual honours that has eluded him. However, Portugal have looked extremely shaky both in qualifying and in recent friendlies and it will be difficult for him to play enough games to make a real impression. This is particularly true in a group that features Brazil and the Ivory Coast.

The World Cup kicks-off on Friday as South Africa face Mexico at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

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