Who can win golden boot?

Golden boot winners at recent world cups:

1. 2006: Miroslav Klose (Germany – 5 goals)

2. 2002: Ronaldo (Brazil – 8 goals)

3. 1998: Davor Suker (Croatia – 8 goals)

Note: Pele, Maradona, Puskas, Platini and many other legends never won golden boot award.

Top scorers at 2009 Confederations cup:

1. Luis Fabiano: Brazil won and Fabiano is a top scorer in tournament.

2. Fernando Torres and David Villa: Spain lost in semi-finals.

Observations from previous winners:

1. Generally, players (forwards) from top countries have more scope to win Golden boot. It is good if these teams face weak opponents (poor defence) in group stage – chance for more goals.

2. Player should have opportunity to play in more games – more progress in world cup means more games to score.

3. Except Ronaldo, no one scored more than 6 goals in a single world cup in last 35 years.

Who are favourites in 2010 world cup?

1. David Villa: Villa is injury-free and is playing against some weak times in group stage. Villa is sensational for Spain in world cup qualifiers. Spain is expected to reach at least semi-finals.

Villa is winner of Golden boot in Euro 2008. Villa scored 7 goals in 10 world cup qualifying games. Villa scored 3 goals in Confederation cup.

Prediction: David Villa is favourite to win golden boot at 2010 soccer world cup unless Spain exits early.

2. Luis Fabiano: Luis Fabiano is winner of Golden Boot in 2009 Confederations cup. But, Brazil is facing tough test from group stage onwards. Can he join esteemed league of Ronaldo, Jairjinho and Garrincha etc – previous golden boot winners?

3. Lionel Messi: If Argentina reaches semi-finals, Lionel Messi can easily won golden boot award – that is scoring rate of best footballer in world. He is number one in Castrol rankings. After Mario Kempes in 1978, no Argentina footballer won golden boot. Crespo narrowly missed in 2006.

But, Messi is not scoring for Argentina due to lack of coordination with mid-field. Angel Di Maria and Veron need to provide more passes.

4. Wayne Rooney: He is in form of his life. If England progresses to semi-final in this world cup, Rooney may win golden shoe.

5. Fernando Torres: If he is fit and play in most games, Torres can score many goals. Easy opponents in group stage may help Torres to score more goals. He was second highest goal scorer in Confederations cup.

6. Robinho: He is unpredictable and I am not following his progress after he went on loan to Santos.

7. Diego Milito and Higuain: Both Argentina stars can easily top charts but there is heavy competition in squad. Substitutes like Tevez and Aguero wait on bench – means less playing time.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo: His rank is 2 in Castrol rankings but Portugal may not progress beyond second round. Tough opponents in group stage. Great player like Drogba but may not score enough goals to win golden boot.

9. Didier Drogba: His rank is 3 but same Portugal story. No chance. Either Portugal/Ivory Coast may face Spain in second round.

10. Arjen Robben: He is regularly scoring goals in recent times for Bayern Munich. Holland is famous for attacking football. Injuries are his big problem. If he and Holland lasts till quarterfinals, Robben may emerge as a surprise candidate.

Germany always surprises us but I have doubts after injuries to 5 top players.

Please share your opinion.