Golden Boot Race Hotting Up

The race for the World Cup golden boot is starting to hot up after David Villa scored twice for Spain on Monday night.

The new Barcelona frontman netted a brace, but missed a second-half penalty to miss out on the tournament’s second treble. Argentina frontman Gonzalo Higuain earned the first hat-trick in the 4-1 win over South Korea and he leads the way in the world cup top goalscorer odds.

Higuain is a 3/1 shot to take the honour, while Villa is a 4/1 chance after Spain saw off Honduras 2-0.

Those who bet World Cup money on markets such as this should note that there are a handful of players with two goals, including Portugal playmaker Tiago and Brazil midfielder Elano. But while those two will be lucky to end the tournament in the top three, Elano’s Brazil team-mate Luis Fabiano looks a better proposition at 4/1.

The Sevilla star fired home two goals for Brazil against Ivory Coast, although his second did have more than a suspicion of handball. But Fabiano is Brazil’s out-and-out frontman, can score different types of goals and Dunga’s charges look all set for a lengthy campaign. Brazil look defensively sound and should be nailed on to reach the semi-finals and Fabiano will be leading their line.

Uruguay forward Diego Forlan is another player on two goals and at 10/1 he deserves respect in the market, but the round of 16 might be as far as they can go. While at 33/1 Cristiano Ronaldo is off the mark after his goal in the 7-0 drubbing of North Korea and he looks a value bet.