As outlined on Betnow.ie, the World Cup Golden Boot betting market is tricky to master. One player who will be desperate to win that accolate is Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Currently, he is the joint top scorer at the tournament so far, tied with Russia’s Denis Cheryshev with three goals.
Given that Portugal are unlikely to progress to the latter stages, Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to be the top scorer. However, that all changed with his performance against Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat trick in Portugal’s explosive World Cup opener against rivals Spain. He first scored a penalty, then a deflected shot before a trademark free kick.
After Spain turned the game around to lead 3 – 2, Portugal won a free kick late in the game. Ronaldo’s face was the picture of concentration and determination as he buried a spectacular free kick to level the game.
While he is undoubtedly one of the world’s best attackers, Ronaldo can rub people up the wrong way. His selfishness and narcissism can distract punters from what a great player he truly is.
His concrete belief in himself allows him to be the leader of his country as well as his club, Real Madrid.
The World Cup Golden Boot would be a tantalising addition to his list of personal accolades. He has already won the Ballon D’or, as well as countless domestic honours, often as the competition top scorer.
It is Ronaldo’s ego that could well drive him to top the scoring charts this year in Russia. The player may well see winning the Golden Boot as a more achievable goal than actually winning the World Cup.
Portugal probably won’t win the World Cup, but Ronaldo could easily win the Golden Boot. After his hat trick performance against Spain, he has the chance to have it in the bag before the group stages are over.
Portugal play against Morocco today, and against Iran in their final group game. Both teams are inferior to Portugal and if Ronaldo is in the mood, he could fill his boots.
Don’t bet against Ronaldo to be the competitions leading scorer, even if Portugal will likely be knocked out before the semifinals.
Ronaldo is the favorite to win the Golden Boot with Paddy Power at 23/10. Just behind him are Romelu Lukaku (11/2), Harry Kane (6/1) and Diego Costa (6/1).
