Ozzy Neav

 

This Saturday, the heavy gunners of European football (not to be confused with Wenger’s pellet boys) will meet to decide not only the best national team in Europe, but which player will be granted bragging rights for the coveted Golden Boot (or Shoe to use its official title). The Euro and World Cup draw some of the most prolific and deadly snipers the beautiful game has to offer. Last time Milan Baros finished as the Golden Boot in Portugal, a pre-tournament outsider at a massive 40/1, so it’s certainly possible there could be another shock in this Euros

Let’s take a look at some of the fantastic goal baggers sure to strut their stuff on the fertile fields of Switzerland and Austria.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo
Only lunatics and madmen would dare deny that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best football player alive at the moment. The Euro is somewhat of a bi-polar mistress and it will be up to Ronaldo to prove that he still deserves the moniker of football God. Ronaldo’s praise by pundits carries merit, as the explosive winger struck 31 times in the Premiership this season to go along with his eight goals in the Euro qualifying phase. It will be up to Ronaldo to continue his good form and prove to all the skeptics that he possesses the ability and tenacity to carry the Portuguese national team on his broad shoulders.
Current Top Goalscorer odds: 9.00 (8/1)

Milan Baros
This powerful Czech striker was the Euro 2004 Golden Boot winner when he knocked in an impressive tally of five goals. Baros, often a disappointment on the club circuit, always brings his game to the international arena. 31 goals in just 59 caps for the Czech national team showcases exactly how much head coach Karl Bruckner relies on his star forward.
Current Top Goalscorer odds: 41.00 (40/1)

 

Miroslav Klose
One of the most successful strikers in World Cup history, Klose has been a disappointment to the Nationalmannschaft faithful simply because he is a living dictionary definition of Jackal and Hyde; the only player to ever score five goals in two consecutive World Cups, but still waiting to claim his first strike in the Euro. If World Cup Klose makes his presence felt, he would surely be considered a heavy favourite to win the Golden Boot; much like his national side. However, a typical Euro performance would not only spell disaster for Germany, but pretty much guarantee that the ferocious striker will not be competing for any individual awards this time around.
Current Top Goalscorer odds: 10.00 (9/1)

Ruud van Nistelrooy
Quite possibly the most proficient striker in football’s modern era, Ruud will have to be in top form if the Netherlands are to enjoy even a glimmer of hope in the Euro. The questions surrounding van Nistelrooy closely concern his tedious relationship with coach Marco van Basten. If van Nistelrooy can keep his head during the tournament, his proven track record will probably continue with another fantastic chapter in his career. But much like the rest of the Dutch squad, any social unrest may very well result in few goals and many disappointments for the thrice goal king of the UEFA Champions League.
Current Top Goalscorer odds: 19.00 (18/1)

Luca Toni
15 goals in just 34 caps by the Bayern Munich star is exactly the type of form the Azzurri have come to expect from Toni and this tournament will be no exception. While Toni doesn’t possess an abundance of experience in national team tournaments, his superb level of play and goal sniffing ability are sure to provide him with some more accolades and anointments. Much like van Nistelrooy, Toni is the type of forward that relies almost entirely on the rest of the squad to provide him with opportunities and to allow him to spend as much time in the box as possible. If Roberto Donadoni implements a strategy that benefits his star striker, then records may be broken by tournaments end. If not, Toni may be lost in the shuffle.
Current Top Goalscorer odds: 13.00 (12/1)

 

Thierry Henry
Despite an injury plagued season, Henry remains one of the top notch strikers in Europe. Henry has more goals for France than any other player in the country’s long and proud history and Les Blues will be calling on Henry yet again to help them hoist the Euro trophy. Henry needs to recapture the deadly accuracy, which he displayed marvelously during his tenure in London. With critics, and even some fans, claiming that Henry is past his prime, it will be up to the Paris born attacker to prove otherwise.
Current Top Goalscorer odds: 17.00 (16/1)

Fernando Torres
El Nino has had a year to remember and is primed to continue his good form in the Euros. The £26M Liverpool forward is more than capable of winning the Golden Boot and has already silenced doubters when he netted three goals in the 2006 World Cup. Torres has a magical dribble and his deadly precision combined with quick movement will spell migraines for opposing defences. A typically underachieving Spanish squad may make Torres’ time in the Euro unmemorable or even downright miserable. Yet Torres has that rare magic that not only brings a national team together, but can also garner both individual and team success.
Current Top Goalscorer odds: 9.00 (8/1)

 

 

Other selected Top Goalscorer odds:

Adrian Mutu –Romania- 29.00 (28/1)
Mario Gomez –Germany- 17.00 (16/1)
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar –Holland- 29.00 (28/1)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic –Sweden- 34.00 (33/1)
Jan Koller –Czech Rep- 34.00 (33/1)
Karim Benezema –France- 34.00 (33/1)
Michael Ballack –Germany- 34.00 (33/1)
Theofanis Gekas –Greece- 51.00 (50/1)
Franck Ribery –France- 51.00 (50/1)
Pavel Pogrebniak –Russia- 41.00 (40/1)
Henrik Larsson –Sweden- 67.00 (66/1)
Nihat Kahveci –Turkey- 67.00 (66/1)
Mladen Petric –Croatia- 34.00 (33/1)
Ebi Smolarek –Poland- 51.00 (50/1)