World Cup 2014: Biggest Threats to Take Home Golden Boot

The 2014 World Cup is right around the corner, which means that we’ll soon be watching the game’s greatest players scoring magical goals on soccer’s biggest stage. In addition to wondering which nation will hoist the World Cup trophy at the end of it all, there is also the not-so-small matter of determining which player will take home the Golden Boot award.

Obviously the talent of the players is the biggest factor in their claim to the award, but there are other things to consider. For starters, the honor is usually won by a player whose team advances deep into the tournament. More games mean more goal-scoring opportunities, so the winner will need to be on a contending squad.

Furthermore, his team needs an offensive-minded approach with an emphasis on creating goal-scoring chances. A team with a defensive mindset isn’t likely to score enough goals to support a Golden Boot candidate.

Bearing those issues in mind, here are the favorites to take home the Golden Boot.

Neymar, Brazil

Neymar has to be the favorite to take home the award considering the recent success he’s had for Brazil and the fact that Brazil are one of the favorites to win the whole tournament.

He’s emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the game, and Brazil are such an offensive juggernaut that he should have plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net.

Neymar won the Golden Ball award at the Confederations Cup and looks primed for a tremendous World Cup on home soil.

Entering the tournament at home, this Brazilian side has a sense of swagger that is reminiscent of their last World Cup winner in 2002. If they can make the final, Brazil will definitely score enough goals that Neymar is in the conversation by the end of the tournament.

Lionel Messi, Argentina

If Lionel Messi could replicate his club form for his national team, he would be the heavy favorite to win the award. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case so far in his international career.

Regardless, he is still a threat to score from anywhere and will be leading a potent Argentine attack. Like Neymar, Messi’s team is likely to advance deep into the tournament, so he will have the chances to finish with an impressive tally.

One thing that could work against Messi is the goal-scoring talent around him. He’s joined up front by players like Gonzalo Higuain, Javier Mascherano and Sergio Aguero who might take some goals away from the diminutive dynamo.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

If there were any doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo or Portugal heading into the World Cup, he silenced them with a hat-trick in a victory over Sweden to clinch a World Cup berth.

Ronaldo will be the focal point of Portugal’s attack—just the way he likes it.

The superstar is sure to rack up goals, but it’s unclear how far his side will advance in the tournament. If they can make the semifinals, Ronaldo has a good chance of taking home the prestigious honor.

Robin van Persie, Netherlands

Robin van Persie is not on the same level as the other favorites, but he’s a deadly finisher for his national side. The Netherlands advanced all the way to the World Cup final in 2010, but they were a disappointment in the 2012 UEFA European Championship.

Van Persie is almost averaging a goal per game for his country and is a clinical finisher. If the Netherlands can regain their 2010 form, he’ll be a legitimate threat to score more than anybody else.