Golden Shoe contender Forlan inspires dark horses Uruguay
Published:Diego Forlan has emerged as a 10/1 Golden Shoe contender after firing his Uruguay side to an impressive 3-0 win against hosts South Africa.
Forlan is now the only player at the World Cup who has two goals to his name, having bagged a brace during Uruguay’s rout of Bafana Bafana.
The Atletico Madrid striker’s display has also put Uruguay within touching distance of securing a place in the round of 16.
As we reported before the tournament began, Uruguay are a team with the striking potential to reach at least the quarter-finals.
And after shattering South Africa’s World Cup dreams, Oscar Tabarez’s side look worthy of their dark horse billing.
Should they win their final group game against Mexico on June 22nd, Uruguay are likely to qualify for the second round as Group A winners.
As a result, they would face Group B’s runners-up in the last 16, and whether these are Nigeria or South Korea, Uruguay will be confident of progressing to the quarter-finals.
Their probable quarter-final opponents would then be England, whose problematic defence could struggle with Forlan and his prolific strike partner Luis Suarez.
Forlan’s first goal – a wicked, dipping effort from 25 yards – was the first of this World Cup to be struck from distance, and the former Manchester United forward’s second was a similarly venomous penalty.
With such clean strikes making a mockery of other players’ complaints about the Jabulani World Cup ball, Forlan looks like the man to catch in the hunt for the Golden Shoe.
Who do you think will win the Golden Shoe? Lionel Messi is the 8/1 favourite. See the full Top Tournament Goalscorer market.
