Manchester United misfit leads World Cup top team scorer tips

While the World Cup is famous for unearthing new stars, the tournament has also offered some more familiar faces an opportunity at redemption in the past.

That could certainly be the case for Shinji Kagawa who, despite starring for Japan, remains something of an outcast at Manchester United.

But that could change in Brazil, with the former Borussia Dortmund favourite one of five great outside bets to be top team goalscorer for their respective nations.

Nikica Jelavic – Croatia top team goalscorer @ 10/1

With Mario Mandzukic suspended for Croatia’s first two group games Jelavic, who finished behind the Bayern Munich man as the team’s top scorer at Euro 2012, looks great value.

Back in scoring form at club level, following a move to Hull City, the 28-year-old will be full of confidence having netted against Australia in Croatia’s final warm-up game.

Giovani Dos Santos – Mexico top team goalscorer @ 12/1

Oscar Peralta may be the  favourite after firing El Tri to glory at the Olympics, but keep an eye out for Giovani Dos Santos, the Tottenham Hotspur reject who is fresh from a prolific season with Villarreal.

Set to lead the line alongside Peralta, Dos Santos is dangerous from dead-ball situations and it could only take a goal or two for the 12/1 odds available to look handsome.

Shinji Kagawa – Japan top team goalscorer @ 8/1

The Manchester United midfielder has struggled to hit the kind of form that made him a star at Dortmund but he remains prolific for Japan and will be full of confidence after scoring in back-to-back friendlies.

A tally of 19 goals in 57 appearances for the Samurai Blue is impressive and if he can find the scoring touch that saw him net 17 times in his final season in Germany he will be one to watch.

Shola Ameobi – Nigeria top team goalscorer @ 10/1

Out to show Newcastle what they’ll be missing out on, Ameobi could play a pivotal role for the Super Eagles, with Stephen Keshi potentially selecting the 32-year-old in favour of the out-of-form Emmanuel Emenike.

Scoring in a friendly against Italy helped his cause and with Nigeria struggling for goals– averaging less than one a game in their last six – it may only take a single Ameobi strike for you to cash-in.

Antoine Griezmann – France top team goalscorer @ 7/1

Franck Ribery’s injury could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Les Bleus, with his absence freeing up space for Antoine Griezmann who scored 20 goals for Real Sociedad last term.

Following a recent call-up from Didier Deschamps, the winger has made a series of star cameo appearances, scoring three in his four games for France.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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