World Cup Reaction: Muller safe bet to retain Golden Boot

Germany’s Thomas Muller has got his bid to retain the World Cup Golden Boot off to the perfect start after hitting a hat-trick in his side’s 4-0 demolition of Portugal.

No man has ever won back-to-back Golden Boot awards but with five goals enough to secure the honour at the last two World Cups the Bayern Munich ace looks a safe bet to become the first player to achieve the feat.

Muller heads the betting after going into an early lead but at 11/4 there is still time to get on the free-scoring German at a decent price and with their next opponents Ghana conceding just seconds into their tournament opener with the US, Muller will be licking his lips in anticipation.

Those with access to larger funds could also be tempted to get on the three-goal forward to top score for his country at the much shorter, but not too prohibitive 1/6.

Manchester United have been heavily linked with the Munich ace in recent weeks, but to the disappointment of new manager Louis van Gaal and Red Devils fans and the delight of the Bayern faithful, the 24-year-old has announced his desire to remain at the Allianz Arena.

This clear message will allow the player to focus on the job at hand in Brazil and with German strikers claiming the last two Golden Boots the omens look good for Muller and Germany in general.

While Portugal’s demise was largely down to the stupidity of defender Pepe – singled out as team nutcase by the Ladbrokes News team – Germany had already stamped their authority on the game and look the best side to spearhead Europe’s attempts to land the ultimate prize.

Joachim Low’s team are now 4/1 to win the tournament outright, with just hosts Brazil and the Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina a shorter price, and with a fairly easy run through to the semi-finals the time to back the Germans is now.

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

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