World Cup Golden Boot: Who’s in with a shot?

Now every team has played two games at the World Cup, we’re getting a feel for who could go all the way. And the Golden Boot race is heating up very nicely too.

Plenty of the big stars have turned up so far, with the notable exception of Lionel Messi.

We’ve taken a look at the five frontrunners in the top scorer betting…

Harry Kane – 5 goals (2/1)

After scoring 41 goals in all competitions for Tottenham Hotspur last season, Kane’s started this tournament in the same vein.

The England captain hasn’t scored any great goals in Russia (yet), but he’s cool, calm and confident whenever he gets a chance. And with the way that England are currently playing, you’d expect him to receive plenty more opportunities.

A tricky tie against Belgium is up next on Thursday. Kane is 5/4 to add to his tally against Roberto Martinez’s side.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 4 goals (3/1)

Ronaldo stole the spotlight with his superb free-kick to seal a hat-trick and secure a 3-3 draw against Spain in Portugal’s opening game. He followed that up with a thumping header against Morocco in their second outing.

As the 33-year-old has got older, he’s stripped the frills away from his game. Now he focuses almost entirely on scoring goals.

Portugal may be an 18/1 shot to win the World Cup, but they’ve always got a chance with Ronaldo in their side.

Romelu Lukaku – 4 goals (9/2)

Lukaku has bagged a brace in each of Belgium’s two games so far, but could injury prevent him from getting any more?

The Manchester United striker picked up an ankle injury in Saturday’s 5-2 win against Tunisia. He’s unlikely to be risked against England.

Will he be fit enough by the knockout stages to play at his best? If he’s not, it would be a huge blow to Belgium’s hopes.

Diego Costa – 3 goals (6/1)

There were real concerns before the tournament over who Spain would start up front. Costa is a superb striker, but his aggressive play hasn’t always suited La Roja’s tiki-taka football.

The former Chelsea striker has banished those doubts with three goals in the two games so far.

With Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Isco and the rest supplying the ammunition, Costa won’t be short of service.

Neymar – 1 goal (25/1)

The world’s most expensive player hasn’t been at his best in Russia, but he got off the mark with a 97th-minute goal against Costa Rica.

Will he kick on now?  He’s got all the talent, but he’s seemed more interested in showboating than scoring at times.

If any of the Samba Boys are going to finish as top scorer, it may well be Philippe Coutinho. The Barcelona star has two goals in two games and is 33/1 to win the Golden Boot.

Click here for the latest World Cup odds.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication