Dark Horses for the World Cup Golden Boot

Serbia themselves could be dark horses in the competition with the firepower in their ranks, most notably Aleksandar Mitrovic, who goes into the World Cup after firing in the goals for Fulham in the Premier League.

Many wondered if Mitrovic would be able to cut it back in the Premier League after smashing Championship records last season. However, the 28-year-old has proved doubters wrong to hit nine goals in 12 Premier League appearances – with only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane scoring more.

Serbia have a decent side that earned their place in Qatar after not just topping their qualifying group, but going unbeaten across the campaign, in a group that featured Portugal, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Azerbaijan.

Serbia even beat Portugal away from home in the decisive game – with Mitrovic scoring the injury-time winner. With the likes of Fillip Kostic, Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, and Dusan Vlahovic in their ranks, the Eagles could surprise a few – with Mitrovic silencing the critics yet again.

With Louis van Gaal at the helm and plenty of talent in their squad, the Netherlands could be an outsider worth keeping an eye on. Memphis Depay will likely be the spearhead up front for the Dutch and could be in with a shot of landing the Golden Boot if he can find his best form.

Depay has only made three appearances for Barcelona this season, with injuries blighting his campaign in Catalonia so far. The thigh injury that has kept him out for Barca hasn’t stopped him from going to Qatar though, with van Gaal including Depay in his squad for the tournament.

The Netherlands are in Group A with Qatar, Ecuador, and Senegal. These are games that you would expect the three-time runners-up to be easing past. If Depay is back on form and firing for van Gaal’s men, you can expect to see him scoring plenty of goals in the tournament.

Whilst Argentina are one of the favourites largely down to the fact that they have Lionel Messi ready to light up the biggest stage once again, Lautaro Martinez may be the one that comes out on top in the Golden Boot race.

The Inter Milan striker is always a big threat, scoring seven league goals in Serie A for the Nerazzurri this season. His pace and skill on the ball can put the fear into any defender, and with the incredible Messi alongside him, he could be in-line to feast in Qatar.

Argentina are paired with Saudi Arabia, Poland, and Mexico in Group C – games that, with their quality, you would expect the Albicelestes to come out on top in.

Antoine Griezmann has been part of a struggling Atletico Madrid side this season, but the 31-year-old often seems to be a different animal for the France national team.

Griezmann scored four goals for France in Russia 2018 as they went on to lift the trophy, with the former Barcelona man even scoring in the final against Croatia.

The defending World Champions are in Group D along with Australia, Denmark, and Tunisia, which should be a group that France progress from. With plenty of talent around him, Griezmann could be among the goals again with France.

In what looks like his last World Cup, Thomas Muller will be looking to replicate his first World Cup in 2010, when he won the Golden Boot with five goals and three assists.

Muller continues to be a key player for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and will likely be heavily involved in Hansi Flick’s national side. The 33-year-old has two goals and three assists to his name for the Bavarians this season, as well as a goal and an assist in four Champions League appearances.

Germany are faced with Costa Rica, Japan, and Spain in Group E which could see Muller be an important attacking threat against some sides you would expect the Germans to dominate.