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Thursday, 23 May, 2002, 15:08 GMT 16:08 UK
Who's up for the Golden Boot?
Miroslav Klose and Christian Vieri
Football's best strikers are attempting to shoot their teams to victory in Korea and Japan.

Who will be the tournament's top scorer?


Germany's Miroslav Klose hit a hat-trick in his country's 8-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia, and scored against both Ireland and Cameroon to put himself in a pole position for the Golden Boot.

Jon Dahl Tomasson of Denmark has four goals, but Denmark's exit at the hands of England means he won't get the opportunity to add to his tally.

Brazil's star striker Ronaldo has underlined his return to top form after a long injury lay-off with four goals in a high-scoring Brazillian side.

Italy's Christian Vieri, Raul of Spain and Brazil's Rivaldo are also still in contention.

Who will bag the coveted Golden Boot?

Have your say

Darius Vassel: with his blistering pace he will scythe through any defense.
Tom Corby, England

Klose, Ronaldo or Rivaldo. No one is luckier or better. Stop being so hard on Klose, I didn't see anyone from Ireland or Cameroon get a hat-trick against Saudi Arabia.
Jonathan Henckert, Germany/England

Rivaldo or Ronaldo will, of course, take the Boot. Why? they are Brazilian players - the best.
Antonio Melo, Brazil

Open Quote
Brazil will go all the way to the final, Ronaldo will definitely get the Golden Boot
Close Quote
Doug, Brazil
The obvious choice for a now England supporter would be Michael Owen! What pace on the man! At the moment Klose of Germany is leading the scoring, yet the Brazilians are the favourites. It is such a close call! Good luck to all, may the luck of the Irish be with you!
Steve, Ireland

Ronaldo - he's scored in every game so far, and will score again.
Michael, England

Klose's goals against Saudi Arabia shouldn't even count. He wouldn't score against teams that have a half decent defence. Since Germany will be eliminated in the quarter-finals and Brazil will go all the way to the final, Ronaldo will definitely get the Golden Boot.
Doug, Brazil

Michael Owen, of course.
Alberto, Italy

Ronaldo because he has already scored 4 goals, so, I think he will win the Golden Boot if Brazil can still go through at least to semi-final.
Edison, Malaysia

Open Quote
The Golden Boot will probably go to Christian Vieri, who is the most clinical finisher in the world at the moment
Close Quote
Forhad Miah, England
Germany will have the top scorer in the competition, Miroslav Klose. Vieri and Tomasson are no match for the young star.
Hayley Ward, Germany

There can really only be one choice, the simply magnificent Ronaldo. Vieri, Raul and the rest and are all good players in their own right but none can match the sheer genius of the Brazilian!
Liam, Ireland

It's going to be a close call but I feel that it's between Vieri and Ronaldo, the two deadliest finishers on the planet. No one else comes close.
John Roberts, USA

The Golden Boot will probably go to Christian Vieri, who is the most clinical finisher in the world at the moment. He proved that last season by finishing as one of the top three scorers in the Italian league after missing the first five or six weeks. His strength and power is too much for even the best defenders in the world and his finishing is second to none. If Italy go a long in this World Cup, then he will no doubt take the Boot.
Forhad Miah, England

Open Quote
Vieri is a goal scoring machine. He has overcome his fitness battle
Close Quote
Giuseppe Bertolone, Italy
Christian Vieri should win the Golden Boot if the rest of his team play up to their usual standard. He is strong, quick and has excellent ball control for such a big man.
Duncan Kirwin, England

El Hadji Diouf is my main man to take this Golden Boot. He might not have hit the net now but he has created many goals for his team Senegal. In the knockout matches he will show the world that he is the best of them all.
Bennito, South Africa

To me Ronaldo is the best player. His flair, speed is just too much. He will take the Golden boot and Brazil the cup as France and Argentina have lost their way.
Pankaj, India

Miroslav Klose. No-one else can win the Golden Boot because it's going to be the Germans who will win the World Cup.
Nandkumar Gogate, India

It has to be Pauleta for me. He is one cool customer.
Chris Dolan, Ireland

Open Quote
I think Ronaldo will win it because Brazil will win the World Cup
Close Quote
Elvis Pack, England
If Spain go all the way, I think it is going to be Raul, or else it will be Klose.
Vinod, U.S.

Look at the players who've scored 3 or more goals at this point. Tomasson's goals are all against tough opponents in tight matches. He's got what it takes to continue scoring in the second round where there is no Ecuador, Poland, or Saudi Arabia.

So does Bouba Diop but he's got one less than Tomasson and Senegal won't get past England. If Denmark reach the quarter-finals Tomasson will win the Golden Boot.
Ketih Dent, United Kingdom

If I thought Italy had any chance of going all the way then I would say Vieri would win the Golden Boot. However, Italy always choke near the final hurdle and putting them as second-favourites is overrating them.

I think Ronaldo will win it because Brazil will win the World Cup, and he is showing signs of returning to his brilliant best. Italy will probably lose on penalties in the semi-final or final.
Elvis Pack, England

Vieri is a goal scoring machine. He has overcome his fitness battle and will hammer a few against Mexico.
Giuseppe Bertolone, Italy

Open Quote
Vieri or Ronaldo will win the Golden Boot because both their teams are likely to reach at least the last eight
Close Quote
Tony, England
I think Ronaldo will win the Golden Boot because they will go further than Italy, France (obviously), and Germany therefore there are already top strikers out of contention.
Harry Cook, England

Miroslav Klose will win the Golden Boot because I've seen him playing in Kaiserslautern and he did very well, scoring 3 goals.
David Huggs, Ireland

Forget the rest Hierro is best! With penalties like that being given to Spain, I expect them to be world champions and Hierro top scorer to boot! (no pun intended!)
Michael, USA

Klose is absolutely an option with three easy goals against Saudi Arabia, but my heart goes for Jon Dahl Tomasson as top scorer with four goals in three games. A goal against the former world champions should count for more than one against the Saudis!
Jensen, Denmark

Vieri or Ronaldo will win the Golden Boot because both their teams are likely to reach at least the last eight. But Michael Owen may give them a race for it too. He may not of scored yet, but his display against Argentina could mean he's got goals in him.
Tony, England

Open Quote
If Portugal can make up for a poor start Pauleta stands a good chance
Close Quote
Paul, England

Ronaldo will win the golden boot because they have got an easy first group and Brazil have not lost a match while Italy, Portugal, France and Argentina all have. I also think Brazil will win the World Cup this year
Martin Galbraith, N. Ireland

If Spain keep getting cheap penalties then Hierro might be in with a shout!
John Roworth, Scotland

Taking into account the teams the top scorers have played so far could mean that early goals scored against weaker sides could be their only goals. Wait until the later phases! Though I still think if Portugal can make up for a poor start Pauleta stands a good chance.
Paul, England

Robbie Keane because there's are only one Keane.
Decky, Derry, Ireland

It will be a close race between Christian Vieri and Jon Dahl Tomasson but I fancy Tomasson to finish on seven goals and win the golden boot.
Rich, UK

Open Quote
Rivaldo is great but Miroslav Klose is my choice
Close Quote
Elizabeth, England

Batistuta. He really is a legend, forget the England game, Batistuta is the greatest goalscorer who ever lived.
Richard Maguire, Ireland

Denmark will go far in the tournament. And until now Jon Dahl Tomasson had scored four goals in three matches, and I don't think he will stop scoring goals. Including the final Denmark now have four games left, and its possible that Jon will end at seven or eight goals in the tournament, and will become top scorer.
Palle, Denmark

Rivaldo is great but Miroslav Klose is my choice. He plays with a 'golden head' and will certainly get the 'Golden Boot.'
Elizabeth, England

I think Inamoto, Batistiua or Klose will get the Golden Boot. Owen hasn't played well enough and won't play in enough games to score enough.
Rob, England

Open Quote
This will be Ronaldo's World Cup. He can only grow as the tournament goes on
Close Quote
Geert De Busschere, Belgium
Ronaldo or Vieri are my choices. Michael Owen is a fluke!
Scott, Scotland

It is clear that that German forward Klose will win the Golden Boot. He is top scorer already with four goals and also very fit.
Shrestha SN, Nepal

Rivaldo will win the Golden Boot - Two goals already and he plays for Brazil. He is class, forget the dive.
Marlon Murray, England

This will be Ronaldo's World Cup. He can only grow as the tournament goes on.
Geert De Busschere, Belgium

Open Quote
Miroslav Klose can not be counted in as the Saudi's defence were sadder than Rivaldo's pathetic performance
Close Quote
Cajsa, Sweden
If Italy go far in the World Cup, it will be because of Christian Vieri's goals so he will be the Golden Boot winner.
Zainul, England

The golden boot award is a bit of a joke. A mediocre striker can notch up a bagful of goals against poor teams with poor defences whilst world class strikers will struggle to score against world class defences. Perhaps if the award only counted for goals scored against teams in the second round and onwards then it would be more worthy and realistic. As a result, don't be surprised when it's a German who get this award...
Jamie, England

With already two goals I see Sweden's Henrik Larsson as a candidate, he was the top scorer in Europe last year. Also, Ronaldo is on the move again and why not the fast Michael Owen, or Vieri.

Miroslav Klose can not be counted in as the Saudi's defence were sadder than Rivaldo's pathetic performance.
Cajsa, Sweden

Open Quote
Michael Owen is still in with a shout
Close Quote
Paul Matthews, England
Vieri now has to be the favourite but if Spain progress then I believe Morientes can leave a mark.
Pedro Martins, Portuguese fan in Australia

Michael Owen is still in with a shout. He hasn't scored any goals yet, but could get off the mark against Nigeria. If England play consistently he is capable of scoring plenty.
Paul Matthews, England

Italy have a relatively comfortable route through to the latter stages of the competition so, injury aside, Christian Vieri should do well.
Toby Headdon, England

Ronaldo has been injured and people have forgotten about him. He will look to impress the world by winning the golden boot and I am confident he will do so after his display against Turkey. RONALDO IS BACK!!!
Calum Alexander, Scotland

It'll be Gabriel Batistuta - when Argentina get going, they are admittedly a formidable force, and Batistuta finds himself in the best scoring positions constantly. There isn't another player in the tournament that can finish like him.
Jonty, Northern Ireland

Open Quote
After a disappointing start, the class of Owen will see him through to win the Golden Boot
Close Quote
Sarah Bell-Hemridge, England
Christian Vieri because he is the best striker in the tournament is one of the two best natural goal scorers in the tournament, Michael Owen of England being the other. I think Owen will finish a close second. Many will think that Klose will win but he was lucky to score a hat trick against a very weak opponent.
Mike Brewington, The Netherlands

Klose is sure to win if Germany get even as far as the semi final. He's already got four goals
Tom Thorley, England

Christian Vieri is one of the most outstanding strikers Italy has ever produced, as he is complete in everything a striker needs. Therefore he is going to be the Golden Boot winner of this World Cup
Idris Lemboye, Nigeria

It has to be Vieri. They have the easiest route to the final and his goal scoring rate is phenomenal. The other teams with favourites for the Golden Boot have more than one main striker, so their goals should be spread out amongst them. I'd love to see Owen get it, but in all honesty, I can't see us progressing further than the next stage at best.
Gareth, England

After a disappointing start, the class of Owen will see him through to win the Golden Boot. He is in a team of huge potential and they could go all the way.
Sarah Bell-Hemridge, England

Open Quote
It must be Ronaldo - his next two matches are against China and Costa Rica
Close Quote
Manpreet, England
It has got to be Christian Vieri for the Golden Boot. With the weak group that Italy have got, and talented playmakers such as Totti and Del Piero, he should get goals galore.
Tom Hamill, England

If given the chance Nuno Gomes can win the Golden Boot no problem.
Jason, England

The unerring fashion in which Vieri dispatched his chances against Ecuador underlined his potential to score goals aplenty in this tournament. With Italy being in the easier side of the draw, I am sure that Vieri's efforts in front of goal will propel Italy to the very latter stages of the tournament.
Bobby Seagull, England

I think Vieri will pick up the Golden Boot. Italy are in a group in which goals are relatively easily scored. They have a team to at least reach the semi-finals, which means seven games. Furthermore, he's not played much over the last few months. Most importantly, he's one of the best goalscorers in the game.
Gert, Netherlands

Open Quote
Klose may have scored the first hat-trick of this World Cup, but it was against second-rate opposition!
Close Quote
Leland Workman, Australia

It must be Ronaldo - his next two matches are against China and Costa Rica, and if he can't score at least three goals in those two games he is not back to his awesome best.
Manpreet, England

I think Christian Vieri Will win the Golden Boot. He came very close in 1998 and the way he took his goals the other day there's no reason why the Australian born striker can't.
Matthew Cairns, England

Being slightly biased I would say Owen has a great chance of taking the Golden Boot if England can get themselves playing the way we all know they can. Klose may have scored the first hat-trick of this World Cup, but it was against second-rate opposition!
Leland Workman, Australia

Christian Vieri will get the golden boot because he has two already and he is in one of the weakest groups in the tournament. Raul outside bet.
Patrick Treanor, Ireland

Open Quote
Raul is my man for the Golden Boot. He is simply the best finisher in the game
Close Quote
Nihar, India
In easy groups, like the German, Italian or Spanish, there should be the base for scoring a lot of goals. It therefore looks probable that Vieri, Raul or Klose should get a few more in the coming matches. Betting on Owen is clearly a gamble as the English group is tough and as England should be satisified just qualifying for the next round.
Peter, Denmark

Vieri will probably win the Golden Boot but will face strong competition from Henry and Ronaldo. Klose got off to a good start but it WAS against the Saudis!
Ben, Scotland

Raul is my man for the Golden Boot. He is simply the best finisher in the game and this time he has class midfielders like Enrique and Mendieta to feed him.
Nihar, India

Well it's simple: Vieri, Italy. Italy will go all the way, with Totti, next Golden Ball winner, to serve assists, he'll score at least eight goals. The only question is his fitness. Can he keep going on for seven matches?
Mirko Mazzenga, Italy

Ronaldo will get the Golden Boot because he is the world's greatest player.
Ani, England

Open Quote
Christian Vieri by a mile
Close Quote
Chido, Nigeria

Robbie Keane, after impressing in the Cameroon match, will get a copious amount of goals against Saudi Arabia and if the Republic of Ireland progress to the latter stages, who knows?
Samuel Poots, Belfast, N. Ireland

Christian Vieri by a mile. As long as he is fit, then he will become the top scorer. Others that might be in with a shout are David Trezeguet, Patrick Mboma, Raul Gonzales and Gabriel Batistuta (or Hernan Crespo, whoever gets more starts).
Chido, Nigeria

I am tipping Miroslav Klose or Michael Ballack of Germany for the Golden Boot.
Adio Bukky, Germany

Definitely Cristian Vieri - he's a great player and he plays for Italy who have a easy group. Also, Totti will feed him all the balls he needs to win the Golden boot award this year.
Joe, Chile

Either Darius Vassell for England or Bosko Balaban for Croatia who was Croatia's top scorer in the quakifiers. Failing either of them, my money is on Ballack of Germany
greg burns, england

Ronaldo or Ronaldinho are ready to win the Golden Boot. But I also believe that Denilson can win. Brazilian "football as art" will be back.
Luciano Melo, Brazil

I think Michael Owen is in there with Del Piero, Patrick Mboma and Christian Vieri.
Mehluli Sibanda, Zimbabwe

Nigerian's Julius Aghahowa, no doubt.
Felix, Canada

Klosse of Germany will win it, he's already got a hat trick and I can see him scoring a few more
Robin Uddin, England

Open Quote
Miroslav Klose of Germany is already up with 3. Can someone catch up?
Close Quote
Aman, USA
Del Piero and Crespo will be hard pushed to top score from the subs bench, which is where they'll be if recent reports are correct.
Stuart Counter, England

I believe that Batistuta will win the Golden Boot. I knew that Crespo would be over looked when it came to the crunch. Batistuta being picked for the opening game, and Argentina being favourite means that Batigol will win the golden boot. Be warned people
Aqeel Abbas, Argentina

My money is on the Italians. It won't be Vieri getting the most goals though. I think that he will draw so much attention from the defence that Inzaghi will have space and time to score six easy goals.
Mikkel, Denmark

Miroslav Klose of Germany is already up with 3. Can someone catch up?
Aman, USA

I think either Thierry Henry will get the award or Italy's Montero.
Elliott Semmence, England

Open Quote
Del Piero will get the Golden Boot, as he is back to his best form
Close Quote
Kamran, England
it won't be a high paid European star but rather a striker from one of the smaller teams such as Denmark, Senegal, or maybe even Saudi Arabia.
Andres & Sammy, Melbourne Australia

This may come as a surprise but I feel that Darius Vassell at 150-1 with the bookies may well win the Golden Boot. If he scores against Sweden he will keep his place for the remainder of the tournament. Surely it's worth a fiver!
David Nutt, England

Del Piero will get the Golden Boot, as he is back to his best form, and will prove all critics wrong. Those who don't believe, watch and see. He is WORLD CLASS.
Kamran, England

Vieri. Italy will be in the semi-finals so he will be playing the maximum number of matches. Of course some other players will do that also, but in teams like Argentina or France, goals will be more evenly split between the strikers.
Shobhan, Bangladesh

Open Quote
Samuel Eto'o from Cameroon will win the Golden Boot
Close Quote
Patrick Msuya, USA
Henry because he is the best and most creative player
Ken, England

While the whole world will be watching out for Michael Owen, Thierry Henry, and Rivaldo, Brazil's Denilson will steal that coveted title.
Ricky Binihi, Vanuatu

Pauleta will be top scorer because he plays in a great team and he has a nose for goals. Portugal is also playing in an easy group.
Stijn, Belgium

The golden boot never goes to the so-called favourites, even though I think that all the French strikers are contenders I think Samuel Eto'o from Cameroon will win the Golden Boot.
Patrick Msuya, USA

For me the Golden Boot is going to one of the Brazilians, with the group that they have, China, Costa Rica and Turkey the Brazilians have the class and ability to score 10 goals in the first phase. So Ronaldiniho or Ronaldo will get the boot
Nicholas Collins, Rep. Ireland

Open Quote
No question Montella will be top dog
Close Quote
Somal Abdullah, Middlesbrough,
Micheal owen will get the golden boot, he is a world class player, and a major part of both Liverpool and England.
Kate Godfrey, England

Julius Aghahowa Of Nigeria will be the highest scorer of the tournament.
Chizoba, South Wales Australia

Henry needs four chances to score a goal and with Zidane injured, I can't see who will be creating those chances. I would expect Ronaldo to score many goals but the Brazilian midfield lacks excellent players like Roberto and Emerson who could have provided much needed support to the Brazilian attack. I think Vieri has the best chance to emerge top scorer - he is a first rate striker and is miles ahead of players like Henry and Owen.
Wilfred, USA

No question Montella will be top dog, followed by Owen, Batistuta and the dark horse olisedebi
Somal Abdullah, Middlesbrough, England

Open Quote
Del Piero will get the golden boot
Close Quote
Matt, Belfast
Hernan Crespo. He has been on fire at club level so why not be on fire at the world cup.
Daniel Hanlon, Scotland

I think that if Montella gets a chance to start for Italy he may even reach double figures for the tournament. His goal scoring form in Italy has been 1st class since coming back from injury.
Mark Anthistle, England

Strikers like David Trezeguet and Christian Vieri have to be strongly fancied as France and Italy have an extremely good chance of reaching the final. However, Turkey have a good draw and could get as far as the quarter finals at least, so Hakan Suker has a good chance as an outsider.
Brian Thompson, England

Del Piero will get the golden boot because he's a superb player with a great team around him to give him plenty of opportunities!
Matt, Belfast

Vieri all the way! The big man is more likely to face teams with "soft" defences than the other main contenders. Neither France nor Brazil will provide the top scorer as both teams play more intricate attacking football.

This involves more runs from the midfield and wings, resulting in less focus on the forwards and hence less chances for them to score.
Ben Kohn, England/Brazil

The Golden Boot will go to Brazil's Ronaldo; he is back in a big way.
Dean Kennedy, England

Open Quote
Playing against opposition such as Tunisia, Japan and Belgium, Vladimir Beschastnykh cannot be ruled out
Close Quote
George, Cyprus

Italy are my pick for the World Cup, so that obviously means that Vieri and Montella are in with a good chance. Other than that, I can see Henry, Owen, Raul and Rivaldo finishing among the top scorers.
Peter, English, currently in Vietnam

Michael Ballack will surprise everyone and take the Golden Boot. He is scoring more and more in the Champions League, and it seems like the tougher the competition gets the more goals he scores.
John Peters, USA

Vladimir Beschastnykh scored seven goals in 10 qualifying games. Playing against opposition such as Tunisia, Japan and Belgium, he cannot be ruled out. He is also likely to play as a lone striker - thus bagging in most of his country's goals.
George, Cyprus

Thierry Henry is the only player who deserves to win the golden boot! Henry has a great chance to prove his perfect skills and amazing goals.
Mohammed Bin-Ishaq, Saudi Arabia

If we can get past the second round, then Michael Owen could finish as the top goal scorer. But I think it will be Vieri, simply because Italy will almost certainly make it to final.
William Johnson, England

Open Quote
The sharpest-shooter of the World Cup will be Hernan Crespo
Close Quote
Tom Gardner, England

I think strikers like Hakan Sukur, Henrik Larsson, Nuno Gomez and Zlatko Zahovic will compete for the Golden Boot - not for the big names.
Leo Choi, Australia

The Golden Boot is something of a poisoned chalice. Muller, Kempes, Rossi, Scillachi, Stoichkov and Suker all did a disappearing act after their feats. I'll go for Crespo this time before he disappears into the yonder.
Dean Moriarty, UK

I predict that the sharpest-shooter of the World Cup will be Hernan Crespo, as he has brilliant vision and striking ability on the pitch. I also think that Ballack will pop a few. Watch out England, Crespo's coming!
Tom Gardner, England

The Golden Boot winner will most likely come from a country that goes as far as the semis. My semi-final picks are Cameroon v Portugal and Argentina v France. Of all these countries, Portugal have the greatest chance of scoring the most goals - which leaves me to pick Figo as my favourite.
Heine Nzumafo, Cameroon

Open Quote
The Golden Boot is going to go to the one man who deserves it: Ronaldo
Close Quote
Chris Hooton, UK
Ronaldo is my tip to win the Golden Boot. He will be on excellent from for the World Cup and will win it for Brazil. My second choice would be Francesco Totti, and third would be Kerion Dyer.
Karll Slater, England

Put your money on Pauleta! He is certainly a lively outsider to be the top scorer. Portugal are very strong and play attacking, attractive football, so there will be plenty of chances for him.
Ron Badger, UK

Averaging more than a goal a game at club level, and supplied by the skills of Totti and Del Piero at national level; there is only one Golden Boot striker: Christian Vieri.
Enzo Antinoro, S Korea

The Golden Boot is going to go to the one man who deserves it: Ronaldo. This is the perfect opportunity for the most gifted player on the planet to launch himself straight back to the top. The last World Cup was his downfall; this one will be his rebirth.
Chris Hooton, UK

Open Quote
France or Argentina will win the World Cup, so that means Crespo or Trezeguet
Close Quote
Mohsin Patel, England

Sukerman will do it again!
Ivo, Croatia

I'm tipping Mboma or Aghahowa. They can pump in many goals against the Irish and English opposition.
Tunde Giwa, Lagos, Nigeria

I am thinking that a dark horse player such as Benni McCarthy could win the Golden Boot. He will be used to the hot conditions and has a good eye for goal.
Ngiedne, South Africa

I think France or Argentina will win the World Cup, so that means Crespo or Trezeguet.
Mohsin Patel, England

Ronaldo all the way! He was a class act before his injury nightmare and he's now getting back to his best. Next best will be anyone from Henry, Vieri or maybe even Owen if we get through the first stage as winners of our group and avoid France.
Adam, England

Difficult one. I would plump for Trezeguet of France. They will create many chances and he is a fine finisher. My outsiders are Batistuta, and possibly Vieri of Italy.
Mitch, UK

Open Quote
It's hard to look beyond Christian Vieri
Close Quote
Dave, Ireland

The Golden boot award goes to none but the new Nigerian sensation Julius Aghahohwa.
Anderson Emmy Snr, Nigeria

Morientes or Raul could be the surprise packages. There hasn't been much focus on Spain due to their inconsistency in major tournaments. They seem to have a very well balanced team with plenty of providers. Either one of these could be clear Golden boot winners.
Tom Hadcroft, England

Christian Vieri is having an astonishing season with Inter, and with Italy's seemingly straightforward path to the semis-finals it's hard to look beyond him.
Dave, Ireland

It has to be a player whose team will progress to at least the semis. This unfortunately rules Owen out, although he is as dynamic as anyone we'll see in the tournament. Henry from France and Crespo from Argentina would have the front-running for me.
Jason Pine, New Zealand

Open Quote
It's between Michael Owen and Vincenzo Montella
Close Quote
Chris Tanser, England

Hernan Crespo seems poised to fill the old onion bag - but Trezeguet, Montella and Robbie Keane will make it close.
Michael Hendricks, Canada

Montella will be the top scorer at the World Cup. He certainly showed his class against England, and has scored a ridiculous amount of goals for Roma over the past ten games he has played for them.
Ben Parkinson, England

The golden boot will go to Christian Vieri - he is just a class apart from the rest.
Keith Walker, England

Ronaldo is a prime candidate. He is starting to get his fitness back and scoring goals in the process, plus he may feel that he has a score to settle after the '98 World Cup final.
John, England

I think Sami Al Jaber will win the golden boot as he is getting to his best form yet.
Hisham Hasan, Saudi Arabia

The Golden Boot has to be between Serie A's finest - Vieri, Crespo and Trezeguet. However, I would love to see Gabriel Batistuta win it.
Mudassar Masood, UK

Open Quote
Poland's Emmanuel Olisadebe could be the one to watch
Close Quote
Blair Johnson, New Zealand

Damien Duff will finish the tournament as leading scorer. There is no better player in world football today than the diminutive Dubliner.
Michael O'Reilly, Ireland

It's between Michael Owen and Vincenzo Montella. What he did against England was excellent, and if he can do that on the World Cup stage he'll have a really good summer. Owen is scoring again and he will peak at the World Cup - along with Gerrard, Scholes and the rest.
Chris Tanser, England

This I think will be Spain's tournament, and I'm Raul sure will be the top scorer.
Jeff, UK

Ilhan Mansiz is the top scorer in Turkey with 21 goals. His only problem is his temper, and a Turkish team already boosted with nationalistic fervour will certainly put a high degree of mental pressure on him.

As long as he doesn't get red carded, Mansiz will definitely be either the highest scorer or one of the challengers for the Golden Boot.
Tolga Cengiz, United States

Suker won last time as Croatia had an easy group, and the same could happen this time. Poland's Emmanuel Olisadebe could be the one to watch - especially against Korea and USA.
Blair Johnson, New Zealand

Open Quote
Michael Owen is a prime candidate
Close Quote
Matt Fensome, UK

I will have to go with the strength and striking accuracy that Italy's Christian Vieri is sure to bring to the World Cup. He is a prolific goal scorer at club level, and I am convinced he will be very much in contention for the Golden Boot in the summer.
Gareth, England

I reckon that England's saviour Michael Owen will win the Golden Boot. The only thing that could stop him would be a recurrence of his hamstring injury. No one can stop the little fella, he is such a legend.
Claire, England

France are the team who will create the most chances, so my money would be on either Henry or Trezeguet. Portugal also create many chances, as do Argentina. So watch out for the lively Gomes, Lopez and Aimar.
Steve, Kuala Lumpur

I don't think either Henry or Owen will get the golden boot at this World Cup. Henry is a team player, and France's goals tend to come from all over the pitch.

Owen probably won't get the service he needs, so I say Ronaldo. He is without doubt the best centre-forward in the world, and with an on-form Rivaldo, could form the striking partnership of the tournament.
Brandon English, England

David Trezeguet will end up as the tournament's top scorer. Not only is he in red hot form with Juventus but with Zidane, Henry, etc. playing alongside him, he's guaranteed to get the golden boot.
Shaun, England

Michael Owen is a prime candidate - not because England will win the World Cup, but because we rely so much on his goals.
Matt Fensome, UK

Thierry Henry will win the Golden Boot, but only because France will have more games than England, which will limit Michael Owen's chances. France will reach the semis at least, whereas England would do well to get that far.
Charlie Woan, England

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