FIFA World Cup 2022, Top Goal Scorer | Who could win Golden Boot?
The Hindu
Here is a list of the contenders for the FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 golden boot winners going into the knockout rounds
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is nearing the knockout phase. One of the top honours players compete for is the Golden Boot, awarded to the player with the most goals in the tournament. The number of assists by a player is considered in the case of a tie for goals scored. If players are tied on both counts, the winner is decided by who played the fewest minutes. England captain Harry Kane bagged the prize at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he scored six goals and led his team to the semi-finals.
Alvaro Morata, Spain (3)
The Atletico Madrid marksman has scored in all of Spain’s Group E games, including one off the bench against 2014 champions Germany. Morata, who was edged out of the starting lineup by Marco Asensio in his side’s first two World Cup games, set up Spain’s fifth goal in their 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica before getting off the mark himself to round off a one-sided opener. He put Luis Enrique’s team ahead in their final group game but the 2010 champions were beaten as Japan staged their second stunning turnaround of the tournament to surge into the last 16 in top spot.
Kylian Mbappe, France (3)
France’s talisman failed to find the net as Tunisia recorded a famous upset over Les Bleus in their final Group D match. The 23-year-old scored against Australia in his side’s opener and bagged a second-half double against Denmark as France booked their knockout spot. He could add to that as his country face off against Poland in the last 16. Poland’s all-time top scorer Robert Lewandowski will also be looking to better his count of just one so far.
Marcus Rashford, England (3)
The England striker has enjoyed a dream start to his World Cup campaign in Qatar. Rashford’s place in the squad was uncertain a few months ago due to form and fitness, but the Manchester United forward moved up the Golden Boot standings after he netted twice in England’s rout of a Gareth Bale-led Wales side. Rashford’s teammates Phil Foden, Jack Grealish (both Manchester City), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), and Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) also featured on the scoresheet during the group stage.
Asian Games champion Avinash Sable opened his season in the 3000m steeple chase with a silver in the Portland Track Festival, a World Athletics Continental Tour bronze event, in Oregon on Saturday. He clocked 8:21.85s. Asian champion Parul Chaudhary took the bronze in the women’s 3000m steeple chase in a season-best 9:31.38s. Former Asian bronze medallist Sanjivani Jadhav struck gold in the women’s 10,000m in 32:22.77s, a time which was a second off her personal best, while Seema was sixth in 32:55.91s.