Six Outside Chances for Top Goal Scorer at the World Cup

This summer will see the world's elite line up against each other in a bid to capture the most coveted prize in football - the World Cup. And that means goals, because goals are the key if a country want to be world-beaters... But what about the players not expected to light up the tournament with goals?
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This summer will see the world's elite line up against each other in a bid to capture the most coveted prize in football - the World Cup.

And that means goals, because goals are the key if a country want to be world-beaters.

Brazil will be relying on Neymar, Argentina on Messi and Portugal on Ronaldo to ripple the net.

But what about the players not expected to light up the tournament with goals?

There are many who could potentially slip under the radar to claim the World Cup Golden Boot, so read on to find six outside chances who could score the most goals at the World Cup.

6. Didier Drogba

At 36 years old, the former Chelsea legend will almost definitely be playing in his final World Cup competition.

That may be enough to spur the Ivory Coast striker on to achieve one final accolade in world football.

Currently plying his trade in the Turkish Super Lig with Galatasaray, however, Didier Drogba isn't the striker he used to be and has scored just 15 goals in 35 appearances.

If he is able to combine his experience with the ability which saw him bag 100 goals during his Premier League career, then Drogba could be in with a shout of racking up a few goals in Brazil.

5. Daniel Sturridge

The only Englishman to ever achieve the top scorer accolade at the World Cup was Gary Lineker back in Mexico 1986.

Daniel Sturridge managed 21 Premier League goals this season and could have enough about him to carry his goal scoring form to Brazil.

England don't have a track record of scoring a lot of goals on football's biggest stage, but the Liverpool man seems to be their best chance this year. After netting a superb opening goal in the warm-up match against Peru, he has certainly got our hopes up.

Sturridge has come of age this season and seems to have developed into a top class striker who may be a contender for the Golden Boot.

4.Yaya Toure

The outstanding Ivorian managed to achieve an impressive third-place finish in the Premier League top scorers list this year.

With 20 goals to his name, Toure became the only midfielder in the top 10 and the powerful 31-year-old will be one of the in-form players heading to Brazil after a momentous campaign.

It would be monumentally difficult for a midfielder to win the Golden Boot at the World Cup, but considering the season he just had, Yaya Toure cannot be ruled out and is sure to make a fantastic impact at the tournament.

3. Romelu Lukaku

The 21-year-old has netted four goals in his last two appearances for Belgium, including a hat-trick againstLuxembourg.

Lukaku also had an excellent season with Everton, scoring 15 goals for the Merseysideclub.

Despite his obvious goal scoring ability and maturity, Romelu Lukaku must still be considered to be an outside chance to win the Golden Boot.

Football's biggest stage may be too much for Lukaku to make an impact on as it is still his first major international tournament and he is relatively inexperienced.

However, the powerful forward may have the ability to surprise everyone.

Backed up by a strong Belgian side, Lukaku may have the chance to establish himself amongst the world's best.

2. Edin Dzeko

Another player who, despite his goal scoring prowess in the Premier League, is not considered a contender to score the most goals at the World Cup

Edin Dzeko netted a respectable 16 goals for Manchester City this season after emerging as a star player amongst a host of world class talent at the club.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina forward has scored 33 goals for his country and they will be relying on their star striker if they are to make any impact on this summer's tournament.

Dzeko has demonstrated his ability in England's top league, so it may now be his time to show the world what he can do in front of goal.

1. Mario Mandzukic

The Bayern Munich forward has netted 18 goals in 30 appearances in theBundesliga this season.

He is not, however, considered a major contender for the World Cup top scorer accolade, mainly due to his home nation of Croatia not standing much chance of going too far in the competition.

But Mario Mandzukic is right at his peak as a player and the strong forward may have enough about him to turn a few heads in Brazil.

He also has Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric at hand to assist him in his pursuit for goals and could lead the line for a nation who may offer a few surprises this summer.

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