Football may have changed over the years but one thing remains true: the teams that scores more goals wins the game. That has rung true from the very first football game, and it will remain as such even past the final game of the World Cup 2018.
If seeing spectacular goals is one of the things you love about football, then you’re just in luck. There are plenty of footballers with a special knack for scoring suiting up in Russia. These are the players you should look out for if you want to witness out-of-this-world goals.
Neymar, Brazil
Any top goalscorer list would be illogical if Neymar isn’t named.
The PSG man will be the heart and soul of the Brazilian delegation, and I explained why in my previous piece. His dominance in this year’s Ligue 1 is already a considerable sample size to his effectiveness at the front, but we can also look at his stats during the World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
He scored six goals in 14 matches, but that’s not the only thing that makes him dangerous on the pitch. His boots also displayed his brilliant vision as he supplied a team-high eight assists during the Canarinho‘s qualification campaign. He will surely be a pain-staking assignment for many a defender in Group E.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
This is likely CR7’s final attempt at World Cup glory, so he will surely do everything he can in order to bring home the coveted trophy for his home country.
His scoring numbers this season show just how effective of a player he still is at 33 years old: he has tallied 24 domestic league goals in a forgettable campaign for Real Madrid, and he single-handedly carried Portugal to Russia with his 15 goals in the qualifier.
What’s interesting about Ronaldo isn’t the numbers, however. Real Madrid coaches conducted a few tests on their star winger and found out that he is pulling off a Benjamin Button with his outstanding condition.
Expect Ronaldo to light up Group B with his braggadocio and powerful strikes.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt
The Pharaohs have a king in Mohamed Salah, and he will definitely make his presence known in Group A.
Angelo touched on his importance to a squad that would probably be sitting on the sidelines without him, and the statistics were more than happy to prove his point. The African Footballer of the Year scored five goals in five appearances during the African qualifiers, one of which was a brace against Congo. His brilliant international form stays true to his magnificent year with Liverpool.
The Group A may be dubbed the “Group of Life”, but Salah will surely make life a living hell for opposing defenders and goalkeepers.
Harry Kane, England
The Three Lions are ever so hopeful that this year would be their year, and Harry Kane will try to turn the side that has disappointed time and time again into World Cup winners.
Harry Kane has clearly established himself as a striker to fear in Europe after following up his legendary 2016/17 Premier League campaign with 27 goals this year. He has performed so well that even ex-Tottenham player Jurgen Klinsmann called Kane a complete player. His five-goal tally during the qualifying campaign confirms just how vital the 24-year-old is to Gareth Southgate’s plans.
England’s success or failure rests on Kane’s shoulders. While some may find that unfair, he has to accept the fact that he is the face of the squad and he will be a priority assignment among the nations in Group G.
Lionel Messi, Argentina
Every nation in Group D knows that there’s always a threat of a conceded goal whenever Lionel Messi is dribbling the football. The Argentina captain is so good at scoring that he can easily copy Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliant bicycle kick during one of Barcelona’s training sessions.
The Albiceleste are also aware of Messi’s scoring prowess. One can argue that his seven goals during the Southern American qualifiers were the only thing that got them tickets to the big dance in Russia. The various coaches who took on the mantle of Argentina during Messi’s stint in the national team knows that it is important to build a team around him.
It is up to Messi whether he will be able to repel the whispers of his failure in Brazil through this World Cup. However, we can rely on the Atomic Flea to bring on the goals for Argentina.
James Rodriguez, Colombia
It’s a pity that James Rodriguez’s curious action during Bayern Munich’s Champions League loss to Real Madrid have brought a divide among the Bayern Munich faithful. However, it cannot be denied that the Colombia international is back to regular programming.
His spectacular goalscoring and passes helped bring another Bundesliga title for Bayern. Moreover, he reminded Germany that he is still one of the better strikers in a loaded team with his six goals. He also netted the same amount of goals for the Tricolor during the qualifiers.
James scored the most goals during the 2014 World Cup, and he will be eager to defend his crown.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more football betting options.
