World Cup Golden Boot Preview

May 30, 2006 Admittedly it is a little risky with the World Cup still a few days away, but now might be an opportune time to back Michael Owen to be the top scorer at a very attractive 19/1. Even one goal in the next couple of Internationals might be enough to see those odds come tumbling down.
 
The Newcastle striker has so far netted on 35 occasions for England, and is just 14 goals short of Bobby Charlton's all-time record. Of course Owen will be heading to Germany with very little match action in 2006 under his belt. That though shouldn't put us off.
 
Owen has suffered enough long term injuries over the years for us to now know he needs around a month to regain that sharpness so vital to his game. Having already played in the B international against Belarus, and with a couple of games against Hungary and Jamaica to look forward to, by the time June 10th comes round - Michael Owen should be in great shape.
 
While Wayne Rooney missing at least the group matches is devastating news for most fans, it could actually prove a blessing for the former Red. Having the opportunity to play alongside the lanky Peter Crouch could see as many chances if not more fall the way of Owen, who we know has thrived when partnered with a target man. Think back to his partnership with Heskey on Merseyside.
 
Owen has taken part in four major tournaments, and while there have been moments to savour (most notably as an 18 year old against Argentina), there hasn't been a major haul as of yet. The law of averages would suggest a player in the class of Owen can't keep going to a European championship or World Cup without at least one time returning home with five, six or maybe more goals to his name.
 
Should the England striker score in the opening game against Paraguay, it could see the floodgates open. Time and again in the Premiership, Michael Owen has gone on those long scoring runs once the sharpness has been regained after injury. Something similar in Germany cannot be ruled out.
 
What also makes 19/1 such an attractive investment is barring injury or suspension, Owen ought to play every minute England are involved in the World Cup - thanks to the mind boggling squad selection of Sven. There is also one final point worth making. Unlike many of the groups, Group B contains a minnow in the shape of Trinidad and Tobago.
 
Looking further down the list and I am slightly baffled at the 100/1 quoted by several firms for Alexander Frei, who many nations will find a hard man to defend against at the World Cup finals. The 26 year old is fast and powerful and capable of scoring with either foot. Capped over 30 times for his country, the 26-year-old Rennes striker was the French league's highest goal scorer last season.
 
By the time Switzerland secured their place at Germany 2006 with a two-legged playoff win over Turkey, Frei could look back on 23 goals in 42 international matches. Those stats suggest Frei should not be 100/1, and if as expected in our Group G preview - Switzerland spring a surprise and finish top - Frei might just score enough goals to land at least an each-way position.

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