'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
With the opening game of the World Cup, just a couple of days away, the intensity for the tournament is beginning to build around the world, as fans gear up for a month of football extravaganza.
All the 23-man squads of the nations participating at the World Cup have been announced and the tournament is ready to get underway. There are some interesting group stage battles to look forward to and a number of individual duals as well.
The tournament will showcase a number of top quality players from around the globe and here we take a look at the three players who are dark horses to win the Golden Boot.
Trending
#3 Harry Kane
England and Spurs’ number nine Harry Kane, after a poor start to the season in August, has found his feet and the goal in September, scoring two hat-tricks in consecutive games laying down a marker for the rest of Europe and didn't stop scoring for the rest of the season.
England's captain and talisman, Kane is in good spirits heading into the tournament and could be a surprise package and an outside contender for the Golden Boot. Having finished second only to Mohamed Salah in the Premier League top scorer race, Kane might pip the best of the rest to a coveted Golden Boot award provided England reach the latter stages of the competition.
A prolific player in great goalscoring form with tremendous footballing ability, the 24-year-old Spurs’ striker could be a menace to deal with in the World Cup.
#2 Edinson Cavani
Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani has always been in and around the top goal scorers in Europe's top leagues and notched 25 goals and made 7 assists for PSG this season.
With the arrival of Neymar and Mbappe at PSG, Cavani’s influence in the team has grown and received many more chances in front of goal with attacking players supporting him.
Cavani will be raring to go in the World Cup for Uruguay and will be one of the dark horses to end up with the Golden Boot given his form this campaign.
Cavani and Uruguay are tipped to get out of their group and are dark horses in the competition who could make it far in the tournament.
#1 Gonzalo Higuain
Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuain had a relatively good season in front of goal for his club Juventus having scored 23 goals and made 7 assists. The Argentine player will be eager to help the squad overcome their last final defeat and make another run at the World Cup trophy.
A prolific goalscorer with experience at the highest level, the 29-year-old will be spear-heading the Argentine contingent with Messi and can end the tournament as the highest goal scorer. Higuain is a calm, collected striker with an uncanny ability to make a yard of space for himself under threat and get a shot away.
The Juventus player is a dark horse contender to win the Golden Boot and could guide the country and help Messi and co. to their first major international title in years.
Follow Sportskeeda for 2018 World Cup Scores, Latest News & Updates, Match Analysis, Detailed Stats, Fantasy Tips, Controversies, Match Predictions and much more.
