THE European Championships are almost upon us and here guest columnist Gerry McDonnell gives his tips for the Golden Boot winner using a secret formula: The Ronaldhino Guide - ratings from one to 10 teeth!
TO the betting uninitiated, it would appear to be a tough task to pick a winner in a 200-runner race, but it isn't.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy is a standout bet at 9/1 and will win the Golden Boot - the only way he can fail is if another player scores more goals.
Having overcame taunts of horse-face and long head, Ruud grew up to be a lethal goal scorer. He has a professional record of nearly a goal a game and due to being injured towards the end of the season*, goes to the European Championships in Portugal looking as sharp as ever.
*=organising transfer to Real Madrid
Ruud Van Nistelrooy 9/1 Ladbrokes (Holland) 10 Teeth
They say there are no easy games in International football, but they're wrong. Holland face Latvia in their last group match. At this stage the Latvians will be concentrating on their flight home and this can only mean a heavy victory for the Dutch, and consequently a hatful for the flying/diving Dutchman. With a projected total of six goals being enough to hold up the Golden Boot, a well rested Van the Man/Horse guarantees you a return.
Thierry Henry 7/1 Bet Direct/Dones (France) 9 Teeth
A real danger, everybody who knows footy knows Terry is the business, a modern day footballing genius who can create a goal from nothing. However, before you run down to Dones to part with your hard earned, remember the French team also boasts David Trezeguet, a striker of the highest order. They also have a lad by the name of Zinedine Zidane who will knock a couple in and Bobby Pires will take any chances that come his way. The French will have to score more than Leicester players on a trip to La Manga for you to get a return.
Raul 14/1 Victor Chandler/William Hill (Spain) 8 Teeth
Still the top man in Spanish Football, as low as 7/1 in places, the 14s represents better value than the 8s on offer for a Spanish tournament victory. If players of the quality of Valeron and Joaquin are in the team, Raul will get chances, and if Raul gets chances, (like Becks, when Posh is away) he'll score heavily.
Henrik Larsson 66/1 Victor Chandler (Sweden) 7 Teeth
The clich is that "The cream always rises to the top." If so, get on the 66s about a player who is of genuine world class. Larsson is only 32 and is still in his prime. The trouble with the Swedes is that you can't see them winning any game 3-0, and if you fancy the Swedes to qualify from their group, (they will) then 66/1 represents better value than Beckham's "50 free texts a month" package with Vodafone. Can you dig it? Oh yeah.
Jan Koller 50/1 General (Czech Republic) 6 Teeth
At 6 foot 8, Koller is a bit of a handful He has a tremendous goal scoring record and as the Czechs are in the same group as a poor Germany and an even poorer Latvia, I wouldn't dissuade anybody from a small each way saver on the freak.
Michael Owen 14/1 Premier Bet/Stan James (England) 5 Teeth
He's a bit of a Mommy's boy, (He must of got weighed in for that awful advert) he plays for a rubbish club, he's been as unlucky with injuries as Leslie Ash, but he's still England's best hope for goals. (I heard Leslie Ash appeared on Wife Swap, and ended up with Stan Collymore.) If you are a patriotic backer* then the 14/1 will seem tempting, I would however, advise against. With Beckham now pretty much guaranteed a couple of goals and the impressive Gerrard and Rooney likely to get on the score sheet, England will not score enough goals to get Owen a share of the spoils.
*=Mug
Wayne Rooney 66/1 Premier Bet (England) 4 Teeth
If you think Rooney can win the Golden Boot, you probably hail from Liverpool. If so, if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of my tyres, I would certainly appreciate it, they were stolen from outside a house in Birmingham on February last year. Any info, please give me a bell or post on my website, www.imascouserandcantstopliftingthingsandmysenseofhumourisoverrated.com . Back to Rooney, I hope Sven starts him against France as he is a quality player with the world at his feet, and his circular head will put opposing teams off.
Christian Vieri 10/1 Premier Bet/Stan James (Italy) 3 Teeth
I've heard Vieri described as an old fashioned British style centre-forward. Unless the forward they are referring to is Clinton Morrison, I would have to disagree. I can see the Italians struggling, and a bet on Vieri for Golden Boot is money wasted.
Pauleta 16/1 Paddy Power (Portugal) 2 Teeth
I remember hearing the hype about the Portuguese "Star Man" and looked forward to seeing this "Goal Machine" at work. Unfortunately similar to his teammate Cristiano "The 39 Steps" Ronaldo, the hype outweighs the substance. If you fancy Portugal to progress, a more sensible investment would be the 80s on offer for Nuno Gomez.
Jon Dahl Tomasson 66/1 Paddy Power/Ladbrokes (Denmark) 1 Tooth
Tomasson is a class act who boasts 27 goals for Denmark from 58 games, the Great Danes odds of 66/1 may appeal to the each way value hunters.
Miroslav Klose 66/1 General (Germany) Gumbo
A tragedy really, Klose is a top-drawer player, surrounded by dross. The Germans have to play the mighty Dutch and the impressive Czech Republic. This means: "Klose, but no cigar."
Coming next: Group and Match Previews
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