The race for the Golden Boot

There are a host of stars still chasing the adidas Golden Boot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ but one player is out in front ... THE RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT

6 The number of goals that won James Rodriguez the Golden Boot in 2014.

At South Africa 2010, 4 players tied with 5 goals, but Thomas Muller won the Golden Boot by virtue of having more assists. The next tie-breaker if necessary goes to the player who accomplishes their goals in the fewest minutes.

6 Harry Kane So far in Russia, the big English striker leads the way with 6 goals in 273 minutes, including a brace against Tunisia and a hat-trick against Panama. 3 of his goals have been penalties.

4 Romelu Lukaku Chasing Kane closest is the powerful Belgian with 4 goals in 239 minutes, including back-to-back braces against Tunisia and Panama

32 The number of years since a player scored at least 2 goals in back-to-back matches (Diego Maradona at Mexico 1986). ﻿ Kane and Lukaku did it within a day of each other in the same group!

3 There are 4 players on 3 goals still in the tournament...

3 Needing 3 goals to catch Kane are Russian duo Artem Dzyuba and Denis Cheryshev, France wonderkid Kylian Mbappe and Uruguay star Edinson Cavani, who is struggling with an injury.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Costa, Yerry Mina All eliminated from the tournament and the race for the top scorer prize, the Portuguese icon (on 4), Spain's main striker and the Colombian defender (on 3) would trade some of their goals to be in the quarter-finals

2 The players on a pair of goals who are still playing in Russia and could win the Golden Boot with a hot streak are ...

Eden Hazard (BEL) Philippe Coutinho (BRA) Luis Suarez (URU) Neymar (BRA) John Stones (ENG) Antoine Griezmann (FRA) Andreas Granqvist (SWE) Luka Modric (CRO)