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Geneva

I was interested to read in the local Geneva newspaper this morning that Fernando Torres and Cristiano Ronaldo are joint favourites to finish Euro 2008 as top scorer.

They are fairly obvious picks having scored so many goals in the Premier League last season. It's also likely that both countries will fancy their chances of a long run in the tournament.

You probably remember that last time the Golden Boot went to , which surprised everyone, so I got to wondering who the other candidates might be this time around.

Judging by the L'Equipe newspaper, all of France are hoping that Raymond Domenech selects ahead of Nicolas Anelka. Benzema, who is just 21, hit 30 goals last season, and I am really looking forward to seeing him play.

In the same group, is exciting the Dutch, but they normally play with just one striker, and that will almost certainly be Ruud Van Nistelrooy. It will be tough for Huntelaar to make the same impression as he did at the Under-21 European Championship.

Again in Group C, it would be great to see Italy break free and attack.has been slamming them in for Bayern Munich all season, but against France and Holland, the world champions will almost certainly play it tight.


Will Mario Gomez finish as top scorer?


I have a feeling that the Czech Republic may do well again. If they do - and their group is not the hardest - then the giant could be a contender. His scoring record at international level is fantastic, although they do rely on him too heavily and there's no Rosicky or Nedved to provide. Remember how the Czechs faded after Koller got injured in the last World Cup?

Germany are well capable of hammering Austria, so Miroslav Klose will be looking to fill his boots, but new boy Mario Gomez could outshine the old-timer.

A Spanish top scorer other than Fernando Torres is certainly a possibility. David Villa has a better hit rate for Spain than the Liverpool striker and group opponents Russia, Sweden and Greece could all be a bit ponderous defensively.

He may be the world's best paid player but I reckon is considerably over-rated and I can't see Sweden busting the net too often anyway, so for me he is a real outsider.

Now it's over to you. Who do you think will go home with title of top scorer?

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Phil Gordos: Steve, the guys on the like your reasoning, but they think it's between Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Gomez and Luca Toni. If you want my opinion, I think the Germans will top the scoring charts by some way.

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Steve Wilson commentates on football for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sport, working on Match of the Day and Football Focus. Please check our if you have any questions.


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