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Thomas Mueller and Lionel Messi will be fighting for the crown of World Cup top goalscorer today - with all-time record holder and former Golden Boot winner Miroslav Klose not just an interested spectator. |
Klose hopes to be starting for Germany against Argentina and could help teammate Mueller win the tournament Golden Boot while at the same time lifting the cup with Germany in the Maracana.
Mueller, who has five goals to go with his five scored four years ago in South Africa, is one player who could one day better Klose’s now record tally of 16 goals at World Cups, scored over four tournaments.
The 36-year-old Lazio striker could, of course, add to his haul as well, but would really like to see team-mate Mueller overtake Colombia’s James Rodriguez, who can no longer better his leading mark of six goals.
“Of course I would like Thomas to get it for a second time,” Klose said. “But then he already has a (golden) boot. As I have a golden one and a silver one, it might be nice if he could also have a silver one.”
One goal would be enough for Mueller, while Messi would need at least two to win the Golden Boot in which the number of assists are taken into account if players are level on goals scored.
Rodriguez has six goals and two assists, while Mueller is on 5/3 and Messi 4/1.
There are some outsiders for the crown - with Germany’s Andre Schuerrle on three, as are the Dutch duo Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie, who will be hoping to increase their tallies in the match for third place against Brazil.
Brazil’s Neymar - on four goals - is no longer in contention following the back injury which has put him out of the World Cup.
Winning both the World Cup and the Golden Boot would be something special for Mueller.
“I hope, of course that I can help my team with a goal in the final. But if not then it’s not so bad. I just want to win the cup with the team,” he said.
No player has won consecutive Golden Boot titles. Mueller is the third German to win the award after Klose in 2006 and Gerd Mueller in 1970. Only Brazil, with five winners, have a better record.
