One Arsenal player could block Kai Havertz from winning the World Cup Golden Boot

Havertz climbed to the top of the World Cup scoring charts after netting twice against Curacao, with many now backing the Arsenal forward to finish the tournament as its leading goalscorer.

However, there may be an unexpected obstacle to that achievement, an Arsenal teammate by the name of Martin Odegaard. The Norway captain has the ability to inspire his country deep into the tournament and, more importantly, provide the ammunition for Erling Haaland to challenge for the Golden Boot himself.

Haaland has built a reputation as one of football's most prolific goalscorers, regularly topping scoring charts wherever he plays. Having won three of the last four Premier League golden boot honours available to him, the Manchester City striker is never far from individual accolades.

If Odegaard can inspire the Nordic nation and improve his club form on the international stage, he could become a decisive factor in the Golden Boot race. Rather than creating chances for his Arsenal teammate Havertz, the midfielder may instead be supplying the Arsenal rival with the opportunities needed to overtake the German and claim another scoring crown.

Germany now face the toughest tests of their group-stage campaign against Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador, while Norway begin life in a challenging group featuring France, Senegal and Iraq, with their World Cup opener coming tomorrow. So can we expect more goals?

Other players in the mix

Viktor Gyökeres has already opened his account at the tournament, and Sweden's formidable partnership between him and Alexander Isak looks capable of causing serious problems for the defences of both the Netherlands and Japan. If Sweden make a deep run, the Arsenal striker could quickly add to his tally, with four or five goals minimum well within reach given the quality of chances likely to come his way.

England also boast strong contenders in the Golden Boot race. Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka are competing for a starting role under Thomas Tuchel, and whoever earns the nod could benefit from favourable group-stage fixtures against Ghana and Panama. With England expected to create plenty of opportunities, either winger could emerge as a genuine threat in the race for the tournament's top scorer award.

The likes of Kylian Mbappé, Ferran Torres, Harry Kane and Julián Álvarez are all strong contenders who could derail Havertz's bid for individual glory. With each expected to lead the line for nations capable of making deep runs, and with favourable fixtures likely to provide plenty of goalscoring opportunities, the race for the Golden Boot promises to be fiercely competitive.

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