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There is always a lot amount of interest in betting on the leading goalscorer in major competitions and there is a strong market for the Golden Boot prize in Euro Cup betting. Here is a quick run-down of the leading contenders and of course GamblingNerd’s predictions for the top goalscorer in Euro 2012.

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Mario Gomez (Germany) 8/1 (9.00) Favourite

The 26-year-old Bayern Munich striker has been in prolific form this season, netting an impressive 26 goals in the Bundesliga, and 12 in the German club’s Champions League campaign. Gomez scored on his debut for Germany against Switzerland in 2007 and has netted 21 goals in 52 international appearances. Although he is favourite to clinch the Golden Boot this summer, he is yet to find the net in a major competition or did not cover himself in glory in the Champions League final against Chelsea. Read our full player profile of Mario Gomez.

Robin van Persie (Holland) 10/1 (11.00)

The 28-year-old Arsenal striker was rightly named Premier League Player of the Year after almost single-handedly dragging Arsenal into third place in the table with 30 league goals. His most prolific season in English football has elevated his status across Europe and Arsenal face a summer of trying to persuade him to remain at the club. With 25 goals in 62 appearances for the Netherlands, Van Persie has impressed at international level and looks set for a good tournament. He is a good candidate for the top goalscorer at Euro 2012.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 12/1 (13.00)

The Portuguese forward has enjoyed a fantastic season with Real Madrid, scoring an incredible 45 goals in La Liga, as well as 10 in the Champions League. However, Ronaldo’s international record is far less impressive, with 32 goals in 88 appearances for Portugal. He has never quite produced his best in the major tournaments but his side will need his goalscoring habit if they are to progress from a difficult group. We will maybe see his potential in Portugal’s first game against Germany.

Miroslav Klose (Germany) 14-1 (15.00)

Since bursting onto the international stage at the 2002 World Cup, Klose has become well known for his knack of scoring headed goals and he is going to lead Germany’s challenge. Klose has scored 63 goals in 113 appearances for Germany and was top scorer and Golden Boot winner at the 2006 World Cup. He also scored four times in 2010 World Cup and is clearly one to rise to the big occasion.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Holland) 14-1 (15.00)

Huntelaar is a prolific striker with superb technique that has earned him comparisons with the likes of Van Basten and Van Nistelrooy. Huntelaar was a part of the Dutch side that won the 2006 UEFA Under 21 Championship, becoming the tournament’s leading goalscorer in the process. Huntelaar played previously for PSV, Ajax, Real Madrid and Milan before joining Schalke in August 2010, for whom he won top-goalscorer in the 2011-12 Bundesliga with 29 league goals.

Karim Benzema (France) 14/1 (15.00)

Benzema has scored 13 goals in 42 appearances for France, and scored 20 goals for Real Madrid this season, despite limited starts for La Liga champions. Benzema has been a focal point the French attack under Laurent Blanc and will pose a real threat in France’s game against England on June 11. Benzema can be an outsider for your Golden Boot betting in Euro 2012, as France has an easier group than some of their rivals as well.

Fernando Torres (Spain) 16/1 (17.00)

In the absence of David Villa, Spain will turn to Llorente and Fernando Torres to help them to retain their crown in Poland and Ukraine this summer. Although Torres has been much maligned in recent months, his recent form has been far more like his old self and he is relatively fresh. He did score for Chelsea in their semi-final win over Barcelona in the Champions League and his confidence is slowly returning.

Mario Balotelli (Italy) 25/1 (26.00)

The Manchester City striker has made the headlines for a variety of reasons in recent months but nobody can deny his prodigious talent. He is a relative newcomer to the international scene with just one goal in seven appearances for Cesare Prandelli’s side. However, his 13 Premier League goals for City in their Premiership title winning campaign could give him the confidence to excel on the biggest stage in European football.

Wayne Rooney (England) 33/1 (34.00)

The Manchester United striker will miss the first two games for England at Euro 2012 owing to suspension and this would appear to all but rule him out of calculations. A prolific season at Old Trafford produced a return of 27 Premier League goals and, as far and away England’s most dangerous striker, he could yet come to their rescue in their final group match.

Author Profile: Stefan+