World Cup
Erling Haaland Charges Into Golden Ball Contention
Norway’s Erling Haaland has rocketed into contention for the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball following his match-winning brace against Brazil, according to William Hill News.
The leading bookmaker reacted to Haaland’s inspired display in Norway’s shock victory over the five-time world champions by cutting him from 16/1 into 7/1 to be named the tournament’s best player.
Golden Ball winner – Outright Odds:
Kylian Mbappe – 13/8
Lionel Messi – 3/1
Michael Olise – 6/1
Erling Haaland – 7/1
Harry Kane – 8/1
Jude Bellingham – 10/1
BAR – 16/1
Haaland also made a significant move in the top goalscorer market, with his two goals taking him onto seven for the tournament alongside Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
William Hill has slashed the Manchester City striker from 25/1 to 6/1 to finish as the World Cup’s leading goalscorer. However, France’s Mbappe remains the favourite at 10/11, with Messi next in the betting at 15/8.
Top Goalscorer – Outright Odds
Kylian Mbappe – 10/11
Lionel Messi – 15/8
Erling Haaland – 6/1
Harry Kane – 8/1
BAR – 25/1
England will now be tasked with stopping Haaland’s charge when they take on Norway in the quarter-finals, while Harry Kane remains firmly in contention after being trimmed from 11/1 to 8/1 following his sixth goal of the tournament against Mexico.
Meanwhile, England midfielder Jude Bellingham has also seen his Golden Ball odds shortened from 25/1 to 10/1 following another influential display as the Three Lions booked their place in the last eight. Mbappe continues to head that market at 13/8, ahead of Messi at 3/1.9
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Erling Haaland reminded everyone why he’s regarded as one of the world’s most feared forwards with a devastating performance against Brazil, and we’ve reacted by cutting him from 16/1 into 7/1 for the Golden Ball.
“His brace also takes him level with Kylian Mbappe (10/11) and Lionel Messi (15/8) on seven goals for the tournament, so it’s no surprise we’ve slashed his Top Goalscorer odds from 25/1 into 6/1.
“England now face the difficult task of containing Haaland in the quarter-finals, although Harry Kane (8/1) remains firmly in the Top Goalscorer conversation himself after moving onto six goals, while Jude Bellingham’s all-round displays have seen his Golden Ball odds tumble from 25/1 to 10/1.”
