As part of Bet9ja’s World Cup special player head-to-head markets, we’re putting some of the tournament’s biggest stars against each other and asking one simple question: who will score more goals?
This time, it’s two of the most feared number nines in world football.
The market currently favours Harry Kane:
- Harry Kane – 1.44
- Erling Haaland – 2.60
Both strikers arrive in North America after prolific seasons, but who offers the better value in this World Cup goals matchup?
The Case For Harry Kane
The biggest factor in Kane’s favour is simple: England are expected to go much further than Norway.
The Bayern Munich striker has already won a World Cup Golden Boot, scoring six goals in Russia in 2018, and remains England’s undisputed penalty taker. He arrives at the tournament after the most prolific club season of his career, scoring 58 goals across all competitions as Bayern completed a domestic double.
England’s group also looks favourable.
Croatia remain dangerous, but Ghana and Panama are matches where the Three Lions should create plenty of chances. If England top Group L as expected, they could also enjoy a manageable route through the early knockout rounds.
More matches usually means more goals, and England are among the favourites to reach the latter stages.
The Case For Erling Haaland
If this market was based purely on goalscoring ability, Haaland would arguably be favourite.
The Norwegian striker scored a remarkable 16 goals during World Cup qualifying and remains one of the most ruthless finishers on the planet. Every attack Norway create tends to revolve around getting the ball into his path.
The concern is the draw.
Norway have landed in a difficult group containing France, Senegal and Iraq. While Haaland is capable of scoring against anyone, Norway are not expected to enjoy the same level of dominance as England during the group stage.
The Manchester City striker may therefore need to maximise every opportunity he gets.
Tournament Football Favors Kane
One reason the odds lean towards Kane is the likely difference in games played.
England are expected to challenge for the trophy and could realistically play seven or eight matches. Norway’s primary objective is simply reaching the knockout stages.
If England reach the quarter-finals or beyond, Kane will have multiple additional opportunities to score compared to Haaland.
History also supports the England captain. Kane has already proven he can thrive at a World Cup, while this will be Haaland’s first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Could Haaland Still Deliver?
Absolutely.
The argument for Haaland is that he doesn’t need many chances.
Norway’s attack is built around him and Martin Odegaard, and if they can spring an upset against either France or Senegal, the entire complexion of Group I changes.
At 2.60, punters are effectively backing Haaland’s extraordinary goalscoring rate to overcome the fact that Kane is likely to play more matches.
Verdict
Haaland is arguably the better pure goalscorer, but this market is about World Cup goals, not club football.
Kane benefits from a more favourable group, a stronger team around him, penalty duties and a far greater chance of reaching the latter stages. He has also already shown he can win a World Cup Golden Boot.
At 1.44, the market reflects those advantages.
Haaland will score goals, but unless Norway enjoy a surprise deep run, Kane looks the more likely player to finish with the higher tally.
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