The race for the Women’s World Cup golden boot is taking shape with the knockout stages underway in Australia and New Zealand.
Hinata Miyazawa moved back to the top of the standings as the in-form striker rounded off Japan’s 3-1 win over Norway in the last-16, moving her to five goals in four games.
Alexandra Popp, one of the pre-tournament favourites for the golden boot, had joined Miyazawa on four goals but the Germany captain will be unable to add any more after the two-time champions crashed out in the group stages.
Lauren James is among those on three goals, but the forward is unlikely to play any further part after her red card against Nigeria. If two or more players finish on the same number of goals, the golden boot will be determined by assists and then on minutes played.
The USA’s Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe and England’s Ellen White were joint top scorers four years ago after all finishing on six goals. Rapinoe and Morgan also had three assists, but Rapinoe took the golden boot having scored her goals in less minutes.
Women’s World Cup golden boot standings
Five goals
Hinata Miyazawa (Japan) - one assist
Four goals
Kadidiatou Diani (France) - three assists
Alexandra Popp (Germany)
Jill Roord (Netherlands)
Three goals
Lauren James (England) - three assists
Aitana Bonmati (Spain) - two assists
Jennifer Hermoso (Spain) - one assist
Alba Redondo (Spain) - one assist
Ary Borges (Brazil) - one assist
Sophie Román Haug (Norway)
Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden)
Hayley Raso (Australia)
