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As the tournament enters the semi-final stage, Willie Duncan examines the top marksman market and has picked out who he believes will be pivotal in firing their nation to glory

With England and Italy playing out the first 0-0 draw of the tournament so far on Sunday night so, there have been goals galore at Euro 2012. So it comes as little surprise that the betting at the sharp end of the top goalscorer market is also hugely intriguing as we go into this week's semi-finals.

Sportingbet's top goalscorer market is headed up by Germany striker Mario Gomez, who can be backed at 17/10 (2.70). Gomez came into Euro 2012 in a rich vein of form and was one of the pre-tournament favourites to bag the most goals. Gomez has lived up to that billing thus far, netting three goals in three games with the striker rested for the most part of Germany's 4-2 demolition of Greece on Friday night.

Also with three goals to his name at this stage of the competition is Cristiano Ronaldo, who is chalked up at 15/8 (2.88) with Sportingbet to claim the top goalscorer prize. The Real Madrid striker took his time to find his feet at the tournament but exploded to life with a superb double to sink Netherlands before netting a late winner against Czech Republic to secure Portugal's place in the semi-finals.

The Seleccao, of course, will meet Spain and, despite many lamenting La Roja's form, Vicente del Bosque's side boast no fewer than three players with two goals each to their name. Fernando Torres is chalked up at 5/1 (6.0) with Sportingbet to end the tournament as top goalscorer while Cesc Fabregas, who has been deployed in the controversial 'false nine' role is available at a juicy 16/1 (17.0) with the same firm – a price which looks extremely appealing should Del Bosque's side continue to defy convention and play without a natural striker.

Xabi Alonso has also managed two goals in Euro 2012 with his double against France, but it would come as a great shock should he bag the top goalscorer prize and that is reflected by the 25/1 (26.0) quote from Sportingbet for Alonso to end the tournament at the top of the tree.

With Germany more productive in front of goal than Portugal, the 17/10 (2.70) quote for Gomez to end the tournament as top goalscorer is worthy of support here ahead of Ronaldo, but the 16/1 (17.0) on Spain's Cesc Fabregas may tempt value hunters.

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BEST BET

VALUE BET

Mario Gomez to be top goalscorer at 17/10 (2.70) with Sportingbet

Cesc Fabregas to be top goalscorer at 16/1 (17.0) with Sportingbet

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Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter

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