They have a unique view of an on-going match. They are protected heavily by officiating, and they have a role that cannot be left vacant, at any point in the game. The goalkeeper position is a sometimes over looked when awards are being handed out. It is also overlooked when the topic of best players are being debated. They are given very little credit for the a win, since they are usually not the goal scorer, or assistant. With the exception of Lev Yashin, no other goalkeeper has been award the Ballon d’Or.
Lev Yashin
The role of a goalkeeper is possibly the most important role on the team. If there was any percentage of tolerance for mistakes in the game of futbol, the goalkeeper will be the closest to 0%.
The most difficult thing in futbol management must have to be keeping the happiness of multiple world class goalkeepers in one team. Keep your eyes on the season, or you might miss the moments when a substitute keeper get a shot at playing an ‘important’ match. No substitute goalkeeper will admit this, but there is a sadistic pleaseure of seeing the starting goalkeeper roling on the ground and pleading to be substituted.
We are entering this competition with quite a number of outstanding goalkeepers. Some are globally recognized, and there are others that will have the stage to catch the eye of many observers.
A mistake can end it all for a goalkeeper’s career
Here is a look at some highly regarded goalkeepers who might be heading into the 2014 Fifa World Cup.
The host nation has been blessed with two stars in goal. Julio Cesar is a well decorated goalkeeper. His peak can be associated with Inter Milan, where he won majority of his honors as a professional footballer. On his side is Victor Leandro Bagy, simple known as Victor, who is part of the Atlético Mineiro side that made history by winning Copa Libertadores for the first time.
Julio Ceasar
Another ‘favorite’ in the World Cup is also fortunate to have multiple stars in the goalkeeper role. Spain has depth in all positions. There are at least four top class goalkeepers available for the Spanish team. Iker Casillas is the most capped player in the Spanish line up. You will find his name in a lot of debates that involving the list of the best goalkeepers. He has taken the shine from his co-workers who are all No.1 in their respective clubs; Victor Valdes, Pepe Reina and the youngster David DeGea.
Gianluigi Buffon (Italy) and Iker Casillas (Spain), having a playful moment.
The most expensive goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, will most likely be guiding his Italian side from the back. He has been at his post for eternity. Only Iker Casillas has been able to win more ‘IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper’ awards than he has. Apparently he is also getting better with age, since Italians still want him in goal after all these years of service. Whenever this legend decides to leave his post, Salvatore Sirigu might be the next of kin.
Belgium comes in with some options in goal. Simon Mignolet is having a season at Liverpool, while his country man Thibaut Courtois is also enjoying his time at Atletico Madrid.
The Germans will come in with Bayern Munich’s No.1, Manuel Neuer. Neuer has already made his mark in the world of futbol. Looking at other legendary goalkeeers before him, we can anticipate a long career for him.
A other top class goalkeepers that might take the stage include; Tim Howard and Brad Guzan for the United States, Guillermo Ochoa for Mexico, Joe Hart for England, Fernando Muslera for Uruguay, Idriss Kameni for Cameroon, Vincent Enyeama for Nigeria, Claudio Bravo for Chile, Asmir Begovic for Bosnia and Herzigovina and Danijel Subašić for Croatia.
Fernando Muslera (Uruguay)
The stage is set for some new addition to this list. A surprise performance from any up and coming goalkeeper will be very welcomed. The fans will be watching, the big clubs will be shopping, and the Word Cup win will be rewarding.
Is there any goalkeeper we missed? Let us know before Kick-Off.
