We are nearly there. It’s the FIFA World Cup 2014 and everyone is singing the anthem, Ole Ola. So let us begin by stating, discussing and declaring anything that is even remotely associated with football. No fan retreats from good football banter and everyone turns into a self-proclaimed expert.
So without any further ado, I give you the top 5 goalkeepers to look out for at the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. I will talk about their strengths and weaknesses (yes, they are not Gods. Just because they have 6 packs and look like Hercules, they don’t become one). The goalies are listed in no order of preference, but you can always tell us your favourite.
Manuel Neuer - The best in business today
1. Manuel Neuer - Germany
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Strength - Manuel Neuer is arguably the best in the business today. Be it reflexes, shot-stopping, dealing with crosses or simply commanding the area, this giant of a man can do it all.
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Weakness - A player of Neuer’s pedigree can barely have any weakness and in this case he actually doesn’t. The one thing that can bother him is the defense in front of him. Germany’s defense is their weak link and even the best goalkeepers could do with some protection.
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Prediction - I expect Neuer to have a scintillating tournament. If there ever was a player for the big stage, it would be him.
Gianluigi Buffon - The angry old man of football
2. Gianluigi Buffon - Italy
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Strength - The old war-horse, Gianluigi Buffon has seen it all and done it all. So it won’t come as much of a surprise if I list down his biggest strength as experience. With over 130 caps for Italy, Buffon has already won a World Cup in 2006. Known for his reflexes and game concentration, Buffon is also a brilliant long passer.
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Weakness - A trait not uncommon to Italians, Buffon is hot-headed. With discipline issues punctuating his entire career, he would need to keep his temper in check.
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Prediction - Let’s get one thing straight, at 36, Buffon is not getting any younger. This World Cup could just be his swan-song and he will be looking to make the most of it.
Hugo Lloris might be the one to produce one goalkeeping howler
3. Hugo Lloris - France
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Strength - The sweeper - keeper, Hugo Lloris is best with the ball at his feet. A keeper who is lightning fast, Lloris is brilliant at playing the last defender/goalkeeper. He is also difficult to beat in one-on-one situations and is a good organizer of his defense.
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Weakness - His eagerness to come off the goal line can create unnecessary confusion for the defenders.
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Prediction - Lloris shall produce one goalkeeping howler this World Cup. With his adventurous antics near the goal line, trust the French team to pay for it.
Thibaut Courtois - The rising starlet of goalkeeping
4. Thibaut Courtois - Belgium
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Strength - At just 22, this player has the world singing his song already. Over the past three years, he has come up in leaps and bounds (yes, some of them kept the ball out of the net, true story). He is now ready to showcase his skills on the biggest stage of them all. A supreme shot-stopper, it is hard to get anything by this man. Long shots, short shots, snap shots, penalties, he saves them all.
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Weakness - Nerves get to the best of us, and he is still a starlet. Also, his ball skills can leave much to be desired in a fast-paced Belgium team.
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Prediction - Courtois should have a solid tournament and shall continue to polish his constantly growing pedigree further.
Joe Hart might become the second goalkeeper to win the Golden Ball award
5. Joe Hart – England
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Strength - Joe Hart is the leader. He transforms to a God among men as soon as he steps on the field. The art of keeping his players in check and super-human reflexes makes Hart a contender for the Golden Ball award.
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Weakness - The weight of a nation. England fans have this knack of taking the life out of their players before any major tournament. If that gets to Hart, then expect bloopers galore. As you know, Hart is prone to the occasional lapse in concentration.
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Prediction - It all depends on how stress-free and composed the English are and the same goes for Hart. If he manages to stay calm, expect some spectacular saves from Joe.
Let’s not forget to mention the ones who almost made it to the list: Julio Cesar of Brazil, Asmir Begovic of Bosnia and Iker Casillas of Spain.
And there you have it, my list of goalkeepers, who will come up with impossible saves or commit goalkeeping howlers. Tell us who would you want to guard your goal? Watch this space for more FIFA World Cup action.
