Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beirvanvand, Congo’s goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, Curacao’s goalkeeper Eloy Room and Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha have been among the unsung heroes for their teams at the World Cup.
In the fierce race for the golden boot, it is easy to forget the men who are doing their best to make life difficult for the Golden boot wannabees – namely the goalkeepers.
In this World Cup some goalkeepers lived up to their expectations, some exceeded these expectations and some made us sit up and say “wow.!” – Click Pic to see some of these flying footballers in action.
Manuel Neuer and Thibaut Courtois had the lion’s share in taking their countries to as far as they got.
Kobel made it happen for Switzerland -20 crucial saves in 6 matches,is no joke.
Martinez, Unai Simon, Maignan and Jordan pickford are still in the grueling race, saving their countries (so far) from a world cup-less campaign
The best of the best is undoubtedly Vozinha,the 40 year old goalkeeper who dragged his small island right into the round of 32 . It was an unthinkable yet glorious happenstance.
In commemoration of his glorious exploits in World Cup 2026 he’s had a new species of small red mollusc named after him .
Thats really something. He will surely be the only goalkeeper in the world to have a memorial mollusc.
Yes the Messis and the Mbappes grab our attention. But they still have to get past the sleepless,ever vigilant,guardians of the goalposts. (LP)