WORLD CUP 2014: Enyeama & Julio Cesar Are World Cup Stars Fabian Biastoch

It was once said that a goalkeeper was only as good as his last blunder. Because no matter how good they may be, every No.1 has the ability – and the opportunity – to throw one in.

Of course, it makes a huge difference where it happens, and arguably worst of all, is on football’s biggest stage at the World Cup.

Through the years, many a great career has been ended on the back of one instantly forgettable performance – forgettable that is for the poor victim. For the rest of the world, especially when it comes to goalkeeping catastrophes, have long memories.


Just go back to 1990 and the embarrassing failure of Colombia legend Higuita, who with his side trailing 1-0 in extra time against Cameroon, tried to dribble around Roger Milla, only to be dispossessed, the ageing striker rolling the ball into the empty net.

Or what of Spanish favourite Andoni Zubizarreta whose holwer against Nigeria during France 98, when he pushed the ball into his own net , hastened Spain’s early exit and the onset of retirement.

Four years later, David Seaman must still watch re-runs of Ronaldinho’s free-kick and wonder if the Brazilian superstar meant to chip the Arsenal and England shotstopper, whether it was just a complete fluke, or if the blame – like the ball – dropped into Seaman’s basket. He wasn’t alone either.

Great as Oliver Kahn was in helping Germany reach the 2002 final, his fumble allowed Ronaldo to score, leaving the Bayern favourite a forlorn figure, sitting against his goal post.

“It was my only mistake in the finals,” said Kahn afterwards. “But it was ten times worse than any mistake I’ve ever made. There was no way I could make myself feel better.”

Another Englishman, Rob Green, allowed a tame Clint Dempsey shot to squirm through his gloves as Fabio Capello’s World Cup with England in South Africa started badly.

“It hit the outside of one of my thumbs,” said Green, one of many goalkeepers who struggled to deal with the official World Cup ball. “If I did that 1000 times and I will save 999 times,” said Green. Unfortunately, it was that once that mattered.

Turn the clock forward four years, and Capello saw his hopes in Brazil undermined by CSKA’s Igor Akinfeev, a cornerstone of Capello’s Russian defence, who failed to catch South Korea forward Lee Keun-ho’s speculative long-range effort. And even though the Russians have gone home, expect to see many replays of Akinfeev amongst the video highlights – or maybe that should be lowlights.

However, when it comes to goalkeepers performing in Brazil, there have been more heroes than villains.

Vincent Enyeama has been a key part of Nigeria’s success, while let’s not forget the saves – both during 120 minutes and in the penalty shoot-out – that made Julio Cesar such a national hero against Chile.

Perhaps Brazil 2014 will be remembered as much for the crucial saves and vital stops rather than comedy errors? Though let’s not speak too soon! …