With much of the qualification process almost complete and South Africa 2010 looming large, it would make sense to assess some of the world’s best custodians who will be present during the World Cup. Goalkeepers such as Petr Cech will be excluded from the discussion since their nation failed
to qualify for next summer’s big event.
During World Cup 2006 in Germany, Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon was in outstanding form and played a significant role in the Azzurri’s triumph. The Juventus goalie performed a miracle save to keep out French star Zinedine Zidane’s header from securing in all likelihood France’s victory in 2006. Buffon was beaten only twice during the tournament, once courtesy of a freak own-goal by Cristian Zaccardo and the second time from the penalty spot through the legendary Zidane. The goalkeeper is closing in on Italy’s goalkeeping icon Dino Zoff’s 112 caps for la Nazionale. Buffon will once again be very critical for Italy’s chances in South Africa 2010 just as he was in Germany 2006 and his current form bodes well for Marcello Lippi’s side. He seems to have regained his outstanding form following a solid start to the season with Juventus and Italy.
Another name to keep in mind is that of Brazil’s number one Julio Cesar who like Buffon also features in the Italian league. The Brazilian goalkeeper has become an impenetrable wall during Internazionale’s domination on the domestic front and has received praise from both Brazil’s coach Dunga and his rival Buffon. Julio Cesar has often performed miraculous saves and has been a great contributor to the Brazilian cause with his country conceding a mere 11 goals in 18 appearances in the qualifying stage. His form will play a significant role in Brazil’s progress during next summer’s World Cup.
Both Buffon and Julio Cesar will face stiff competition from Spain’s Iker Casillas during South Africa 2010 in the quest to claim the title of the event’s best goalkeeper. The Real Madrid custodian was instrumental in his country’s triumph in Euro 2008 and has often performed admirably for Los Blancos. However, in recent times, his performances have been inconsistent as evident by his blunder against Milan in the Champions League which allowed Alexandre Pato to sneak in a goal for the Rossoneri. On most days, Casillas exudes confidence and puts in some impeccable displays though there is a slight downward trend in his current performances . The fact that Real Madrid’s defense has leaked goals the past two seasons does not do the Spaniard justice yet he also has been at fault on a number of occasions. It is true that even the best goalkeepers make the occasional mistake or commit a rare blunder but both Buffon and Cesare have proven to be more consistent in recent times.
Those three goalkeepers were actually named along with Petr Cech as part of the best five goalies by none other than fellow professional and custodian Sebastien Frey who represents Fiorentina in the Italian league. The Frenchman was not included because he is unlikely to be in South Africa 2010 even if the French national team makes it due to the fact that Raymond Domenech does not rate him highly. It is a shame because Frey can be quite outstanding when in form as witnessed in la Viola’s games during this season. Another noteworthy mention goes to the Republic of Ireland’s shot-stopper Shay Given who is a solid and consistent player but probably ranks a step below the likes of Buffon, Cesar and Casillas.
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omg were is van der sar??
van der sar wasn’t in World cup (look at the article)
He has retired from international football so he cannot be included in this list as it represents those headed to South Africa 2010.
is ochoa
I with you is Ochoa even though the two goals that received in the past 2 weeks
Julio cersar i think will be one of the best goal keepers
weyan rooney have a good forward ronldo also best forward drogba bet forward
ROBERT GREEN IS THE BEST GOALIE
LOL!!!!
please all what is your comment about essam el hadary the egyptian goalkeeper
Essam el Hadary? Egypt is not in the World Cup, so I think he has little chance of being the best keeper in the tournament
The best keeper so far in the tournament is vicent enyeama of nigeria
Hi Faka,
Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama was the star of the Argentina-Nigeria match and made a number of key saves to stop Messi and his teammates.
He was solid against Greece but is responsible for Greece’s winner. I’d still rank him as one of the better keepers in the tournament.
Faka, Enyeama was the best goalkeeper of this World Cup until he made the mistake against Greece which gifted them a goal.
Cheers,
The Gaffer
we are tired of largaback, give us largafront that we make use of front martins. not keita to draw us backward.
vincent enyeama right now of d gospel truth is d best keeper of d tournament bcoz he’s done a wonderful job 4 d super eagles but just dat they don’t wanna make d gentle pastors dream come through.i believe v.enyeama is d best now.chao
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WHAT ABOUT MARK HE IS AN AWSOME KEEPER !!!!!!!!!
EDUARDO FROM PORTUGAL!!!!!
BEST GOALKEEPER IN WORLD CUP 2010
Hello Secs,
The Portuguese GK was good but Portugal’s strategy makes it easier for him to make saves since the team is focused on defending and does not play an open game.
He did have 2 good saves against Spain but in previous matches was not really tested.
I THINK ITUMELENG KHUNE IS THE BEST GOALKEEPER EVER111!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i think Vincent Enyeama of Nigeria would have been the best keeper if at all he reach to quarter or semi final but hard luck any way for him, his team mate disappointed him.But he still remains a wonderful and the best goal keeper.Since it goes like this i think Ike r Cassilas deserves the golden grove as the best keeper of the tournament.
Maarten Stekelenburg is the best goalkeeper in history!!!!!!!!!