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The 2018 FIFA World Cup has been quite enthralling and has kept the football fans on the edge of their seats in each and every match so far. With the early exit of Die Mannschaft in the group stages and the likes of Portugal, Colombia, Spain, and Argentina getting knocked out, the trophy is up for grabs for any team i.e. the underdogs and heavyweights will now have an equal and realistic opportunity to challenge for the prestigious trophy.
Golden Glove is given to the best goalkeeper of the tournament. This does not exclude the Goalkeepers from the category of players eligible for the Golden Ball award. Since three games in the Round of 16 have had their winner decided on the basis of penalty shootouts, we have witnessed some heroic saves made by the Goalkeepers. This has greatly increased the importance of goalkeepers, in general, who are otherwise in the shadow of their team's victory.
Hence, they are going to play a crucial role in the remaining knockout stages to come. Let us look at the 4 prime contestants for the Golden Glove award.
#4 Thibaut Courtois
The Red Devils have successfully enthralled the crowd in Russia with their dazzling display. They have been defensively solid and have shown menace in their attack. Hence, Courtois hasn't had much to do at the World Cup.
Except, in the game against Japan, Courtois has been superb whenever the opposition have penetrated the Belgian defense and has successfully thwarted any threat from set-pieces so far. He has been a sweeper-keeper at the World Cup having completed 80 successful passes. Having kept 2 clean sheets in 4 games, he has a success rate of 69.2 at making saves. He will be crucial for Belgium in their quarter-finals against Brazil and hence will have the perfect opportunity on Friday to showcase his world-class goalkeeping skills.
#3 Danijel Subasic
Danijel Subasic has been excellent for Croatia. Being one of the most experienced goalkeepers at the World Cup, he proved his worth against Denmark in the Round of 16, when he saved three penalties in the decisive shootout which helped Croatia progress to the quarter-finals.
Having kept 2 clean sheets in 4 games, Subasic has a success rate of 88.9% in making crucial saves for his side. He has also completed 56 successful passes at the rate of 63.6% and hence has also proved to be a great distributor and calm in keeping possession for the side. Due to his penalty shootout heroics, Subasic is one of the top contenders for the Golden Glove award.
#2 Muslera
Muslera has been phenomenal for Uruguay over the years and particularly in this World Cup. He has also been helped with the presence of solid defense consisting of Godin and Gimenez ahead of him. Due to their combined efforts and superb form of strikers, Suarez and Cavani, Uruguay remain unbeaten in this World Cup.
Having kept 3 clean sheets in 4 games, Muslera also has an impressive success rate of 91% at making saves. He has also completed 69 successful passes at an average of 25.8 per game. He will have the tough task of facing the inform Mbappe and Griezmann and hence will be a crucial player for the quarter-final against France. Hence, experienced Uruguay goalkeeper Muslera is a prime candidate for the Golden Glove award.
#1 Alisson
Alisson has been brilliant. He was the main reason as to why Brazil could muster a draw out of their first group game against Switzerland. His performance has also been helped by the reliable presence of Thiago Silva and Miranda in front of him.
Having kept 3 clean sheets in 4 games, Alisson physical strength and height have also helped him greatly in defending set pieces quite easily. His cool and composed presence in goal has been important for Brazil's unbeaten run. Hence, Alisson will be an important player in Brazil's quarter-final match. He is also a key competitor for the Golden Glove award at the end of the tournament.
