The UEFA Euro 2016 has come to a spectacular end with Portugal upsetting the hosts to clinch their maiden European Championship. Throughout the tournament, we have been lucky to witness some world-class performances, the most notable ones being from the goalkeepers on the pitch.
With some of the world’s best goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer for Germany, David De Gea for Spain and Thibaut Courtois for Belgium having ordinary tournaments by their standards, other keepers rose to the occasion and were the heroes for their teams. Here is a fan’s take on the top five goalkeepers from the tournament:
- Gianluigi Buffon
Italy came into the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament as the unusual underdogs. The Italians, usually known to be a dominant force in Europe were written off by experts before the tournament. They were drawn into the same group as Belgium, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland, with many expecting them to finish second or third in the group. What followed was three clinical defensive performances against all three oppositions putting on top of the group.
Gianluigi Buffon, protected by a world-class defense was the hero as Italy kept four clean sheets in the Euros. They beat Spain 2-0 and faced Germany in the quarterfinals. In an intense game, Buffon let in his first game of the tournament. In the penalty shootout, Buffon made history in a losing cause when he saved Thomas Muller’s penalty which was the first German player to miss a penalty since 1982.
Buffon’s inclusion in the top 5 isn't a surprise as the goalkeeper made 10 vital saves during his campaign. Although the number isn’t huge thanks to the defense, most of the saves came when the back-line were thoroughly beaten. His distribution from the back was clinical and above all, he led the team with sheer class and passion.
- Rui Patricio
Another unusual underdog team at the Euro’s were 2004 finalists, Portugal. The Portuguese were written off by all experts and were not expected to go beyond the quarterfinals. After three disappointing draws in the group stages of the tournament, Portugal took on Croatia, Poland, Wales, and France.
Patricio, who was at the top of his game conceded only one goal in the four games of the knockout stages, coming against Poland. Apart from that single lapse of defense, Portugal and Patricio have been clinical in the knockout stages. Patricio has made 20 saves, the second most in the tournament.
He was arguably the best player in the finals of the tournament with 7 saves, the most in a Euro final since 1980. With 25 claims, Patricio has bossed each of his opponents within his box and clearly deserved his spot in the top 5.
- Hugo Lloris
Hosts France entered the tournament as favourites to come out as winners. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had just come off one of his best seasons with Tottenham Hotspurs as the team challenged for the Premier League title.
At the Euros, Lloris has been a dependable figure at the back keeping three clean sheets in the tournament despite a few weak defensive performances from his back four. With 14 saves, he has come to the fore when France needed him throughout the tournament.
His ball distribution is a huge blessing to the French, as Lloris can cover almost 3/4th of the pitch with his throws. He has also dealt with air-balls very well throughout the tournament.
- Hannes Halldorsson
From a population of just over three lakhs, Halldorsson was chosen as the best man to protect the Iceland goal. The 32-year-old Icelander did his job as Iceland made it to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Euro 2016.
Although Halldorsson’s performances were not perfect in both the quarterfinals and the round of 16 of the tournament, his contribution in the group stages helped Iceland qualify above Portugal. With 27 saves, he tops the table and has also made 24 claims.
Despite conceding five against France, he makes it to this list showing the quality of his performance. He has also saved a penalty in the group stages against Austria. Halldorsson initially wanted to give up on football as he favoured a career as a film director. Looks like her made a good choice sticking to football.
- Gabor Kiraly
At the age of 40, Gabor Kiraly set the tournament on fire after two fantastic performances for the Hungarians in the group stages of the tournament. Despite conceding seven in his next two games, which were thanks to Ronaldo and Hazard’s brilliance, Kiraly makes it to our list.
He set the record to be the oldest player at the Euros and sported his traditional sweatpants. Hungary only kept once clean sheet this tournament and that was down to the inconsistent defensive performances but Kiraly always had their back. With seventeen saves and sixteen claims in just four games, in which he conceded 8 goals – Kiraly was Hungary’s Mr. Dependable.
If not for this man, Hungary could have probably let in over 5 goals against Belgium and Portugal, and could not have won their game against Austria. With his vast experience, Kiraly’s presence in the Hungarian squad was vital.
Special Mentions:
Manuel Neuer and Thibaut Courtois narrowly miss out on the top 5. Both men are established keepers in their respective leagues and have had a good Euro 2016 campaign, but their biggest competition is themselves.
Both Neuer and Courtois have raised the bar with some unbelievable performances in the past but haven’t lived up to that potential in the Euros. For Manuel Neuer especially, this has been a disappointing campaign as he was clearly not at his best when Germany took on France in the tournament.
