'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwX/2gAIAQEAAAAAkF//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAG/9oACAECEAAAADv/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB/9oACAEDEAAAAD//xAAhEAABAwQBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEABETIQUUI0Fh0v/aAAgBAQABPwBmGD0oJE0OofzNOG8SdyweE2g2XXvVSOPJ2Q64kyciGSlbIv1X/8QAGBEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAzH/2gAIAQIBAT8Am1m0/8QAGBEBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgABAzL/2gAIAQMBAT8AWjfSuf/Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#2 Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
Game: Mexico vs Brazil – 17 June 2014 at Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
It was a game in Brazil. The fans went to see fireworks from the star-studded hosts, but instead were treated to a goalkeeping masterclass by the opposition keeper. Guillermo Ochoa, a free agent who was released by French second division side AC Ajaccio, ensured he won’t be an unknown name in football circles after that game.
Ochoa made some outstanding saves in the game – including a spectacular save off Neymar’s header by diving to his right and pushing the ball around the post – considered by many as among the best saves in World Cup history. He denied Neymar in another goal-scoring position, and also saved a close-range shot from Paulinho. Ochoa sealed a credible 0-0 draw for Mexico when he saved a late header by Thiago Silva from point-blank range.
Ochoa was rightly adjudged the Man-of-the-Match, and was instrumental in Mexico qualifying for the knockout stage of the tournament. The player’s performance also helped him bag a contract with Spanish La Liga team Malaga.
