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The FIFA World Cup came to an exhilarating end in what was a very entertaining tournament. As Mario Gotze controlled the pass and hit it towards goal, the new champions were crowned. After 24 years, the trophy returned to Germany and it was a wonderful sight to watch Germany triumph.With respect to the various awards on offer at the tournament,LionelMessi walked away with the Golden Ball while Manuel Neuer won the Golden Glove. Throughout this tournament, the one thing that has remained constant is the excellence of goalkeepers.Many goalkeepers have been nothing short of amazing and it is only fair that they get the recognition they deserve. Lets take a look at the top 5 goalkeepers atthe 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.
#5 Tim Howard
Tim Howard created history in that match against Belgium. It was one of the most comprehensive and complete goalkeeping performances seen in recent times. 16 saves in a single night was no mean feat. But then, he was very good in the group stages as well. Placed in a tough group with Portugal, Ghana and Germany, he was an important part in USA qualifying unscathed after having managed to prevent Ronaldo from scoring.
However, the night against Belgium was magical. Everything about that night was perfect in Tim Howard’s book but for the fact that they lost the match. Howard’s 16 saves were the highest in a World Cup match since 1966. While USA failed to qualify to the quarter-finals, Tim Howard’s performances just showed how much they might miss him the next time around.
#4 Claudio Bravo
Throughout their stay in the tournament, one team captured the eye more than any other. Until their devastating loss in the round of 16, they were excellent. Chile were perhaps the best team to emerge out of the shadows and establish theselves as a force to be reckoned with.Playing a system that was based on the tireless presing of their opponents, Chile required their goalkeeper to be on top of his game and Claudio Bravo was up to the task.
His shot-stopping and composed passing helped set the tone for Chile’s pass and move style of play. The matches against Spain and Brazil showed that he is up there with the best in terms of his goalkeeping and he provided a calming influence at the back. That’s what attracted Barcelona, who have now secured him on a permanent basis to replace Victor Valdes and Jose Pinto, along with Marc Andre ter Stegen.
At 31 years of age, Bravo is at his prime and has a good 4-5 years ahead of him. Having conceded just 3 goals from open play, Bravo left the tournament on a high and will be looking to continue that in his future endeavours.
#3 Guillermo Ochoa
The Mexican team had a good, solid World Cup, but this man was clearly the star. At the age of 29, Guillermo Ochoa was in the form of his life. Against Brazil in their second match, Ochoa produced a fantastic goalkeeping performance that earned him the man of the match award. It was an extraordinary display of athletic prowess and goalkeeping ability which included a save that drew comparisons to Gordon Banks’ legendary save from Pele.
In the round of 16 game against the Netherlands, he gave another amazing display. This time though, the Dutch would wound the dreams of so many Mexicans by coming off a deficit to win the game. At the end of the day, the Dutch progressed but Ochoa held his ground. His performance only added to his value as a brilliant keeper. It may be surprising to know that he played in the 2nd division last season and is still on the lookout for a club. Perhaps, that is why the World Cup is regarded as the greatest football event. It can bring out the best from the depths of various regions.
#2 Keylor Navas
Despite Costa Rica’s loss to Netherlands on penalties, they had a great run and were perhaps the breakthrough performers of the tournament. And at the helm of Costa Rica’s wonderful performances was Keylor Navas. A goalkeeper perennially overshadowed in the La Liga by the big guys such as Casillas and Courtois, Navas chose the grandest stage in football to make a name for himself.
Across five matches, Navas was just about perfect guarding the goal, as he conceded just two goals from open play and saving a penalty in the shootouts in the round of 16 match against Greece. At 27 years of age, Navas is just about reaching his prime and the World Cup has seen him enhance his reputation a lot.
#1 Manuel Neuer
He received the Golden Glove for being the best goalkeeper throughout the tournament. And unlike Messi whose award was largely questioned, Manuel Neuer deserved every bit of his prize. Without a doubt, he was the best goalkeeper in the tournament and was a standout performer for Germany. In a team filled with some of the best players of this generation, when the goalkeeper distinguishes himself, he is something special.
Manuel Neuer’s performance against Algeria was perhaps the best individual showing, barring Tim Howard’s 16 saves against Belgium. The German was very good in the final as well, as he secured his penalty box with command, and was brave whenever he needed to be. His performances were so good that many people were betting on Neuer to do a repeat of what Oliver Kahn did by winning the Golden Ball.
