‘Keepers showing out at World Cup
Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano once said that goalkeepers are cursed forever, solitary souls condemned to “eternal misfortune.” In the women’s game, part of that affliction comes from the lack of attention that the position requires. Young goalies don’t have enough tools to develop specific skills and evolve. Nevertheless, they’ll have more heroes after the 2019 World Cup.
During the first round of the Women’s World Cup, the most thrilling moments of the tournament — except for Marta’s all-time scoring record and Alex Morgan’s five goals — were performed by goalkeepers. They are present in daily football conversation. Goalkeepers have generated the attention of former players and analysts.
‘Keepers showing out
After Chile’s game against the U.S., Hope Solo bowed to Chilean goalkeeper Christiane Endler, whom she described as the “best goalkeeper in the world.”
“Christiane is the type of spectacular athlete that every country should be looking for to tend the net,” she wrote for The Guardian.
Endler is having a magnificent tournament, even when she’s part of a newcomer squad. Her speed, reflexes, ability to walk the goal and security captivated Solo.
“We are looking for one in a million. For me, Christiane Endler is that one in a million,” she added.
Endler might be top of the list, but she’s not the only one who’s having superb interventions.
China faced a challenging group in the first round; two of three rivals were entirely superior to the Chinese squad. Although, they still achieved four points and an even goal difference thanks to the phenomenal Peng Shimeng. The 21-year-old goalkeeper has been the best player on the team. Peng kept a clean sheet against a dominant Spain and a vertical South Africa.
China scored one goal in three games. Qualifying with just a goal would be a challenge for any team, unless you have a Peng as your goal guardian. Her arm strength and range were key to sending China to the Round of 16. She is a world-class ‘keeper with a bright future.
Argentina arrived at the last group match with high possibilities to reach the next phase of the tournament. With a lack of offensive effort, the Albiceleste’s pillar was goalkeeper Vanina Correa.
Correa gave Argentina the first and historic point obtained in a World Cup tournament against Japan, the 2015 runners-up. She also saved a penalty kick against England, the third-best team in the FIFA rankings, and conceded just one goal in a game that the Lionesses managed at fulltime. Correa’s bravery and game lecture gave hope to the South American squad that was one goal away from reaching the next round.
The exceptional performances of these three goalies, whom were selected as players of the match, set a very high bar for ‘keepers like Almuth Schult, Karen Bardsley, Sandra Paños, Sarah Bouhaddi and Alyssa Naeher.
Goalkeepers used to be the least athletic or least technical players on a team. Now, they are seen as crucial players who grant confidence to teammates and achieve memorable results.
Follow Luis on Twitter: @LFulloa.
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