GoalkeeperGrades.com

GK Training Session: Connor Revsbeck - 12.17.2011

2011-12-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

Goalkeeper Training Session: Connor Revsbeck - 12.17.2011

0:02: Warm-Up / Full Volley (Hands/Footwork)
1:25: Warm-up / Side-to-Side (Collapse Dive)
3:38: Recovery Gates (Pressure / Footwork / Diving)
5:00: 3 Shot Speed Drill (Pressure / Footwork / Diving)
6:25: High-ball & Back-to-the-bar (Technique / Footwork)
8:03: Covering The 1v1 Cross (Crossing)
10:36: Credits

Objective
-------------------------
Technical -- Hands
Technical -- Footwork
Collapse Dive
Challenged Crosses
High Pressure Training
Extension Dive
Explosiveness

2011 Lakeville North High School Soccer - Juggling Championships

2011-08-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

During tryout week our players competed in a fun juggling competition to cool down after the traditional 3 mile run. Approximately 70 players started and this video follows the final 2 guys. Congrats to Myles and Tyler for a good showing.

Post USA vs. Mexico Match Thoughts

2011-08-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

Steve Cherundolo may have been the biggest difference in the Aug 10 match vs the Gold Cup Final. The guy can flat-out play.
Castillo needs a lot of work. He looked over his head.
Robbie Rogers is a lot faster than I thought.
We need guys like Breck Shea, Juan Aguadelo, and Eric Lichaj who are not intimidated by anyone and bust their asses on every ball. This is what Charlie Davies was known for pre-accident.
Ochoa made a huge save on Bocanegra's header. Save of the game.
The referee may never see another international game.
Donovan needs to be in an attacking midfield role. I've never understood why Arena and Bradley would hide him on the wing.
Taylor Twellman is a better analyst than Lalas.
Harkes needs to pick an accent... he bounces from Latin to UK to American. Distracting.
The guy from ESPN Deportes should not have been on the booth. Better served on the panel.
#5 - Michael Orozco Fiscal - solid player.
Torres takes too many touches and needs to know where the ball is going next before he gets it. He will be good.
Where was Mikkel Diskerud?
Jermaine Jones doesn't exude the body language that says, "I want to be here".
Michael Bradley is a solid player... had to be a weird night for him.

Minnesota Coach & Player, John Sylvester, Faces Serious Challenge Off The Pitch

2011-08-04T06:39:00.000-07:00

Please share this with all those who might benefit from an awesome youth camp or those who know the pain and struggle of battling fatal illnesses...check out the website--there are lots of ways to get involved even if the camp isn't a possibility

FROM SIMON WHITEHEAD TO ALL SOCCER ENTHUSIASTS--PLEASE GET THE WORD OUT AND SUPPORT IN ANY WAY YOU CAN:

I know there is lots going on right now but I wanted to keep you aware of John's situation. As you know he has played for Washburn High, MN Thunder and is DOC at Minneapolis United and coaches High School Soccer. He has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease and just started stem cell treatment at the Mayo Clinic.

"ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is an incurable fatal neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness, resulting in paralysis. "

He is facing sever medical bills and a horrible future. Coerver Coaching are holding a fundraising camp for John (Sly) at Parade Stadium very shortly. I would appreciate it if the MSHSSCA could get the word out. The flyer is attached. Also there is a a rally occurring in September for him.

www.team4sly.org - is their website. Anything you can do to help will be appreciated.

Yours in Soccer,

Simon Whitehead
Director Coerver Coaching Minnesota
NSC Minnesota Stars Pro Camps

Barcelona GK, Valdes, Faces New Challenge In Miami

2011-08-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

While on their US tour, Barcelona FC swam with the dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium. The dolphins demanded they get to show the Barca players their skills... Question is... Did Victor Valdes make the save?

Goalkeeper Training Session: Recovery Diving

2011-07-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

The video features a training session focused on recovery diving. The original session was led by George Kostelis during an NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma Coaching Course.

This session was one of the more memorable of the Level III course. The video quality isn't outstanding, but is pretty good considering it is from a hand-help Flip camera.

You can get a good idea of the positive intensity that George Kostelis brings to training. Using one of his favorite terms... it's "Magic". Somebody needs to hire this guy on to their college or professional staff while he's still available.

Warm-up:

Phase 1 - One bounce catch

Phase 2 - No bounce catch

Phase 3 - No bounce catch x 6

Phase 4 - One bounce collapse dive

Phase 5 - Collapse dive recovery

Phase 6 - Collapse dive same-side recovery

Exercise 1:

Phase 1 - Foot Service - Volley to Chest

Phase 2 - Foot Service - Ground to Side

Phase 3 - Recovery Footwork

Phase 4 - Accelerated Recovery From Near Post

Exercise 2:

Phase 1 - 1v1 Collect & Shoot

Phase 2 - Collect & Shoot Competition

Restricted Game: Small Field 4v4 + GKs

Special thanks to George Kostelis, Instructor; NSCAA Coaches & Willing Participants. Filmed on a Flip Video Camera.

Working Through The NSCAA's Goalkeeping Institute

2011-07-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

In June, I had the fortunate opportunity to participate in the NSCAA's Goalkeeping program. I fully intended to participate one year earlier, but a party at my house for the USA vs. England game took was going to take priority over any coaching course. It just so happened that a very notable goalkeeping gaffe occurred on that very day.

The NSCAA Coaching Academy launched its Goalkeeping Institute in 1998 to focus attention on the education of coaches working with goalkeepers as a special and unique position to train. The "institute" consists of 4 courses based on curriculum developed by Tony DiCicco:

Goalkeeping Level I / State Diploma
Goalkeeping Level II / Regional Diploma
Goalkeeping Level III / National Diploma
Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma

My participation involved the Level I, II, and III courses. Level I & II were 1-day courses. Level III was a three day course.

My hope was to gain some new perspective on how other coaches approach the position more than it was to learn how to teach technique. If I had to listen to 5 days of coaches teaching other coaches the importance of the "W" or finishing position angles, I was going to kill myself. Thankfully, the NSCAA featured two notable goalkeeper coaches during the 3 courses.

The main instructor for the Level I and Level II courses was Rob Walker. Rob has worked within the ranks of the US National program and currently holds the Head Coaching position at Saint Martin's University in Washington. He was also instrumental in the development of Kasey Keller through his teenage years. Apparently Rob and Kasey's mom hit-it-off at some point because they married several years after he began training with Kasey.

The main instructor for the Level III course was George Kostelis. George also worked within the ranks of the US National program and was an Assistant/GK Coach at Yale for several years. His goalkeeping knowledge also propelled him into a Director role at DiCicco's SoccerPlus Goalkeeping School.

George and Rob have very different styles. Rob is very jovial and brings a fun attitude to the pitch. George is extremely intense and demands a lot of focus. Both gentlemen have a tremendous amount of energy.

The overall experience was a positive one for me. I plan on incorporating pieces of the way both Rob and George teach the position into my own methodology.

Greatest Excuse Ever - My Team Lost Because They Were Struck By Lightning

2011-06-29T07:03:00.000-07:00

The go-to excuse of "the dog ate my homework" wouldn't work very well in North Korea. You have to be MUCH more original that that.

After the 2-0 loss to the United States in the Women's World Cup, North Korea manager Kwang Min Kim told the press that his team was recently struck by lightning.

From the BBC:

"When we stayed in Pyongyang during training our players were hit by lightning, and more than five of them were hospitalised," said coach Kim.

"Some stayed in hospital and then came to Germany later than the rest of us. The goalkeeper and the four defenders were most affected, and some midfielders as well. The physicians said the players were not capable of participating in the tournament.

"But World Cup football is the most important and significant event for a footballer, so they don't want to think about anything but football.

"The fact that they played could be called abnormal, the result of very strong will."

Awesome! More at Yahoo Sports

2011-06-25T21:37:00.001-07:00

Who guessed the best player on the field for Mexico would be Jonathan Bornstein?

Tim Howard (USA) vs. Penedo (Panama) - 06.22.2011

2011-06-25T15:53:00.001-07:00

Final: USA 1, Panama 0

Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA

CONCACAF Gold Cup

06/22/2011

A very quiet game for both goalkeepers. Penedo was only required to touch the ball 20 times, 6 touches less than an average game. From the goalkeeping statistics, it looks as if Panama forced most of the attack in the match. Tim Howard's exceptional finger tip redirection over the bar in the 79th minute proved to be the difference in the match.

Howard wins the GK battle.

The USA goal may have been prevented with some increased communication from the goalkeeper (Penedo) to the panamanian left defender. The defender fails to step to the ball leaving the attacker 10 extra yards to advance, and a few extra seconds to pick up his head and find another attacker at the far post. The execution by the attacker was exceptional, Penedo had no chance to defend this on his own. His near-post positioning was proper.

Tim Howard
USA
GK Rating: 105.6

Minutes: 90

Touches: 26

Tests: 0

Goals Allowed: 0

PK Goals Allowed: 0

Routine Saves: 3 (5th, 78th, 84th)

Exceptional Saves: 1 (79th)

PK Saves: 0

Exceptional Plays: 0

Errors: 0

Critical Errors: 0

Error Rate: 0.000

Critical Error Rate: 0.000

Save %: 1.000

Save % + PKs: 1.000

Jaime Penedo
Panama
GK Rating: 72.0

Minutes: 90

Touches: 22

Tests: 2

Goals Allowed: 1

PK Goals Allowed: 0

Routine Saves: 1

Exceptional Saves: 1

PK Saves: 0

Exceptional Plays: 0

Errors: 0

Critical Errors: 0

Error Rate: 0.000

Critical Error Rate: 0.000

Save %: 0.667

Save % + PKs: 0.667

Who Is To Blame: The Linesman Or The Goalkeeper?

2011-05-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

In the last few minutes of the first half, Tottenham goalkeeper Gomes mishandles a long range shot from Chelseas's Lampard. The ball trickles past him towards the goal line before Gomes amazingly stretches back to get a finger to the ball before it goes completely over the line. The line referee was in a position where he was not able to definitively determine whether the ball completely crossed the line. The linesman signals to the center referee that it was a goal... but replay clearly shows that it was not a goal.

Who is to blame? The linesman or the goalkeeper?

The linesman completely fails on the call, but I do not believe he is to blame. My take is that the fault should still be placed on the goalkeeper for putting the referee in the position to have to make a tough call.

The shot from Lampard was from long range and directly at Gomes. Gomes got lazy and had poor technique. Rather than dropping a knee, Gomes should have gathered the ball "frog catch" style and smothered the ball into the ground. If the GK centers his shoulders and hips to the ball, collects the ball with both hands (pinkies together), simultaneously securing in his chest while his body motion propels him forward and down to the ground using the ball to break his fall... the ball would have never leaked past him.

I will applaud Gomes for his extremely athletic recovery. He could have simply watched the ball trickle into the goal, but he got off his ass and worked to make a save.

There is nothing more deflating to the rest of the field players than to watch a goalkeeper be lazy. Field players are running 6+ miles a game, the least a GK can do is give every ounce of effort on every ball... even if the GK knows they won't be able to make the save. The field players will get some satisfaction out of the fact that their GK busts his ass on every play.

Interview With UK Blog, 'I Luv Football'

2011-02-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

I recently participated in an interview with a blog based in the United Kingdom called 'I Luv Football'. I've listed an portion of the interview below... but I encourage you to visit the I Luv Football Blog to read the interview in it's entirety.

Which Football Teams Do you Support (MLS and Foreign)?

In the MLS, I tend to vacillate between several teams I pull for. In the early days, it was DC United because I enjoyed their consistency and the style of play. Recently I've found myself aligning with the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake (for the same reasons I liked DC United). I've also become a fan of the Seattle Sounders and I wear my Seattle Sounders warm-up all the time. The club's fan following is infectious.

Globally I follow all the big clubs... Man U, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Inter, Real Madrid, Barcelona. Otherwise I tend to gravitate towards clubs spotted with guys from the US. Wolverhampton, Aston Villa, and Everton showcase some US goalkeeping talent and Fulham just seems like a really cool small club in a big city (Clint Dempsey).

What is the top football club in the US and how do they compare to their counterparts in Europe? And also when compared to other North and South American teams?

The MLS features a playoff system to determine the league champion which makes the end of the season very dramatic, but doesn't always end up featuring the best squad. The 3 clubs that standout as today's best are the LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, and the New York Red Bulls.

None of these clubs would hold up in the European Champions League, but could potentially avoid relegation from some of the top leagues around the globe. In friendly matches, MLS teams have been gaining ground. The Red Bulls completely outplayed Juventus and Sporting Kansas City (Wizards) defeated Manchester United in their summer friendly matches of 2010.

Historically, the CONCACAF Champions League hasn't been a priority for MLS clubs but the new format, which started in 2009, mimics that of the UEFA Champions League and seems to be gaining popularity. Real Salt Lake has made it an organizational priority to succeed in this competition, which has been dominated by Mexican clubs, and intends to do well in order to advance to the FIFA Club World Cup.

Who do you consider to be the greatest US footballer ever? And why?

Brad Friedel, GK

No US player can claim to have more of a long-term impact in top-flight club football than Friedel. He currently holds the Premier League record for consecutive appearances (250 as of 1.17.2011) and still has a tight grip on the starting position with Aston Villa at nearly 40 years old.

Since winning a collegiate championship with UCLA, he has gone on to play professionally in Turkey, the US (Columbus Crew), and England (Liverpool, Blackburn, Aston Villa).

Internationally he has played in the Olympics, started for the US in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups before retiring from international play in 2005. It is my opinion that Friedel would have been the starting GK for the 2006 World Cup had he not retired and currently ranks as the #2 US goalkeeper only behind Tim Howard (Everton).

Which foreign players would you say have had the biggest influence on the MLS?

From a marketing perspective, David Beckham. Unfortunately he has been more focused on impressing England National Team Managers than winning MLS titles. His impact on the field has been marginal.

Other players have brought excitement to the MLS with their notoriety. Carlos Valderrama (Columbia), Preki (Yugoslavia), Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria), Thierry Henry (France), Lothar Matthäus (Germany), Walter Zenga (Italy), Piotr Nowak (Poland), Cuauhtémoc Blanco (Mexico), Rafael Márquez (Mexico), Hugo Sánchez (Mexico)

The foreign player who made the biggest impact on the field is, by far, Marco Etcheverry (Bolivia). Etcheverry played eight seasons with DC United and led them to 3 MLS Cups, a CONCACAF Champions Cup, and a Copa Interamericana title. He was also named an MLS MVP, MLS Cup MVP, MLS All-Star Game MVP, and to the MLS All-Time Best XI.

Which foreign coach has had the biggest impact on domestic football in US?

Bora Milutinovic (Serbia) - led the US National team into the second round of the 1994 World Cup

Has the popularity of football increased in recent years in America or do you still see American Football, Basketball and Baseball dominating American sport in the foreseeable future?

The game is growing but still sits behind (American) football, basketball, and baseball when it comes to exposure to the masses. A large part of the problem is inconsistent media coverage. Until the MLS can get a high-visibility television deal, people can't pay attention. We live in a ESPN SportCenter world where most of the time we can only keep up with the highlights rather than full matches.

Attendance at MLS games is growing, especially with these clubs moving out of major NFL stadiums and building soccer-specific stadiums. The atmosphere is much better at a full 30,000 seat stadium than at a less than half-full 75,000 seat NFL stadium.

For the 2010 season , the average MLS attendance was 16,675. These numbers fall behind the NFL (67,508) and MLB (30,129) but are on par with the NBA (17,110) and NHL (17,004). The club with the highest average attendance numbers for 2010 was Seattle Sounders FC with 36,173.

If the Sounders were in the MLB they would rank 10th in average attendance. If the Sounders were in the NHL or NBA they would rank 1st in average attendance. If the Sounders were in the Premier League they would rank 9th behind Aston Villa and ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in average attendance. The MLS needs more clubs like the Sounders.

What do you think of the decision to allow Russia to host World Cup 2018 instead of England?

Russia was an acceptable choice. I would have rather seen it go to England, but FIFA has no ability to grow the game further in England. FIFA will benefit from giving more visibility to the game throughout Russia.
However, I am interested to see how they work out teams potentially playing across 9 time zones.

And how to you feel about the decision made to give the World Cup to Qatar instead of the US?

Horrible decision. 120 degree heat! Are they really going to build air-conditioned outdoor stadiums with technology that doesn't exist? Are they really going to build 9 stadiums to be used for 1 month? Qatar has never made it to the World Cup finals. Congrats on your automatic bid.
There is so much opportunity to grow the game in the U.S... it just needs that additional boost of visibility that another World Cup could provide.

Finally where do you think the MLS and the international team will be in ten years time?

MLS - The MLS needs to continue to build tradition and history. Remember, this league as only been in existence for 14 years. The league needs to continue to build relationships with their surrounding communities, just as the NFL has done since the 1920's and English football since the 1880's.
In my opinion, the best thing the MLS can do is move to a true pyramid structure with promotion and relegation as soon as feasibly possible. It's the one thing that would make professional (soccer) unique in comparison to any other American professional sport.

US National Team -Our player development approach has been moving towards the utilization of regional academy structures aligned with MLS clubs rather than the fragmented US Olympic Development Program that has traditionally served as the feeding mechanism for the national squads. This will be a significant factor in the improvement of our senior national teams.

I would expect that the US would secure a berth in the World Cup quarterfinals either in Brazil 2014 or Russia 2018. Anything less than that is a failure. Anything more than that will be a bonus.

The Most Amazing Shootout at the 2010 FAI Ford Cup Final & How To Defend A Penalty Kick

2011-01-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

It's the craziest penalty shootout I have ever seen. Goalkeeper saves 4 out of 4!

2010 Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup - FAI Ford Cup
Shamrock Rovers 0, Sligo Rovers 0 (0-2 Shootout)
Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
11.14.2010

The Shamrock Rovers GK Saves one penalty and watches another travel wide while the second string Sligo Rovers goalkeeper, Ciaran Kelly, saves 4 out of 4 penalty kicks in a shootout to capture the 2010 FAI Ford Cup.

Goalkeepers use various tactics to defend penalties and determine where the ball is headed before it is struck to gain a competitive edge against the shooter. All goalkeepers are taught to make themselves as large as they can possibly be in the goal mouth... a save with the tip of the toe is still a save. You will also often see goalkeepers spreading their arms to look larger or bounce laterally along the goal line... all in a psychological effort to make the shooter feel uncomfortable.

As far as which direction a goalkeeper chooses to defend, these tactics can include:

1. Shooter Approach - a narrow approach to the ball by the shooter can indicate the shooter targeting across their body. A wider approach can indicate the opposite. This tactic is less effective at the professional level as shooters do well to disguise their direction based on approach.

2. Shooter Body Position - Very difficult. The body position just before the shooter contacts the ball may reveal an opening of the shoulders, hips, knee, and ankle which can indicate a right-footed shooter shooting right, or a left-footed shooter shooting left. With a right-footed shooter, the GK must plan to go to the shooters left (goalkeeper's right) unless they see the body open... then they must make a split second decision to change direction to the shooters right (goalkeeper's left).

3. GK Best Guess - basing the directional decision on film study or a gut feeling.

4. GK Reaction - Pure athleticism and quickness.

It may appear that Silgo Rovers GK Cirian Kelly is basing his directional decision solely on GK reaction (tactic #4), but If you look closely, it's more likely the based on the shooters body position (tactic #2) prior to contact. Look at Kelly's first two saves... pause the video just as the shooter is about to make contact. In each instance the shooter opens their body position and Kelly makes the decision at that point to go that direction.

In examining Ciaran Kelly's most impressive save versus the 3rd shooter, Kelly seems to make an initial decision to go to his left. But when the shooter does not open his body, Kelly quickly changes his directional decision to go the opposite direction. Kelly is actually in no-man's land and stuck in the middle of the goal. He is fortunate that the shooter chose to shoot down the middle rather than choosing the corner. A quick, brilliant, reaction gets his hand to the ball as his lower body goes one way and his upper body the other.

In the end It's part art, part science, part athleticism, and mostly luck. But this is the most impressive shootout performance I have ever seen.

Sun Sets on Thursday Training at The Home Depot Center

2011-01-06T17:50:00.001-08:00

From @ussoccer... goalkeeper Dominic Cervi takes in the sunset during training at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. The United States hosts Chile on Jan. 22.

Chris Seitz Joins Third Team in Three Years

2011-01-06T12:09:00.000-08:00

Chris Seitz has landed with FC Dallas. With Dario Sala finally hanging up his boots and Kevin Hartman getting older, there should be a fair amount of opportunity in Dallas.

One hopes that the Project 40 goalkeeper can put together a better season than last year. Mistakes like the one below surely didn't help his status with the Philadelphia Union. Follow him on Twitter @Seitzy1.

UPDATE: FC Dallas just posted an interview with "Seitzy" on their website. Here's a snippet:

FCDallas.com: What’s it like to be joining a legend like Kevin Hartman in goal?
Seitz: I’ve always loved training with good goalkeepers because the only way that you’re going to get better is by competing, and I obviously have that opportunity with both Josh [Lambo] and Kevin. From that standpoint I’m excited. I don’t want to embarrass him [Hartman] or anything, but I actually grew up watching him, so it’ll be fun to get out there with him every day and train with him and compete with him day in and day out.

FCDallas.com: How excited are you to be coming to Texas from Philadelphia?
Seitz: It’s my second team in two years (Seitz was with Real Salt Lake previously). I moved out to Philly and now I’m moving out here, so I hope to be here a while. I hope to prove myself and be able to stay here and call this place home for a while. That’s really the main goal, just get out here and get familiarized with the fans, with the front office and with the team and make it a good environment for me. I'm ready to get out there and get to work

Hilarious Promo for FIFA 2011 with Landon Donovan & Steve Nash

2011-01-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

Steve Nash is hilarious.

EA Sports released a 3-part video series to promote the launch of 2011. Steve Nash is hliarious and newly crowned Awesomest Dude of the Year, Landon Donovan, could use some acting help... Part two is the best of the three.

Guzan Finally Gets a Chance to Start via Loan to Hull City

2010-12-31T15:21:00.001-08:00

Brad Guzan serving as the US #2 goalkeeper while rarely seeing any time with his professional club is something that has been very confusing. This blogger has questioned why Guzan hasn't demanded a loan or transfer... Well it has FINALLY happened... At least for a month.

Brad Guzan has made a 2.5 hour drive from Birmingham to Hull City where he will play on loan for one month. The move comes after Hull GK, Vito Mannone, was called into duty at Arsenal.

The 26 year old American joined Aston Villa in 2008 from Chivas USA but has seen limited action. Former US #1 GK, Brad Friedel, has held the starting spot for an extensive period at Aston Villa. Friedel turns 40 in May.

Hull City was relegated from the Premier League to the Npower Championship in 2010 and currently sits 15th in England's second-tier, but only 4 points shy of a place in the Championship Play-offs.

Guzan has made one Premier League appearance and seen a handful of UEFA Cup/Europa League and Carling Cup action. The United States victory over South Africa in November is arguably Guzan's most exceptional game as a professional.

What can be accomplished during the short span of a one month loan is questionable. However, this is only a positive if Guzan can find himself in a starting position for Hull. Best case scenario would be the further exposure and consistent playing time prompting a transfer to another top-tier club..

GK MacMath included in 2011 Generation Adidas Class

2010-12-30T10:28:00.001-08:00

The 2011 Generation Adidas class includes one goalkeeper, Zac MacMath. The program, sponsored by adidas, encourages early entry (without college graduation) of American players into MLS. Joining MacMath is eight other underclassmen and four seniors for which the MLS has signed early.

MacMath is considered to be a bright young prospect on equal footing to Cody Cropper (Ipswich Town and my former club, Bangu -MN). MacMath recently recorded two shutouts during both starts of the U20 Milk Cup in Northern Ireland and spent some time training with Everton and US Senior Team GK Tim Howard.

Until 2005, the program was sponsored by Nike and was called Project-40. Generation Adidas players do not count against the MLS senior roster and usually earn a much higher salary than the league minimum . Entering into the program automatically classifies a player as professional and thus, disqualifies them from playing college soccer. As a result, Generation Adidas players are guaranteed scholarships to continue their college education.

Other notable Project-40/Generation Adidas goalkeepers include Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Stefan Frei (Toronto FC), and Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake).

Zac MacMath - GK
Age: 19
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
College/Club: University of Maryland
U.S. Nat'l Team: U-17, U-18, U-20, U-23

- 2010 NSCAA First Team All-American
Joined the U.S. Soccer U-17 Residency Program in 2006 and started two games in the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

- Led the U-20 team to a Milk Cup Championship in the summer of 2010 in Northern Ireland

- Earned lowest goals-against average in NCAA (.44 GAA) in 2008 as a freshman and set a program record for shutouts in a season with 15 in 2010

Lucasz Fabianski (Arsenal) vs. Petr Cech (Chelsea) - 12.27.2010

2010-12-27T14:39:00.000-08:00

Final: Arsenal 3, Chelsea 1
Emirates Stadium, London, England
Barclays Premier League
12/27/2010

The Gunners ended their five-match losing run against Chelsea with this stunning victory at the Emirates Stadium. Petr Cech didn't get much help from his defenders as Arsenal took advantage of three sloppy plays which proved to be the difference in the 3-1 final.

The match started slow with both teams hanging back to defend with 10 men, leaving a single striker forward. Arsenal managed the midfield better than Chelsea and started creating chances with 5 minutes remaining in the half.

Cech came up with 2 exceptional saves in the 40th and 41st minutes only to see 2 goals hit the back of the net in the 44th, 51st, and 53rd minute. Cech got caught leaning on the first goal but could do little to divert the 2nd and 3rd goals. The catalyst for all 3 goals was sloppy play in the Chelsea defensive third.

Chelsea attempted to make a late run after a great ball into the box left Fabianski in "no-man's land" and the ball simply required a flick by Ivanovic to see the back of the net. Fabianski was tested very little and the majority of his touches were harmless.

Although Fabianski and Arsenal got the match result, Cech gets higher marks for his GK Rating.

Petr Cech
Chelsea
GK Rating: 90.9

Minutes: 90
Touches: 30
Tests: 3
Goals Allowed: 3 (44th, 51st, 53rd min.)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 6
Exceptional Saves: 3 (44th, 51st, 53rd)
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.750
Save % + PKs: 0.750

Lucasz Fabianski
Arsenal
GK Rating: 75.6

Minutes: 90
Touches: 28
Tests: 2
Goals Allowed: 1 (57th min.)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 3
Exceptional Saves: 0
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.750
Save % + PKs: 0.750

Guzan Has Best Game For U.S. National Squad

2010-11-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

USA 1, South Africa 0

The match against South Africa yesterday was a breath of fresh air for all of us who were growing tired of seeing the same squad pushed out every game. The last time we saw this many new faces was 9 years ago against Korea when former Saint Paul Academy (MN) stand-out Manny Lagos secured his first cap with the senior national team.

It was also the first time in recent history that I can recall Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach) not starting in the midfield. He's a good player, but it gets frustrating to see his dad refusing to give a look to any other midfield players. Logan Pause (Chicago Fire) and Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew) didn't make a huge impact, but they didn't make any glaring mistakes either.

It was really nice to get the win, but it was also very cool to see a few new faces step up in a leadership role. Clarence Goodson (IK Start - Norway) and Brad Guzan (Aston Villa) really seemed to adopt the leadership role very well. It was particularly surprising to see Goodson, who always seemed to have a mild-mannered field persona, frequently provide direction to the younger players.

Guzan put forth his best performance in a U.S. goalkeeper jersey. He made two exceptional 1-on-1 saves in the first half that kept the U.S. in the game. Without those key stops, the match could have quickly got out of hand. Guzan bought the rest of the squad some time to work out some on-field chemistry.

Guzan's performance at the international level begs the question: Why does Brad Guzan continue to ride the pine for Aston Villa?

By no means do I think Brad Friedel (Aston Villa) should take a seat. Friedel is arguably still the best U.S. goalkeeper in the world (no disrespect to Tim Howard). But why doesn't Brad Guzan demand to be loaned to another club? Guzan hasn't played a competitive match in 4 months and deserves to see the field somewhere. It's very odd to have your international #2 not play for his club.

Other Notes from USA vs South Africa...

South Africa's Itumeleng Khune continues to impress as the #1 goalkeeper for Bafana Bafana. He is currently one of the best distributors of the ball from the GK area.

Juan Agudelo (NY Red Bulls) had a great finish and it was very cool to see the 17-year old get a goal in his first appearance. What is getting lost in this story is that Mikkel "Mix" Diskerud (Stabæk - Norway) displayed a brilliant piece of creativity to set up this goal. It would be nice to see Diskerud and Jose Torres (Pachuca) get a chance to play side-by-side.

Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa) may have secured his spot in the starting XI with a very solid performance. He is very fast and very physical and the yellow card didn't slow him down a bit. Our national squad needs to continue to churn out players like this... players who are confident, aggressive, and not afraid to mix it up with top international players.

Kyle Reynish (Real Salt Lake) vs. Yosgart Gutiérrez (Cruz Azul) - 10.19.2010

2010-10-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

Final: Real Salt Lake 3, Cruz Azul 1
Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah, USA
CONCACAF Champions League
10/24/2010

Kyle Reynish
Real Salt Lake (USA)
GK Rating: 93.4

Minutes: 90
Touches: 30
Tests: 4
Goals Allowed: 1 (71st min.)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 6
Exceptional Saves: 1 (83rd min.)
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.875
Save % + PKs: 0.875

Yosgart Gutiérrez
Cruz Azul (Mexico)
GK Rating: 73.1

Minutes: 90
Touches: 24
Tests: 7
Goals Allowed: 3 (42nd, 66th, 69th min.)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 4
Exceptional Saves: 0
PK Saves: 1 (32nd min)
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.625
Save % + PKs: 0.625

Bouna Condoul (NY Red Bulls) vs. Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy) - 09.24.2010

2010-09-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

Final: New York Red Bulls 2, LA Galaxy 0
Home Depot Center, Carson, California, USA
Major League Soccer (MLS)
09/24/2010

Bouna Condoul
NY Red Bulls
GK Rating: 98.7

Minutes: 90
Touches: 32
Tests: 2
Goals Allowed: 0
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 13
Exceptional Saves: 0
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 1 (20th min)
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.029
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 1.000
Save % + PKs: 1.000

Donovan Ricketts
LA Galaxy
GK Rating: 70.4

Minutes: 90
Touches: 21
Tests: 4
Goals Allowed: 1 (36th min)
PK Goals Allowed: 1 (60th min)
Routine Saves: 2
Exceptional Saves: 0
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.667
Save % + PKs: 0.700

The Proof-Of-Concept Project at GKGrades.com

2010-09-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Due to recent events, I'm now provided the ability to bring my head above water from the pool of work and stress I was drowning in for a long time. My free-time can now be partially filled with more Fox Soccer Channel, Gol TV, MLS Direct Kick, and UEFA Champions League.

In June, I began a proof-of-concept project where I formulated a system for which goalkeepers could be measured by a numerical rating that factors in many different applicable game statistics. The intent is to revolutionize the way the goalkeeper position is graded. It's my opinion that goals-against-average (GAA) and shutouts are the most deceiving positional statistics in all of sports. The result is a numeric rating similar to that of the quarterback position in the National Football League.

Using the 2010 FIFA World Cup as the testing ground, I've got about 30 more games to analyze and log into the GKGrades intelligence database. Many of the games have already been rated with published ratings on this website. The final project deliverable will be a comprehensive look at goalkeepers and their performances throughout the entire World Cup. I think many people will be surprised to see that the highest rated GK's might not be traditional powerhouse names like Iker Casillas or Gigi Buffon, but rather someone that plays for a national team or club that flies relatively low beneath the radar.

Goalkeeping is a position that requires intense focus and non-stop concentration. Don't get caught sleeping like the guys in this video...

GK Ratings for Round of 16 - Germany vs. England

2010-07-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Final: Germany 4, England 1
Free State Stadium, Bloenfontein, South Africa
World Cup 2010, Match 52
06/27/2010

Manuel Neuer
Germany National Team
GK Rating: 100.6

World Cup 2010 GK Profile: Manuel Neuer
Minutes: 90
Touches: 42
Tests: 3
Goals Allowed: 1 (37th min)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 11
Exceptional Saves: 2 (35th min, 81st min)
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 1 (20th min)
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.929
Save % + PKs: 0.929

David James
England National Team
GK Rating: 67.6

World Cup 2010 GK Profile: David James
Minutes: 90
Touches: 31
Tests: 7
Goals Allowed: 4 (20th min, 32nd min, 67th min, 70th min)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 5
Exceptional Saves: 2 (5th min, 31st min)
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.636
Save % + PKs: 0.636

GK Ratings for Round of 16 - Brazil vs. Chile

2010-06-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Final: Brazil 3, Chile 0
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
World Cup 2010, Match 55
06/28/2010

Julio Cesar
Brazil National Team, #12
GK Rating: 100.6

World Cup 2010 GK Profile: Julio Cesar
Minutes: 90
Touches: 24
Tests: 2
Goals Allowed: 0
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 6
Exceptional Saves: 0
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 1.000
Save % + PKs: 1.000

Claudio Bravo
Chile National Team, #16
GK Rating: 67.6

World Cup 2010 GK Profile: Claudio Bravo
Minutes: 90
Touches: 23
Tests: 4
Goals Allowed: 3 (25th min, 38th min, 59th min)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 2
Exceptional Saves: 2 (74th min)
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.571
Save % + PKs: 0.571

GK Ratings for Round of 16 - Netherlands vs. Slovakia

2010-06-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

Final: Netherlands 2, Slovakia 1
Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa
World Cup 2010, Match 54
06/28/2010

Maarten Stekelenburg
Netherlands National Team, #1
GK Rating: 105.4

World Cup 2010 GK Profile: Maarten Stekelenburg
Minutes: 90
Touches: 34
Tests: 4
Goals Allowed: 0
PK Goals Allowed: 1 (94th min)
Routine Saves: 1
Exceptional Saves: 2 (67th min, 67th min)
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 1.000
Save % + PKs: 0.950

Jan Mucha
Slovakia National Team, #16
GK Rating: 90.9

World Cup 2010 GK Profile: Jan Mucha
Minutes: 90
Touches: 31
Tests: 4
Goals Allowed: 2 (18th min, 84th min)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 6
Exceptional Saves: 2 (50th min, 52nd min)
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.800
Save % + PKs: 0.800

GK Ratings for Round of 16 - Argentina vs. Mexico

2010-06-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

Final: Argentina 3, Mexico 1
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
World Cup 2010, Match 53
06/26/2010

Sergio Romero
Argentina National Team, #22
GK Rating: 86.6

World Cup 2010 GK Profile: Sergio Romero
Minutes: 90
Touches: 30
Tests: 3
Goals Allowed: 1 (71st min)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 6
Exceptional Saves: 0
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.857
Save % + PKs: 0.857

Oscar Perez
Mexico National Team, #1
GK Rating: 73.0

World Cup 2010 GK Profile: Oscar Perez
Minutes: 90
Touches: 23
Tests: 3
Goals Allowed: 3 (26th min, 33rd min, 52nd min)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 3
Exceptional Saves: 2 (37th min, 92nd min)
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.625
Save % + PKs: 0.625

GK Ratings for Round of 16 - USA vs. Ghana

2010-06-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Final: Ghana 2, USA 1
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa
World Cup 2010, Match 51
06/26/2010

Richard Kingson
Ghana National Team, #22
GK Rating: 120.5

World Cup 2010 GK Profile: Richard Kingson
Minutes: 120
Touches: 43
Tests: 2
Goals Allowed: 0
PK Goals Allowed: 1 (62nd min)
Routine Saves: 12
Exceptional Saves: 4 (35 min, 47 min, 67 min, 76 min)
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 1.000
Save % + PKs: 0.988

Tim Howard
United States National Team, #1
GK Rating: 86.1

World Cup 2010 GK Profile: Tim Howard
Minutes: 120
Touches: 36
Tests: 2
Goals Allowed: 2 (5th min, 93rd min)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 7
Exceptional Saves: 1 (37th min)
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.800
Save % + PKs: 0.800

GK Ratings for Round of 16 - Uruguay vs. South Korea

2010-06-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

Final: Uruguay 2, South Korea 1
Port Elizabeth Stadium, Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa
World Cup 2010, Match 50
06/26/2010

Fernando Muslera
Uruguay National Team, #1
GK Rating: 99.8

World Cup 2010 GK Profile: Fernando Muslera
Minutes: 90
Touches: 31
Tests: 4
Goals Allowed: 1 (68th min)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 6
Exceptional Saves: 2 (59th min, 87th min)
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.889
Save % + PKs: 0.889

Jung Sung Ryong
South Korea National Team, #16
GK Rating: 61.8

Minutes: 90
Touches: 20
Tests: 2
Goals Allowed: 2 (8th min, 80th min)
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 10
Exceptional Saves: 0
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 1 (8th min)
Critical Errors: 1 (8th min)
Error Rate: 0.045
Critical Error Rate: 0.045
Save %: 0.833
Save % + PKs: 0.833

Diego Binaglio of Switzerland Ranks As Best World Cup Keeper Through Game 1

2010-06-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

The following table represents the GoalkeeperGrades.com GK Rating^TM for the first games in the 2010 World Cup. The GK Rating^TM, borrowed from the concept of a passer rating or quarterback rating in the NFL, is a cumulative measure of the total performance of a goalkeeper. GK RatingTM is an algorithm calculated using each goalkeepers's total touches, tests, goals allowed, PK goals allowed, routine saves, exceptional saves, PK Saves, errors, and critical errors. A GK Rating does not have a maximum or a minimum, but a rating of 100 or above is considered to be exceptional. A GK Rating below 80 is considered poor.

Download Complete Statistical Table (.pdf)

GK.Name	Squad	Opponent	GK.Rating
Diego.Binaglio	Switzerland	Spain	121.1
Vincent.Enyeama	Nigeria	Argentina	114.4
Jung.Sung.Ryong	South Korea	Greece	106.2
Tim.Howard	USA	England	106.0
Fernando.Muslera	Uruguay	France	105.8
Richard.Kingson	Ghana	Serbia	105.7
Maarten.Stekelenburg	Netherlands	Denmark	105.5
Samir.Handovic	Slovenia	Algeria	102.9
Itumeleng Khune	South Africa	Mexico	101.4
Claudio Bravo	Chile	Honduras	100.8
Sergio Romero	Argentina	Nigeria	100.7
Manuel Neuer	Germany	Australia	100.7
Eduardo	Portugal	Ivory Coast	100.6
Boubacar Barry	Ivory Coast	Portugal	100.5
Federico Marchetti	Italy	Paraguay	100.1
Thomas Sorensen	Denmark	Netherlands	98.4
Hugo Lloris	France	Uruguay	94.6
Noel Valladares	Honduras	Chile	93.3
Justo Pillar	Paraguay	Italy	92.2
Oscar Perez	Mexico	South Africa	90.5
Eiji Kawashima	Japan	Cameroon	90.0
Alexandros Tzorvas	Greece	South Korea	88.2
Ri Myong Guk	North Korea	Brazil	87.2
Hamidou Souleymanou	Cameroon	Japan	86.7
Jan Mucha	Slovakia	New Zealand	85.6
Mark Paston	New Zealand	Slovakia	79.5
Mark Schwarzer	Australia	Germany	77.6
Vladamir Stojkovic	Serbia	Ghana	75.6
Julio Cesar	Brazil	North Korea	75.4
Faouzi Chaouchi	Algeria	Slovenia	72.9
Robert Green	England	USA	68.1
Gianluigi Buffon	Italy	Paraguay	50.2
Iker Casillas	Spain	Switzerland	46.9
AVERAGE			91.7

Here are some statistical insights on goalkeeper performance after each nation's first match...

Highest Save %:
Diego Binaglio, Switzerland (1.000 - 11 saves)

Lowest Save %:
Gianluigi Buffon, Italy (0.500)

Highest Exceptional Save %:
Diego Binaglio, Switzerland (1.000 - 4 exceptional saves)

Most Involved GK:
Mark Paston, New Zealand (42 touches & tests)

Least Involved GK:
Julio Cesar, Brazil (13 touches & tests)*

Most Saves:
Ri Myong Guk, North Korea (12)

Highest Error Rate:
Eiji Kawashima, Japan (0.107)

Highest Critical Error Rate:
Iker Casillas, Spain (0.095)

* Italy's Buffon and Marchetti each logged 12 touches and tests, but only played 45 min each due to Buffon's injury.

If GAA was the primary statistic in use, Mark Schwarzer (Australia) would be last on the list with a GAA of 4.000. Anybody who watched this match would understand that this is further proof that GAA is not a proper measure of goalkeeper performance. Schwarzer's stat line of the match against Germany reads as:

GK Rating: 77.6
Touches &; Tests: 40
Goals Allowed: 4
Routine Saves: 6
Exceptional Saves: 2
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0

Your performance measure should be significantly affected when you let 4 goals get by, but it shouldn't necessarily rank you as the worst GK on the list. Schwarzer's GK Rating ^TM ranks him as 27th out of 33 goalkeepers who saw time in match 1.

Hamidou Souleymanou - Cameroon National Team - FIFA World Cup - 06.14.2010

2010-06-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Final: Japan 1, Cameroon 0
Free State Stadium, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, South Africa
World Cup 2010, Match 10
06/14/2010

GK Rating: 86.7
Hamidou Souleymanou
Cameroon National Team, #16

Minutes: 90
Touches: 40
Tests: 1
Goals Allowed: 1
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 6
Exceptional Saves: 0
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.857
Save % + PKs: 0.857

Eiji Kawashima - Japan National Team - FIFA World Cup - 06.14.2010

2010-06-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Final: Japan 1, Cameroon 0
Free State Stadium, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, South Africa
World Cup 2010, Match 10
06/14/2010

GK Rating: 90.0
Eiji Kawashima
Japan National Team, #21

Minutes: 90
Touches: 26
Tests: 2
Goals Allowed: 0
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 5
Exceptional Saves: 0
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 3
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.107
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 1.000
Save % + PKs: 1.000

Tim Howard - United States National Team - FIFA World Cup - 06.12.2010

2010-06-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

Final: England 1, United States 1
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa
World Cup 2010, Match 5
06/12/2010

GK Rating: 106.0
Tim Howard
United States National Team, #1

Minutes: 90
Touches: 35
Tests: 5
Goals Allowed: 1
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 6
Exceptional Saves: 3
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.900
Save % + PKs: 0.900

Robert Green - England National Team - FIFA World Cup - 06.12.2010

2010-06-21T23:34:00.000-07:00

Final: England 1, United States 1
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa
World Cup 2010, Match 5
06/12/2010

GK Rating: 68.1
Robert Green
England National Team, #12

Minutes: 90
Touches: 39
Tests: 1
Goals Allowed: 1
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 2
Exceptional Saves: 1
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 1
Critical Errors: 1
Error Rate: 0.025
Critical Error Rate: 0.025
Save %: 0.750
Save % + PKs: 0.750

Itumeleng Khune - South Africa National Team - FIFA World Cup - 06.11.2010

2010-06-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

Final: Mexico 1, South Africa 1
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
World Cup 2010, Match 1
06/11/2010

GK Rating: 101.4
Itumeleng Khune
South Africa National Team, #1

Minutes: 90
Touches: 24
Tests: 4
Goals Allowed: 1
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 4
Exceptional Saves: 2
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 1
Errors: 0
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.000
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.875
Save % + PKs: 0.875

Oscar Perez - Mexico National Team - FIFA World Cup - 06.11.2010

2010-06-21T00:03:00.000-07:00

Final: Mexico 1, South Africa 1
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
FIFA World Cup 2010, Match 1
06/11/2010

GK Rating: 90.5
Oscar Perez
Mexico National Team, #1

Minutes: 90
Touches: 30
Tests: 5
Goals Allowed: 1
PK Goals Allowed: 0
Routine Saves: 6
Exceptional Saves: 1
PK Saves: 0
Exceptional Plays: 0
Errors: 1
Critical Errors: 0
Error Rate: 0.029
Critical Error Rate: 0.000
Save %: 0.875
Save % + PKs: 0.875

The New Era of Goalkeeping Statistics

2010-06-20T00:14:00.000-07:00

It is a wide-spread belief that the standard set of goalkeeping statistics are not a proper measure of goalkeeper performance. Looking at the stat sheet following a game can be very deceiving. The box score might read that a goalkeeper only had 2 saves which makes the reader believe that the GK was not very involved in the match... when in actuality that same GK may have had 30+ touches on the ball.

The traditional 'Shots on Goal' does not include every dangerous ball that is played into the goal area. The traditional 'Saves' only represents a limited subset of diffused chances that are directly related to the already skewed 'Shots on Goal' statistic.

Goals Against Average (GAA) is possibly the most useless statistic of them all. Great goalkeepers can play on bad teams and average goalkeepers can play on great teams. The GAA stat does not provide visibility into anything outside the number of times the ball ends up in the net. There is a place for this statistic at the team level, but should not be used as the primary measure of goalkeeper performance.

As Americans, we feel the need to track statistics for all aspects of sport to help measure team and individual performances as well as give sports talk radio a reason to exist. Because I have background in information systems, business intelligence, and goalkeeping, I feel compelled to make an attempt at the development of a proper quantitative and more comprehensive approach for measuring goalkeeper performance.

With that said, I will be using the World Cup as a testing ground to measure the following set of metrics and periodically reporting on the results.

Touches: Number of times the GK physically touches the ball. A metric to measure the involvement of the GK in the game. Every touch is an opportunity to make an error. Includes goal kicks, back passes, set plays, saves, etc...

Tests: Another metric to measure the involvement of the GK in the game. Contrary to a Touch, a Test is where the GK does not physically touch the ball. A test can include a goal allowed or a ball that hits the post. Also includes any situation where a GK is forced to make a play on the ball. Includes any situation where the GK directly or indirectly affects the result of a challenge withough touching the ball. Breakaways where the GK makes a play on the ball and the ball is shot off-target is a good example of a test.

Goals Allowed: Goals allowed during the course of normal play. Does not include goals converted via penalty kick.

Penalty Kick Goals Allowed: A separate goals allowed metric to identify instances where the odds of scoring are heavily favored towards the offensive team.

Penalty Kick Saves: Helps to identify GK's who specialize in this area of the game.

Routine Saves: Includes all saves made where the general expectation is that these saves should be made by the GK during the normal course of play. Includes all situations where the GK diffuses a direct chance on goal or an indirect opportunity such as a dangerous cross or through ball. GK's should be given credit for all saves... not just the ones that are a result of shots on goal.

Exceptional Saves: Great goalkeepers keep their squads in games by making a couple saves every game that could easily result in a goal for the other team. This subjective call by the statistician is a count the number of times a GK has made an incredible save. Penalty Kick Saves, Routine Saves, and Exceptional Saves are summed to create the Total Saves statistic.

Exceptional Plays: Occasionally goalkeepers can be credited with an exceptional play that falls outside the traditional role of goalkeeper. This category counts all other exceptional plays that should be identified as part of goalkeeper performance. This would most likely include distribution the directly leads to a goal, moving forward to create a direct chance at goal, scoring, etc...

Errors: Borrowed from baseball, an error is the act, in the judgment of the official scorer, of a goalkeeper faulting on a play in a manner that opens up an opportunity for the opposition to make a play, when such a play should have been prevented given ordinary effort by the goalkeeper.

Critical Errors: Errors that lead to a goal allowed.

Error Rate: A measure of Errors against the sum of Touches + Tests.

Critical Error Rate: A measure of Critical Errors against the sum of Touches + Tests.

Save Percentage: A measure of goals allowed during normal play (not including penalty goals) against against the sum of Routine Saves + Exceptional Saves. Save percentage has long been a staple statistic, but the GKGrades version is thought to be a better representation because saves include all situations where the GK diffuses a direct chance on goal or an indirect opportunity rather than just shots on goal.

Save Percentage + PKs: A measure of goals allowed against against the sum of Routine Saves + Exceptional Saves + Penalty Saves. For purposes of this stat, 1 penalty kick goal is weighted at only 25% of a goal allowed in normal play.

GK Rating^TM: Borrowed from the concept of a passer rating or quarterback rating in the NFL. A GK Rating^TM is a cumulative measure of the total performance of a goalkeeper. GK Rating^TM is an algorithm calculated using each goalkeepers's total touches, tests, goals allowed, PK goals allowed, routine saves, exceptional saves, PK Saves, errors, and critical errors. A GK Rating does not have a maximum or a minimum, but a rating of 100 or above is considered to be exceptional. A GK Rating below 80 is considered poor.

World Cup GK Profile: Óscar Pérez (Mexico)

2010-06-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

Óscar Pérez

Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 36
Birth Date: Feb 1, 1973
Birth Place: Mexico City, Mexico
Height: 5' 9" (1.74m)
Weight: 159 lbs (72 kg)
Club: Jaguares (MEX)
International Caps: 52

Club History
Jaguares (MEX): 2009-
Tigres (MEX): 2008-2009
Cruz Azul (MEX): 1993-2008

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Óscar "El Conejo" Pérez Rojas is a Mexican football goalkeeper who formerly played for the Mexican team, Cruz Azul .

He was capped 46 times for the Mexican national team between 1997 and 2005. He played four games at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and was selected for the 1998 FIFA World Cup but never played. He has been the starting goalkeeper for Cruz Azul since 1997 when they won the championship in the 1997 Winter Season. More Recently he has been awarded for staying at the club for 400 appearances, making it a record. But now he has moved to UANL Tigres and has now been the starter of 4 games in the Apertura 2008. After spending 1 year at Monterrey, now he moved to Jaguares de Chiapas.

Oscar was noted to be the best goalkeeper in Mexico from the years of 1998 to early 2002. Once Javier Aguirre left the Mexican team, Ricardo Lavolpe became coach, and Oswaldo Sanchez took over his spot. For the world cup 2010 Perez was called up again following several impressive showings in friendlies leading up to the competition.

from ESPN SoccerNet
This shaven-headed veteran of two World Cup finals (on the bench in 1998 and a starter in 2002) had seemed ready to retire from the game last year, only for coach Javier Aguirre to persuade him to join the squad in an understudy and dressing room leader role.
'El Conejo' (the Rabbit) may be small for a keeper, but he is still remarkably supple and agile. He has featured in four Copa America finals with Mexico (1995, 1999, 2001 and 2004) and two Confederations Cups (1997 and 1999). However, this World Cup is an altogether more glorious prize to chase and he will relish the challenge in South Africa this summer.

For most of his professional career, Perez has loyally served Mexico City outfit Cruz Azul. He became famous in 2001 for saving two penalties in one match from Real Madrid superstar Luis Figo.

from FIFA.com
South Africa 2010 will be the third FIFA World Cup™ finals for veteran goalkeeper Oscar Perez. An understudy to Jorge Campos at France 1998, he was Mexico's No1 at Korea/Japan 2002, appearing in all four of their games and conceding the same number of goals.

Overlooked by Ricardo La Volpe for Germany 2006, Perez was recalled to the national team by Javier Aguirre with Mexico struggling in their qualifying campaign. 'El Conejo' (The Rabbit) played in the matches last June against El Salvador (1-2) and Trinidad and Tobago (2-1), though he will arrive in South Africa as third goalkeeper behind the younger pair of Guillermo Ochoa and Luis Michel.

Perez, who plays for Mexican top-flight side Jaguares de Chiapas, was always renowned for his incredible spring – hence his nickname – which even allows him to touch the crossbar with his foot. He has impressive speed around the penalty box too and, at 37, his physical qualities remain intact. In addition, he brings a cool head in difficult moments, a product of the experience accumulated over 17 seasons as a professional. If called on he will have a positive contribution to make, both on and off the pitch.

2010 World Cup Goalkeepers - By The Numbers: Size

2010-06-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

2.82
The largest goalkeeper at the World Cup is Australia's Mark Schwarzer. At 6' 5" and 217 pounds, Schwarzer carries 2.82 pounds for every inch of height. The 37 year old "socceroo" recently helped Fulham reach the Europa League final and has been linked to a possible transfer to Arsenal.

Next on the height-to-weight ratio list is Tim Howard (USA/Everton) at 2.80 pounds per inch.

74
The average and median height of the goalkeeping pool at the 2010 World Cup is 6' 2" (74 inches).

6 of the 32 projected starters at the goalkeeping position are under 6 feet tall. This group includes Lee Woon-Jae (South Korea), Justo Villar (Paraguay), Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria), Boubacar Barry (Ivory Coast), Khune Itumeleng (South Africa), and Noel Valladeres (Honduras).

6' 6"

At 6' 6" (78 inches), the tallest starting goalkeeper at the 2010 World Cup is 36 year old Konstantinos Chalkias of Greece.

5' 10"

At 5' 10" (70 inches), the shortest starting goalkeeper at the 2010 World Cup is 33 year old Noel Valladeres of Honduras. Noel's idol was former Mexico goalkeeper Jorge Campos, who was extremely short by current international standards at (5' 6" or 65 inches). Valladares shares another notable trait with Campos in that they are both very skilled with the ball at their feet. Both men began their careers playing striker.

UPDATE: 5' 9"
With Perez making the start over Ochoa in the first match vs. South Africa, Oscar Perez of Mexico is the shortest starting goalkeeper at 5' 9".

2.169
The smallest goalkeeper at the World Cup is the Ivory Coast's Boubacar Barry. His 5' 11" and 154 pound frame calculates as 2.169 per inch of height.

Country	Goalkeeper	Age	Height	Weight	lbs/inch
Australia	Mark Schwarzer	37	6' 05"	217	2.82
USA	Tim Howard	31	6' 03"	210	2.80
Italy	Gianluigi Buffon	32	6' 03"	205	2.73
Ghana	Richard Kingson	31	6' 00"	192	2.67
Cameroon	Carlos Kameni	26	6' 01"	190	2.60
England	David James	39	6' 05"	200	2.60
Slovakia	Jan Mucha	27	6' 02"	192	2.59
Denmark	Thomas Sorensen	33	6' 04"	196	2.58
Chile	Caudio Bravo	27	6' 00"	185	2.57
New.Zealand	Mark Paston	33	6' 05"	198	2.57
Spain	Iker Casillas	29	6' 01"	187	2.56
S.Korea	Lee Woon-Jae	37	5' 11"	181	2.55
Slovenia	Samir Handanovic	25	6' 05"	194	2.52
Honduras	Noel Valladares	33	5' 10"	176	2.51
Algeria	Lounes Gaouaoui	32	6' 02"	185	2.50
Portugal	Eduardo	27	6' 02"	185	2.50
S.Africa	Khune Itumeleng	22	5' 11"	176	2.48
Nigeria	Vincent Enyeama	27	5' 11"	174	2.45
Paraguay	Justo Villar	32	5' 11"	174	2.45
Netherlands	Maarten Stekelenburg	27	6' 04"	185	2.43
Serbia	Vladimir Stojkovic	26	6' 05"	187	2.43
Argentina	Sergio Romero	23	6' 04"	183	2.41
Switzerland	Diego Benaglio	26	6' 04"	183	2.41
Brazil	Julio Cesar	30	6' 01"	174	2.38
Germany	Manuel Neuer	24	6' 03"	176	2.35
N.Korea	Ri Myong-Guk	23	6' 02"	174	2.35
Greece	Konstantinos Chalkias	36	6' 06"	181	2.32
Japan	Seigo Narazaki	34	6' 02"	168	2.27
Mexico	Guillermo Ochoa	24	6' 00"	159	2.21
France	Hugo Lloris	23	6' 02"	161	2.18
Uruguay	Fernando Muslera	23	6' 03"	163	2.173
Ivory.Coast	Boubacar Barry	30	5' 11"	154	2.169

Mark Schwarzer's World Cup Destiny: From Sydney to Stuttgart

2010 World Cup Goalkeepers - By The Numbers: Age & Experience

2010-06-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

22
The age of the youngest starting goalkeeper in the 2010 World Cup. South Africa's Khune Itumeleng is 22 years old. Itumeleng has 26 caps under his belt, more than Sergio Romero (Argentina), Hugo Lloris (France), and Fernando Muslera (Uruguay) combined. Romero, Lloris, and Muslera are all 23 years old and have combined for a total of 22 international appearances.

39
David James (England) is the oldest projected starter at 39 years old. Unfortunately, James may not get to start in the 2010 World Cup as a minor knee injury has sidelined the Portsmouth keeper. This may force Fabio Capello to place the 30 year old Robert Green between the sticks. Green has only 10 international appearances while James has recorded 50 international appearances. England players reportedly want manager Fabio Capello to name David James as his first choice goalkeeper during the 2010 World Cup.

130
South Korea's Lee Woon-Jae is the most capped goalkeeper starting in the 2010 World Cup. The 37 year old Woon-Jae has accumulated 130 caps since the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Lee will be one of two players (other being Rigobert Song of Cameroon) to be part of a 2010 World Cup squad that also played in 1994 World Cup.

5
The German squad had always had a history of carrying experienced goalkeepers into the World Cup (Schumacher, Kahn, Meier). 2010 will be different as the 24 year old Manuel Neuer, with only 5 senior international appearances, will assume the starting goalkeeping role for a program that has finished 4th place or better in 11 of 16 World Cups (Germany was banned from 1950 and withdrew from 1930).

Neuer's 5 caps may be the least of the starting World Cup goalkeepers, but he is the most capped GK on the German squad over Hans-Jörg Butt (3), and Tim Wiese (2).
The probable choice as the German No. 1 prior to 2010, Robert Enke, committed suicide in 2009 while battling depression.

Roster of Projected Starting Goalkeepers for 2010 World Cup

2010-06-08T23:12:00.000-07:00

With the first game of the World Cup just days away, GKGrades.com has compiled a list of probable starting goalkeepers for each of the participating countries.

There are still a few starting jobs in limbo...

Mexico has yet to make a decision between the young Ochoa and veteran Sanchez....
England may move to favor Robert Green if David James cannot begin to practice with his tweaked knee...
The Ghana skipper has not yet proclaimed Kingson as the definitive No. 1 after a few disappointing warm-up friendlies...

Click on the GK name for a full profile...

Country	No.	Goalkeeper	Age	Caps
Algeria	1	Lounes Gaouaoui	32	48
Argentina	22	Sergio Romero	23	6
Australia	1	Mark Schwarzer	37	74
Brazil	12	Julio Cesar	30	48
Cameroon	1	Carlos Kameni	26	55
Chile	1	Caudio Bravo	27	43
Denmark	1	Thomas Sorensen	33	86
England	1	David James	39	50
France	1	Hugo Lloris	23	10
Germany	1	Manuel Neuer	24	5
Ghana	22	Richard Kingson	31	78
Greece	1	Konstantinos Chalkias	36	26
Honduras	18	Noel Valladares	33	72
Italy	1	Gianluigi Buffon	32	101
Ivory.Coast	1	Boubacar Barry	30	45
Japan	1	Seigo Narazaki	34	76
Mexico	13	Guillermo Ochoa	24	37
Netherlands	1	Maarten Stekelenburg	27	27
New.Zealand	1	Mark Paston	33	23
Nigeria	1	Vincent Enyeama	27	54
North.Korea	1	Ri Myong-Guk	23	33
Paraguay	1	Justo Villar	32	73
Portugal	1	Eduardo	27	14
Serbia	1	Vladimir Stojkovic	26	33
Slovakia	1	Jan Mucha	27	15
Slovenia	22	Samir Handanovic	25	38
S.Africa	16	Khune Itumeleng	22	26
S.Korea	1	Lee Woon-Jae	37	130
Spain	1	Iker Casillas	29	103
Switzerland	1	Diego Benaglio	26	27
Uruguay	1	Fernando Muslera	23	6
USA	1	Tim Howard	31	50

World Cup GK Profile: Diego Benaglio (Switzerland)

2010-06-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

Diego Benaglio

Squad: Switzerland
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 26
Birth Date: Sep 8, 1983
Birth Place: Zurich, Switzerland
Height: 6' 4" (1.93m)
Weight: 183 lbs (83 kg)
Club: Wolfsburg (GER)
International Caps: 27

Club History
Wolfsburg (GER): 2008-
CD Nacional (POR): 2005-2008
VfB Stuttgart (GER): 2002-2005
Grasshoppers (SUI): 2000-2002

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
A Swiss international since 2006, Benaglio was called-up for the 2006 World Cup as third-choice behind Pascal Zuberbühler and Fabio Coltorti.

With consistently good performances in 2008, he was promoted to the starting line-up for Euro 2008, played on home soil. He has since retained his position as Switzerland's number 1 goalkeeper.

from ESPN SoccerNet
Pascal Zuberbuhler and Fabio Colorti were ahead of Benaglio when the last World Cup finals were played, yet this agile stopper has taken a few leaps forward in his career over the last four years.

His move to Wolfsburg in the January 2008 transfer window was a key moment in his development and he played a key role in their impressive triumph in last season's Bundesliga. Agile, alter and a fine reader of the game, this former Grasshoppers and Stuttgart keeper has confirmed his worth for club and country in the last couple of years.

Benaglio has been battling to regain full fitness as his injured right knee required surgery in February, but he is determined to be at his best for this summer after playing in all but one of Switzerland's 2010 World Cup qualifiers. "The knee was not getting any better and it was tough to get through games, so the best thing to do was have the operation," he says. "I'm sure I'll be fine for South Africa."

from FIFA.com
Diego Benaglio provides a rock-solid last line of defence for the Swiss national team. The keeper, on the books at German Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg, has been the undisputed number one for his country for over two years, and enjoys the unconditional trust of his coach Ottmar Hitzfeld as well as his team-mates.

The keeper signed pro forms way back in 1999 when he was just 16, appearing in the Swiss top flight for Grasshoppers Zurich. However, in three seasons with the 27-times Swiss champions, he only made a total of 23 appearances, largely due to his tender age.

In 2002 he made his way to Germany and hooked up with VfB Stuttgart. Still only 19, Benaglio was the third-choice goalkeeper behind Timo Hildebrand and Thomas Ernst, and spent his entire playing career in southern Germany with the third division reserve side. The talented youngster’s ambitions extended far beyond that level.

The 1.94m shot-stopper duly opted to move again, arriving in Portugal in July 2005 to play for Funchal club Nacional in what is now the Liga Sagres. After a few settling-in problems, Benaglio established himself as the Madeira outfit’s first-choice pick and began attracting attention from around Europe with a string of cast-iron performances.

In January 2008, VfL Wolfsburg announced the signing of the Zurich-born player. Benaglio replaced previous starting keeper Simon Jentzsch and became a leading figure for the Wolves from the moment he joined the club.

His greatest success to date was also the most surprising, as unfancied Wolfsburg defied the pundits to claim the first Bundesliga title in their history at the end of the 2008-9 campaign. In October last year, the Swiss international extended his stay in Wolfsburg until 2013, to the express delight of the club’s management and fans.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ will be Benaglio’s third major tournament. After making his international debut on 3 June 2006 in a friendly against China PR, he was Switzerland’s third keeper behind Pascal Zuberbühler and Fabio Coltorti at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

In February 2008, then national boss Jakob ‘Koebi’ Kuhn named Benaglio as his first-choice goalkeeper for UEFA EURO 2008 on home soil. Benaglio completed all three of his country’s fixtures at the tournament, but could do little to prevent the Swiss falling at the first hurdle.

The 2009 Swiss Player of the Year is now hoping he and his team-mates fare substantially better at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where the priority is simply to qualify for the last sixteen. In 2006, Benaglio watched helplessly as Switzerland exited the tournament at the Round of 16 stage without conceding a single goal in normal and extra-time. Barring injury or unforeseen misfortune, he will actively be involved in trying to better that outcome this summer.

World Cup GK Profile: Iker Casillas (Spain)

2010-06-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Iker Casillas

Squad: Spain
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 29
Birth Date: May 20, 1981
Birth Place: Mostoles, Spain
Height: 6' 1'' (1.85m)
Weight: 187 lbs (85 kg)
Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
International Caps: 103

Club History
Real Madrid (ESP): 2000-
Real Madrid B (ESP): 1999-1999
Real Madrid (ESP): 1999-1999
Real Madrid C (ESP): 1998-1999
Real Madrid (ESP): 1997-1998

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Iker Casillas Fernández Spanish pronunciation: ['iker ka'si?as]; is a Spanish football goalkeeper who plays for the Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and serves as captain for the Spanish national team. He is currently first-choice goalkeeper for both club and country and serves as a vice captain for his club. As captain of the national side, he led a young Spanish team to their first European Championship in 44 years, his first senior international honour.

Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, Casillas has been recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, illustrated by the many awards he has received. He was ranked 4th in the 2008 European Footballer of the Year voting, and also the highest ranked goalkeeper in 2009. At the end of 2009 he was voted into the UEFA Team of the Year for the third consecutive time.

from ESPN SoccerNet
Captain of his country and a hero to millions of Madridistas, Casillas also has a strong claim to the title of the finest goalkeeper of his generation. The Real Madrid icon has won tournaments with his country at Under-15, U-17 and U-19 level, but his crowning glory was lifting the Euro 2008 trophy on behalf of his team-mates. Casillas first donned the number one shirt on a regular basis after Santiago Canizares was forced out of the 2002 World Cup squad, having smashed a bottle of aftershave on his foot, and he has been unchallenged ever since. Only Andoni Zubizarreta, with 126 appearances, has won more caps in goal for Spain.
Nicknamed San Iker ('Saint Iker') at Real Madrid, Casillas is a rare homegrown talent among a sea of galacticos having joined the club at the age of nine. He made his first-team debut under the current national coach, Vicente del Bosque, in the 1998-99 season and cemented his place the following year when becoming the youngest goalkeeper to appear in a Champions League final when beating Valencia just four days after his 19th birthday. A rare slump in form saw him dropped for the encounter with Bayer Leverkusen two years later but he appeared as a substitute in the second half in Glasgow and won the trophy for Real with a series of superb saves.

Casillas has been an established and respected member of the first XI ever since and has played a major role in Real's extensive success over the past decade - winning four La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues and the InterContinental Cup in 2002. A wonder-save against Sevilla in October only confirmed the suspicion that Casillas will go down in the history books as one of the finest goalkeepers in the history of the game.

He is in bullish mood ahead of a tournament that has the potential to see the Spanish team he leads with great pride confirm their reputation as one of the great international sides of the modern era.

"We have the perfect group going into this World Cup and the truth is we will fear no one," he says. "This team has already beaten so many of our big rivals in South Africa in England, Italy, Germany and Argentina, so we are going into the tournament believing we have a big chance. To be World and European champions at the same moment is a dream for all of us."

Strengths: As the last line of defence in a team that often pays scant regard to such an art, Casillas gets plenty of practice and frequently demonstrates his impressive reflexes, superb agility and innate ability to pull off a spectacular save. His forceful personality and will to win ensure he is a born leader.

Weaknesses: His aura of invincibility has been slightly dented in recent years due to a handful of mistakes and he can be slightly rash when rushing off his line.

Career high: Having lost his place in the Real side for the 2001-02 Champions League final, Casillas came on as a substitute for the injured Cesar Sanchez and pulled off a string of fine saves to thwart Bayer Leverkusen. He has never looked back.

Career low: A humbling experience at the Bernabeu last season when arch rivals Barcelona smashed six past Casillas in May in a game that effectively clinched the league title for the Catalans.

Style: Energetic, extravagant, commanding, a leader from the back.

Quotes: "Iker is the perfect captain. I'd give him ten out of ten for everything he does as a keeper, a captain and in the way he behaves. He sees everything so clearly. The whole squad deserve a ten but Casillas more than anyone. As the captain he's the one I speak to the most. He's a phenomenon." Luis Aragones, June 2008.

Trivia: Casillas is very superstitious and every time Real Madrid score a goal he has to touch his own crossbar.

Soccernet says: His claim to be regarded as one of the best goalkeeper in world football has suffered a touch but South Africa could be the perfect stage for Casillas to put his rivals in their place.

from FIFA.com
The latest in a long line of Spanish goalkeeping greats is La Roja captain Iker Casillas, whose agility, speed, reflexes and cool head in one-on-one situations have earned him the nickname ‘San Iker' (Saint Iker) at club side Real Madrid.

Born on 20 May 1981, Casillas earned his first call-up for the Madrid first-team at the age of just 17, having come all the way up through the youth ranks at the Spanish giants. And it was current national-team coach Vicente del Bosque who gave the custodian his top-flight debut in 1998/99, with Casillas making the Los Blancos' No1 jersey his own the following campaign and contributing to victory in the 1999/00 UEFA Champions League.

A winner with Spain at the 1999 edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Nigeria, in 2000 Casillas was also voted Europe's best player under the age of 21, though it would be Madrid's 2001/02 Champions League success (the club's ninth win in the competition) that would cement his status among the world's finest shot-stoppers. Having lost his starting place to the more experienced Cesar Sanchez after a rare period of uncertainty, Casillas replaced the injured Cesar late on in the final in Glasgow and proceeded to thwart the Bayer Leverkusen onslaught with a series of phenomenal saves.

Since then Casillas's No1 status for club and country has never been in doubt, with the player travelling to two editions of the FIFA World Cup (Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006) and three UEFA EUROs (Belgium and the Netherlands 2000, Portugal 2004 and Austria and Switzerland 2008) since making his La Roja debut in June 2000.

And though the highlight of his international career is clearly Spain's win at EURO 2008, which ended the country's 44-year major trophy drought, two instances of penalty-shootout excellence also spring to mind. Against Republic of Ireland in the Round of 16 at Korea/Japan 2002, two Casillas saves sent his team to the last eight, while against Spain's bogey team and reigning world champions Italy at EURO 2008, the Madrid man again saved twice to book a semi-final berth and pave the way for an eventual Spanish victory.

Perhaps surprisingly for a man at the very top of his profession, Casillas's feet remain very much on the ground. Modest and easy-going off the pitch, he never forgets his roots in the working-class Madrid suburb of Mostoles and devotes much of his time to charitable causes.

Real - The Movie
Iker Casillas Signed Real Madrid Photo

World Cup GK Profile: Noel Valladares (Honduras)

2010-06-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Noel Valladares

Squad: Honduras
Squad No: 18
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 33
Birth Date: May 3, 1977
Birth Place: Comayagua, Honduras
Height: 5' 10" (1.79m)
Weight: 176 lbs (80 kg)
Club: Olimpia Tegucigalpa (HON)
International Caps: 72

Club History
Olimpia Tegucigalpa (HON): 2004-
Motagua (HON): 1996-2004

from Wikipedia (full wiki)

Noel Eduardo Valladares Bonilla is a Honduran football goalkeeper, who currently plays for Club Deportivo Olimpia. He was born in Comayagua.

He was a member of the national squad at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Prior to that experience he played as goalkeeper and forward for Honduras at the 1999 PanAmerican games in Winnipeg. He played as a striker for several seasons at Motagua.

He is very important to the Honduran national squad. He has made 70 appearances for the team and will participate in the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.

from ESPN SoccerNet
Honduras' last line of defence since 2000, he was the cornerstone of their qualification for South Africa as he played every minute of their 18 games and looked particularly effective in the final round-robin series when he turned in some solid displays.

Many goalkeepers like to think of themselves as capable outfield players and in the case of Valladares, he is no mean performer with the ball at his feet. Indeed, he actually played professionally as a striker for many years at his former club Motagua.

He filled the role between the posts for the Honduran Olympic side at the Sydney Games in 2000 and while some local detractors claim he lacks consistency, that a rather harsh judgement.

from FIFA.com
The fact that Honduras boasted the best defensive record of the six teams contesting the final qualification phase in the CONCACAF Zone had much to do with the form of their first-choice keeper Noel Valladares. Presenting a formidable last line of defence, the seasoned Catracho custodian brought his powers of anticipation and concentration to bear during their successful campaign, proving a reassuring presence for the Honduran rearguard.

Just like his goalkeeping role model, the flamboyant former Mexico gloveman Jorge Campos, Valladares owes his skill with the ball at his feet to his early days as a striker. And although not always the No1 for his club side Olimpia, where he shares goalkeeping duties with Donis Escober, there is no dispute about his status as Honduras’ leading man between the pipes.

A veteran of three FIFA World Cup™ qualifying competitions (Korea/Japan 2002, Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010), the 33-year-old former Motagua keeper has more than 70 international caps to his name and also appeared at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Sydney 2000.

That breadth of experience will prove invaluable in South Africa, where his commanding presence between the posts will give Reinaldo Rueda’s side a solid foundation on which to build.

World Cup GK Profile: Claudio Bravo (Chile)

2010-06-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

Claudio Bravo

Squad: Chile
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 27
Birth Date: Apr 13, 1983
Birth Place: Viluco, Chile
Height: 6' 0" (1.83m)
Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg)
Club: Real Sociedad (Spain)
International Caps: 43

Club History
Real Sociedad (ESP): 2006-
Colo Colo (CHI): From 2002 to 2006

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Bravo represented Chile at U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels. He made his debut with the main side on July 11, 2004 against Paraguay, in the 2004 Copa América, and retained his place for the rest of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.

Bravo was again called for duty in the 2007 Copa América, held in Venezuela, where he started all four games. He became national side captain after Marcelo Salas announced his international retirement.

from ESPN SoccerNet
Steady rather than spectacular would be the best way to describe a goalkeeper who was present and correct in all 18 of his country's World Cup 2010 qualifiers. He has been Chile's captain since legendary striker Marcelo Salas retired from the international game in late 2008.
After coming through the youth ranks of the famous Colo Colo club, Bravo was a first-teamer there for four years before Spanish Liga outfit, Real Sociedad paid £1.5 million to secure his services and it has proved to be a good deal for all concerned.

He is renowned for his ability to deal with any sort of backpass and proved his footballing ability in February of this year when he scored direct from a free-kick from just outside the opposition box in a second division game with Nastic. If it comes down to a penalty shoot-out for Chile in South Africa, Bravo would doubtless fancy his chances against his opposite number.

from FIFA.com
Claudio Bravo is just the player Chile needed to inherit the captain’s armband worn by such legends as Marcelo Salas and Ivan Zamorano. At just 27 years of age, Bravo is a calming influence in La Roja and already boasts bags of experience. He also has the reputation of being the best custodian in the second tier of Spanish football, where he keeps goal for Real Sociedad.

After arriving at the age of 10 from his home town of Viluco for a trial with Colo Colo, he soon caught the eye of the El Cacique coaching staff. He made his professional debut in 2002 at just 19, the first step in a successful career.

Renowned for his penalty-saving skills, Bravo has earned universal praise for his reflexes and good positioning. He played a vital role in helping Chile qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, playing in every game and conceding just 22 goals as a nailed-on first choice in Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Bravo also knows something about finding the opposition net, a luxury that few keepers in the world can lay claim to. It happened last February against Gimnastic of Tarragona, in a Spanish Second Division game, when his coach, Martin Lasarte, encouraged him to run forward and take a free-kick, which he duly converted to win the game.

“It was certainly a bit different, but I don’t really want to talk about it too much, because I am not in the side to score goals. It was a lucky one-off and I did it because the coach and my team-mates asked me to”, he said.

A friendly, laid-back character, Bravo has been the subject of transfer speculation linking him with several top Spanish sides. However, the goalkeeper has taken it all in his stride, signing a new contract until 2013 with Sociedad and continuing to live happily with his family in San Sebastian.

He is also quietly confident in what he and his team-mates can achieve in South Africa: “A World Cup doesn’t come around every day or even every year, and I have faith in what we can do out there. We have already shown in qualifying that we can perform on the big stage and now we just need to get out on the pitch in South Africa, entertain the fans, and dream about progressing as far as we possibly can.”

Chile National Country Flag 3' x 5'

World Cup GK Profile: Eduardo (Portugal)

2010-06-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Eduardo

Full Name: Eduardo dos Reis Carvalho
Squad: Portugal
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 27
Birth Date: Sep 19, 1982
Birth Place: Mirandela, Portugal
Height: 6' 2" (1.87m)
Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg)
Club: Braga (POR)
International Caps: 14

Club History
Braga (POR): 2008-
Vitória Setúbal (POR): 2007-2008
SC Beira-Mar (POR): 2007-2007
Sporting Braga (POR): 2003-2006

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
After UEFA Euro 2008, Eduardo was called for new national team coach Carlos Queiroz for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Denmark, where he played understudy to Quim.

He made his full debut on 11 February 2009, in a friendly match with Finland, playing the first 60 minutes in a 1–0 home win, and remained the starter throughout the remainder of the qualifying campaign.

from ESPN SoccerNet
Something of a late bloomer at international level, Eduardo failed to make the cut for the Euro 2008 final party and he started the 2010 World Cup qualifiers behind first choice starter Quim in Carlos Queiroz's Seleccao plans.

He only made his international debut in February of last year, but quickly established himself as the Portugal No.1 and he heads to South Africa in that role after playing in eight of the fixtures that secured his nation a place in the World Cup finals.

Eduardo has played European club football with Braga, but accepts this summer's football festival will be a big test of his credentials. "I appreciate that the coach is putting his faith in me and my job has to be to prove him right," says Eduardo. "Until I perform in a major tournament, it's natural that people will question whether I can do the job."

from FIFA.com
In football, things can change almost overnight. The career of goalkeeper Eduardo is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game. Less than two years ago, he was involved in a struggle for the No1 jersey at Braga, and then forced to go out on loan to prove his ability at the top level. After a successful spell at Setubal in 2007/08, opportunity finally came calling, and the experienced shot-stopper got the chance he had been craving for so many years.

He was recalled to Braga, immediately installed as first-choice keeper at the start of the 2008/09 season, and has never looked back. His outstanding performances in the league, and especially in the UEFA Cup, have earned him widespread admiration in his homeland, and served perhaps as a salutary lesson to others that patience in football is often a virtue. And he has gone on to reap even greater rewards: his excellent form for the Minho club brought him to the attention of national coach Carlos Queiroz, and he now finds himself on the verge of turning FIFA World Cup™ dreams into reality.

He won his first call-up to the senior squad during Portugal’s difficult qualifying campaign, and precisely at a time when the Equipa das Quinas was struggling for form and consistency. Eduardo’s authoritative presence between the sticks helped get the team back on track and, in eight qualifying matches, the new number one conceded a paltry total of two goals, winning over the sceptics in the process.

Now firmly installed as first-choice for both club and country, it seems as though Eduardo is ready to write his name into the annals of Portuguese football history. In four previous FIFA World Cup campaigns, only once has the country’s number one come from a club other than the so-called big three, namely Benfica, Porto and Sporting. That man was Jose Pereira, from Belenenses, who starred for his country in the 1966 finals. Forty-four years on, Braga will proudly break with footballing tradition, as Eduardo attempts to emulate the achievements of his illustrious predecessors.

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Portugal Soccer Team - World Cup South Africa 2010 FIFA Keychain (2"x1")
World Cup 2010 Portugal iPhone Cover

World Cup GK Profile: Ri Myong-Guk (North Korea)

2010-06-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Ri Myong-Guk

Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 23
Birth Date: Sep 9, 1986
Birth Place: Pyongyang, North Korea
Height: 6' 2" (1.87m)
Weight: 174 lbs (79 kg)
Club: Pyongyang City (North Korea)
International Caps: 33

Club History
Pyongyang City (PRK)

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Ri Myong-Guk is a North Korean international football player. He plays for Pyongyang City in the DPR Korea League.

He played 15 matches in 2010 World Cup qualifying for Korea DPR, including keeping a clean sheet in the decisive final group game against Saudi Arabia. After the match, he stated "I felt like I was defending the gateway to my motherland". His performances also saw him nominated for the 2009 Asian Footballer of the Year award.

He will most likely be goalkeeper at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.

from ESPN SoccerNet
A safe pair of hands who was instrumental to his nation's passage to South Africa, Ri only missed one game in the 2010 World Cup qualifying push and let in just seven goals in 15 ties.

His positioning and appreciation of angles his main assets and while he is still a relatively youthful keeper, his reading of the game is excellent. In North Korea, he is considered the best keeper to emerge since Lee Chang-Myung, the national team's heroic stopper when they sensationally reached the quarter-finals of 1966 World Cup in England.

"We come together as one for the national team," says Ri. "That's been our strength and we will continue to be united at the World Cup. Our people will be proud to see us representing them in South Africa."

from FIFA.com
World-class goalkeeping was in plentiful supply in the Asian Zone qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, with Australia's Mark Schwarzer and Korea Republic's Lee Woon-Jae gaining plenty of plaudits for their performances. However, of all the keepers on show, it was Korea DPR youngster Ri Myong-Guk who stole the show throughout the continent’s lengthy qualifying competition.

As vintage wine adds to its value with the passage of time, experience invariably benefits goalkeepers, as the likes of Schwarzer and Lee have shown. At just 23, Ri has proved an exception to this rule, having excelled throughout as Korea DPR held off the likes of Iran and Saudi Arabia to take one of Asia’s four automatic qualifying berths.

Ri was just 20 when he earned his first national call-up as Korea DPR stepped up their qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010. After playing just 46 minutes in the two-legged opening qualifying matches against Mongolia, he impressed in the third-stage opener against Jordan as Korea DPR registered a hard-fought 1-0 away win. From that point onwards, the Pyongyang City man never looked back, starting all 13 of the Chollima’s remaining qualifying matches and making the position very much his own.

His ability to keep clean sheets was underlined during the third stage of qualifying as Korea DPR became the only Asian team to have an unblemished defensive record after six rounds of matches. Ri did go on to concede his first goal against United Arab Emirates, but was able to help Korea DPR hold out for a vital three points that further boosted their hopes. He also finished the campaign strongly, shutting out both Iran and Saudi Arabia as the Chollima made sure of their place at South Africa 2010.

Helping Korea DPR to their second FIFA World Cup became a major achievement for Ri, who was named his country’s Player of the Year last year. Heralded as one of the best goalies the nation have produced, the Pyongyang City Sports Group custodian has reached the iconic status with both club and country.

Ri may enter the FIFA World Cup finals in June as one of the tournament’s least experienced keepers, but he has already shown that, what he lacks in pedigree, he more than makes up for in skill and composure. If Korea DPR are to stun their formidable group rivals, they will need their outstanding young goalkeeper to rise to the occasion once again on the biggest stage of all.

World Cup GK Profile: Boubacar Barry (Ivory Coast)

2010-06-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

Boubacar Barry

Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 30
Birth Date: Dec 30, 1979
Birth Place: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Height: 5' 11" (1.80m)
Weight: 154 lbs (70 kg)
Club: Lokeren (BEL)
International Caps: 45

Club History
Lokeren (BEL): 2007-
Beveren (BEL): 2003-2007
Rennes (FRA): 2000-2003
ASEC Mimosas (CIV): 1999-2000

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Boubacar "Copa" Barry (born 30 December 1979) is a Ivorian footballer who plays for Lokeren and the Ivoirian national team as a goalkeeper. He has played for Lokeren since July 2007.

In Belgium, he plays under the football name of "Copa", however, in the national team of the Ivory Coast, his football name is his regular name.

He has 45 caps for the national team entering the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and was called up to the 2006 World Cup. He appeared in the final group match against Serbia and Montenegro in 22 June 2006, which Côte d'Ivoire won 3-2.

from ESPN SoccerNet
The undisputed No.1 choice for the Ivory Coast has been playing his club football in Belgium for the last three years and if the most fancied of the African teams are to shine in the World Cup this summer, they will need Barry to eradicate any errors.

With most of the power in this Elephants side operating in the attacking third, the feeling is Barry can be exposed at the back and yet he is capable of pulling off the most agile of saves when he is tested. A veteran of the 2006 World Cup finals squad, he is convinced the Ivorians moment has arrived.

"We know the pressure is on us, but we now have a great coach in Sven Goran Eriksson and a squad that can beat anyone when we are at our best," says this former Beveren and Stade Rennes stopper. "We all need to be united and make the most of the opportunity in front of us."

from FIFA.com
Boubacar ‘Copa’ Barry is one of the real stars of Belgian football, admired for his saves, positive attitude, and high energy. Receiving his award for best keeper in the 2009 Belgian championship, he was reduced to tears, dedicating the trophy to the victims of the tragedy that took place ahead of the Côte d’Ivoire-Malawi game in Abidjan.

The only reason that Boubacar pulled on the goalkeeper’s gloves in the first place was to get into the acclaimed ASEC Abidjan academy. After starting off in the juniors at Adjame's Stella Club - another fertile source of players for the Elephants - Jean-Marc Guillou spotted his talents between the posts. Things then began to move very fast for the boy who used to spend hours playing street football.

During a tour of France, he was spotted by Stade Rennais, and the French club later offered him an amateur licence. After a season in the reserves and the lower leagues, the young keeper signed a professional contract with the Breton club, but a lack of action led to a loan spell at Belgian outfit Beveren. Playing alongside his Ivorian team-mates at the Flemish club, he was ranked Belgium’s second-best keeper and reached the finals of the Belgian Cup in 2004. Beveren were impressed, so he stayed on rather than returning to France to play understudy to Petr Cech.

In 2006, Henri Michel made him his second-choice keeper at the FIFA World Cup™, and he has been a part of every campaign since. As undisputed first choice in the qualifiers this time around, Barry, who has kept goal for Lokeren since 2007, played 11 matches and 990 minutes of football. Only Emmanuel Eboué and Didier Zokora can boast more time on the pitch on the road to Côte d’Ivoire’s second FIFA World Cup.

World Cup GK Profile: Julio César (Brazil)

2010-06-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Julio César

Squad: Brazil
Squad No: 12
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 30
Birth Date: Sep 3, 1979
Birth Place: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height: 6' 1" (1.85m)
Weight: 174 lbs (79 kg)
Club: Inter Milan (Italy)
International Caps: 48

Club History
Inter Milan (ITA): 2006-
Chievo (ITA): 2005-2005
Flamengo (BRA): 1997-2004

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Júlio César Soares de Espíndola, commonly known as simply Júlio César, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Internazionale of the Italian Serie A. He is also currently the first-choice goalkeeper for the Brazilian national team, having won 47 international caps.

In 2009, IFFHS named him as the third best goalkeeper in the world, behind only the Spanish Iker Casillas and the Italian Gianluigi Buffon. He was also awarded the Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year title in 2009, ahead of Buffon of Juventus and Federico Marchetti of Cagliari. He was nominated for the 2009 Ballon d'Or and was voted into 21st place; Casillas was the only other goalkeeper nominated.

Júlio César's international career began in 2003, when he was often called up as a backup to Dida. He was also included in Brazil team for the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, but did not play. His first international appearance came during the Copa América 2004. He played in all six matches in the tournament as first-choice goalkeeper, as Dida chose to sit out the tournament. In the final match against Argentina, which went on to be decided by penalty shootout, Júlio César blocked Argentina's first penalty kick and Brazil went on to win 4–2.
However, Júlio still was the backup goalkeeper for Brazil for the next three years, earning only seven caps in the period. He was left out of Brazil team for 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup and Copa América 2007, but was included in 2006 FIFA World Cup squad as third-choice goalkeeper behind Dida and veteran Rogério Ceni.

After the World Cup and the international retirement of Dida, the competition to become Brazil's new first-choice goalkeeper began. He initially was out of favour, as new coach Dunga preferred Heurelho Gomes of Tottenham Hotspur, Helton of FC Porto, and Doni of Roma ahead of him. He forced his way into the team, however, and finally replaced Doni as first-choice goalkeeper in September 2007.

from ESPN SoccerNet
If one is to believe that goalkeepers get better with age, Julio Cesar provides proof. The 30 year-old goalkeeper for Inter Milan and the Brazilian national team got off to a slow start in his career but is now considered one of the best in his position. He made his debut in Flamengo's top division, where he earned three championships. He caught Inter's attention, and the Italian team hired him in the spring of 2005. But he went on loan to Chievo Verona, to get used to the Italian style.
Back at Inter, he found that his role would be as a replacement for the more experienced Francesco Toldo. His improvement was gradual before he ended up landing a starting spot in the team. That wasn't an easy task: he left Flamengo as an idol, and in Italy he had to start from scratch to earn the trust of team-mates and the fans. With Inter he became more and more confident game by game, winning three Serie A titles in the process. Julio Cesar is now an undisputable starter, so much so that the Italian powerhouse is planning to redraft his contract in order to secure his services, especially since several European clubs have expressed interest in him.

His performances with Inter earned him a starting role in the Brazil national team, where he has become one of the cornerstones of Dunga's squad. Historically, Brazil has been famous for having great individual players in outfield positions, but hampered by weak goalkeeping. Julio Cesar has shown that Brazil can have a great goalkeeper for many years to come.

Strengths: Strength, quick reactions and a solid aerial game. Penalties are speciality.

Weaknesses: His kicking skills sometimes leave something to be desired.

Career high: An outstanding performance playing for Brazil against Ecuador in the heights of Quito during the World Cup qualifying campaign. He was responsible for a 1-1 draw in a game that should have ended in clear victory for Ecuador.

Career low: His transition from Flamengo to Inter, with a short stint at Chievo Verona, where he played very few minutes on the field.

Style: Aside from the security that he offers, he has an overwhelming and winning personality.

Trivia: In 2007 he confronted none other than Brasil's president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who had questioned Dunga's squad and praised the Argentine national team, their classic rival: "I felt bad when he said that Messi loses the ball but runs after it to recover it while we just stand there. If that's what he thinks, he should become an Argentine citizen and move to Argentina."

Soccernet says: Claudio Taffarel, who was part of the team that earned the 1994 World Cup, was the last great Brazilian goalkeeper. Julio Cesar is technically better than him, has a great personality, and will arrive in South Africa with the maturity and the experience that is needed for his job.

from FIFA.com
No previous Brazil coach can realistically claim that during his tenure a goalkeeper was his star performer. It is arguable, though, that Dunga can, for Julio Cesar has been simply brilliant since his appointment in August 2006.

Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1979, he represented local giants Flamengo for seven years starting in 1997, helping them win four Campeonato Carioca titles. During this period, he gained a reputation as an expert penalty kick specialist - one he has maintained throughout his career.

Julio Cesar joined Inter Milan in 2005 and after a period on loan at Chievo, where he did not receive any first-team action, he returned to the San Siro. From there he managed to usurp the highly-rated Francesco Toldo as the club's first-choice goalkeeper, and the Brazilian has not looked back since.

He has been an indispensable figure in Inter's monopolizing of Italian football, pocketing a string of domestic honours along the way.

Julio Cesar made his Brazil debut in 2004 and, that same year, made a significant contribution to their Copa America triumph, saving a crucial penalty in the shootout against Argentina in the final. He was his nation's third-choice goalkeeper at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, although he was confined to the bench throughout the finals.

Since Dunga's appointment, however, Julio Cesar has firmly established himself between the Brazilian sticks. Alert, commanding and an excellent shot-stopper, the Carioca missed the Copa America 2007 but thrived in Brazil’s flawless FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 campaign as well as South Africa 2010 qualifying. The keeper further cemented his status as one of the Seleção’s major assets throughout the qualifying stages, conceding a remarkably low .61 goals per match.

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World Cup GK Profile: Ján Mucha (Slovakia)

2010-06-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

Ján Mucha

Squad: Slovakia
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 27
Birth Date: Dec 5, 1982
Birth Place: Bela nad Cirochou, Czechoslovakia
Height: 6' 2" (1.89m)
Weight: 192 lbs (87 kg)
Club: Legia Warsaw (POL)
International Caps: 15

Club History
Legia Warszawa (POL): 2005-2010
HFC Humenné (SVK): 2005-2005
MSK Zilina (SVK): 2002-2004

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Ján Mucha started his career in his local club TJ Slovan Belá nad Cirochou. Then he moved to MŠK Snina, and later to Inter Bratislava. He spent there 2 seasons in A-team, but he didn't play in any match. He moved to MŠK Žilina in summer 2002. He won the Slovak championship there twice. In 2005, he was sent on a half-year loan to 1. HFC Humenné.

He signed for Legia Warszawa in Poland in summer 2005. In the 2005–06 season he was second-choice goalkeeper, behind Lukasz Fabianski. Fabianski moved to Arsenal in 2007, and Mucha became first-choice 'keeper. With Legia he has won the 2007–08 Polish Cup and the Polish Supercup in 2008. In January 2010 Mucha signed a pre-contract deal with English club Everton to join on 1 July the same year.

Mucha made his debut for Slovakia in February 2008, in a friendly match against Hungary.

from ESPN SoccerNet
This highly-proficient first-choice between the Slovak posts is lined up to move to Premier League side Everton next season. Mucha has revealed he turned down 'staggering' offers from two leading Turkish sides in order to fulfil his dream of playing in the English top-flight. "The Premier League has always been my target and I cannot wait to get started," he says.

Arsenal fans will be interested to know that he used to be the understudy of their much-maligned back-up custodian Lukasz Fabianski, at Polish giants Legia. Only when the latter got his move to Arsenal in 2007 did Mucha get his chance for regular first team football.

Mucha has been on Legia's books since 2005 and previously turned out for Inter Bratislava and MSK Zilina. "Knowing I have a chance to move to England is the perfect boost for me going to the World Cup," says the stopper who played in six of his nation's qualifiers.

from FIFA.com
Slovakia’s unquestionable No1, despite the strong competition provided by fellow goalkeepers Dusan Kuciak and Dusan Pernis, Jan Mucha is a key player for Slovakia coach, Vladimir Weiss. And with good reason, for the career of the physically imposing shot-stopper has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years. The entire Slovak nation will look to him to lead by example in South Africa this summer, inspiring his defence as they take on some of the world’s best strike forces at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

That is not to say that Mucha has not experienced adversity in his rise to the top. A native of Bela nad Cirochou, his initial taste of first-team football came at MSK Zilina. With two league titles to his name, acquired in 2003 and 2004, he was tempted by an offer to become the regular keeper at Legia Warsaw in Poland. Unfortunately for Mucha, competition for places in the Polish capital was much tougher than expected, the form of Lukasz Fabianski barring the Slovak from the starting XI. Relegated to appearing in domestic cup competitions, Mucha accepted his role of understudy, hoping that a chance to prove himself would eventually materialise. Following a succession of defeats, that chance was finally offered to him, and he grabbed it with both hands. Despite performing well, he was again dropped in favour of Fabianski towards the end of the season. Fate would then play a hand, however, with the Pole’s departure for Arsenal leaving the way clear for Mucha to make the keeper position his own at Legia.

From that point onwards, Mucha could do no wrong. In 2008, two stunning penalty saves in a shoot-out versus Wisla Krakov won his club the Polish Cup, while in the league his displays got better and better, including 575 minutes without conceding a goal at one point. His fine form was recognised in 2009 with the accolades of Poland’s goalkeeper of the year and best foreign player. This was enough for English Premier League side Everton to come calling, signing him up on a pre-contract basis in January 2010. Mucha will arrive at Goodison Park in June, where competition between the posts will be fierce, but he has been there before.

Slovakia National Team World Cup 2010 Scarf
Slovakia Soccer Team - World Cup South Africa 2010 FIFA Keychain (2"x1")

World Cup GK Profile: Justo Villar (Paraguay)

2010-06-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

Justo Villar

Squad: Paraguay
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 32
Birth Date: Jun 30, 1977
Birth Place: Cerrito, Paraguay
Height: 5' 11" (1.80m)
Weight: 174 lbs (79 kg)
Club: Valladolid (Spain)
International Caps: 73

Club History
Valladolid (ESP): 2008-
Newell's Old Boys (ARG): 2004-2008
Libertad (PAR): 2001-2004
Sol de America (PAR): 1996-2000

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Villar represented Paraguay at the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship, and received his first full cap two years later.

Having been selected for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, backing up legendary José Luis Chilavert, he was already a starter in the 2006 edition, but had a brief participation: during the first seven minutes of the opener against England, just after Carlos Gamarra's own goal, Villar got injured, was replaced by Aldo Bobadilla, and subsequently was sidelined for the rest of the tournament, in which Paraguay was eliminated in the first round.

Additionally, Villar also appeared in three Copa América tournaments.

from ESPN SoccerNet
Paraguay's first-choice goalkeeper says he cannot wait for the World Cup to kick-off in South Africa and with good reason. At the 2006 finals, he played only seven minutes, injured in the opening exchanges of the 1-0 loss to England in Frankfurt, so he feels he has some unfinished business in this particular competition.

Some think he lacks height, as well as conviction off his line, but his reflexes are astonishing and as a shot-stopper he has few peers. His rather sober style stands in marked contrast to the flamboyance of his predecessor Jose Luis Chilavert.

Villar has played for Paraguayan sides Sol America and Club Libertad, as well as Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, where he won an Apertura (Opening) championship title medal in 2004.

This season, he has been fighting a relegation battle in Spain with Valladolid in recent months and he has been given plenty of practice in the shot-stopping department behind a creaking defensive line.

from FIFA.com
As they prepare for their fourth straight appearance at the FIFA World Cup™ finals, Paraguay can relax in the knowledge that the goalkeeping legacy bequeathed by the likes of Ever Hugo Almeida, Roberto Fernandez and Jose Luis Chilavert is in safe hands.

Aside from their traditional defensive strength and an increasing number of options in midfield and up front, the Paraguayans can also count on the experience and reliability of Justo Villar in goal. Thanks to his prominent role in La Albirroja’s last two FIFA World Cup qualification successes, the Real Valladolid custodian has become one of the leaders of the team.

After travelling to Korea/Japan 2002 as third-choice keeper and then having to go off after only seven minutes of Paraguay’s opening game at Germany 2006 against England, Villar now has the chance to show that he belongs on the big stage.

“It was tough, I could feel a lump in my throat,” he told FIFA.com in reference to that cruel injury against the English. “Now that I’ve got another shot at it, maybe I can make up for that. I hope to be there to help the team give a good account of themselves, and finally get that World Cup monkey off my back.”

Now 32, Villar began his professional career in 1996 with Sol de America, who were then coached by Almeida, one of the country’s finest glovemen of all time. Over the next five seasons Villar acquired a reputation for excellence and was snapped up by Libertad, where he won league titles in 2002 and 2003.

His performances had not gone unnoticed outside Paraguay. In 2004 he made the move to Argentina, signing for Newell’s Old Boys, one of the country’s biggest clubs. Conceding only 11 goals in 19 games in the 2004 Apertura, he made a significant contribution to their first title triumph in 12 seasons and quickly earned the undying adulation of the Lepra faithful.

After four years in Argentina he took another step forward in his career, joining Spanish first division side Real Valladolid, where he has combined spells on the sidelines with some excellent performances.

A dependable mainstay for his country in all that time, Villar played in all but one of Paraguay’s qualifying matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, conceding a mere 12 goals in the process.

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World Cup GK Profile: Mark Paston (New Zealand)

2010-06-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

Mark Paston

Squad: New Zealand
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 33
Birth Date: Dec 13, 1976
Birth Place: Hastings, New Zealand
Height: 6' 5" (1.95m)
Weight: 198 lbs (90 kg)
Club: Wellington Phoenix (NZL)
International Caps: 23

Club History
Wellington Phoenix (NZL): 2007-
New Zealand Knights FC (NZL): 2006-2007
St. Johnstone (SCO): 2005-2006
Walsall (ENG): 2004-2005
Bradford City (ENG): 2003-2004
Napier City Rovers (NZL): 1997-2003

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Paston, having represented New Zealand at Under-23 level, made his full All Whites debut at the age of 20 in a 5–0 loss to Indonesia on 21 September 1997, but did not feature in another full international until 2003, Jason Batty, Michael Utting and later Ross Nicholson being preferred choices. Since returning to the international side in 2003, Paston has competed with former Wellington Phoenix team-mate Glen Moss for the goalkeeper position.

He was named as part of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup New Zealand squad to travel to South Africa, where he was second choice as Moss played in all three games. However, Moss's suspension from international football for improper conduct meant that Paston played in the World Cup Qualification playoff against Bahrain. On 10 October 2009 Paston kept a clean sheet in the first leg in Riffa, and in the return leg on 14 November 2009 he was Man of the Match, saving a penalty from Sayed Mohamed Adnan in the 51st minute which was enough to secure New Zealand a 1-0 win in Wellington, enabling them to qualify for the World Cup for only the second time in their history. Paston's fractured leg had threatened to harm his World Cup chances, but the goalkeeper has since made a good recovery and has been named in New Zealand's training squad for the tournament. With Moss's suspension running into the first two games of the World Cup, Paston, if fit, is expected to play as Ricki Herbert's first-choice goalkeeper.

On 10 May 2010, Paston was named in New Zealand's final 23-man squad to compete at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

from ESPN SoccerNet
This highly-competent keeper who played a key role in the Bahrain double-header, notably saving a penalty in the second-leg that secured his nation an appearance in this World Cup party. Paston was once declared surplus to requirements by UK professional outfits Bradford City, Walsall and St Johnstone and claims that those rejections continue to motivate him. "When you have been told you are not up to the job, it gives you a drive to prove a few people wrong," says Paston. "My performances in the qualifiers for this World Cup proved I can do a job when the pressure is applied." He has been involved in a long-standing battle with Glen Moss for the number one role for the national team and Wellington Phoenix and both will be desperate to claim the jersey in South Africa.

from FIFA.com
Regardless of what happens at South Africa 2010, the name Mark Paston will forever be intertwined with New Zealand’s FIFA World Cup™ history, thanks to his heroics against Bahrain in the play-off last November. Early in the second-half in front of a record domestic crowd in Wellington, Paston dived low to his right to save Sayed Mohamed Adnan’s penalty ensuring the All Whites edged past Bahrain who would have otherwise advanced on away goals.

A well-regarded shot-stopper Paston has long been considered New Zealand's best goalkeeper by many observers. However despite debuting for the national team 13 years ago as a 20-year-old, opportunities have been limited due to injury and unavailability.

In recent years Paston has interchanged the No1 shirt with Glen Moss who has constantly challenged for a starting berth. Paston though played in all of New Zealand's 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and six of their eight qualifiers in the current campaign.

The 33-year-old though was forced to watch from the bench during the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 with long-term All Whites goalkeeping rival Glen Moss preferred by Herbert. With Moss suspended for the first two matches at South Africa 2010, Paston seems certain to be unchallenged for a place in the starting line-up.

Though extremely athletic injury has curtailed Paston's domestic career, most notably during the several seasons he spent in England with Bradford City and Walsall.

Paston is another that now seems happily entrenched with Wellington Phoenix in the Australian A-League with Ricki Hebert his coach for both club and country. Paston though fractured his tibia just four weeks after his heroics in Wellington, missing the remainder of the A-League season, and with it valuable game time leading into South Africa 2010.

FIFA 2010 World Cup South Africa Headband for New Zealand
New Zealand's World Cup: The inside story

World Cup GK Profile: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)

2010-06-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Gianluigi Buffon

Squad: Italy
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 32
Birth Date: Jan 28, 1978
Birth Place: Carrara
Height: 6' 3'' (1.91m)
Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
Club: Juventus (Italy)
International Caps: 101

Club History
Juventus (ITA): 2001-
Parma (ITA): 1994-2001

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon is an Italian FIFA World Cup, UEFA Cup, and Serie A winning goalkeeper who plays for Serie A club Juventus and the Italian national team. He is considered by many fans and experts to be one of most dominant and successful goalkeepers in recent history. Buffon was declared by Pelé to be one of the 125 greatest living footballers in the world, and has also been named the Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year a record nine times.

Buffon was awarded his first cap for Italy on 29 October 1997, at the age of nineteen, as an injury replacement for Gianluca Pagliuca during a qualifer for 1998 FIFA World Cup play-off against Russia. He was called up for the 1998 World Cup finals, but did not play a single game as Pagliuca remained first choice. He was a member of the Italy squad at the 1996 Summer Olympics, the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. Buffon was also the first choice goalkeeper for Italy at the Euro 2000, but broke his hand in a friendly match against Norway just eight days before the tournament started, and had his starting place taken by Francesco Toldo.

During the 2006 World Cup finals, Buffon was in stunning form, as he conceded just two goals and kept five clean sheets, in addition to a 453-minute scoreless streak. The only goals he conceded were an own goal by teammate Cristian Zaccardo against the United States and a Zinedine Zidane penalty in the final against France, which ended 1–1 in extra-time and led to a penalty shootout in which neither Buffon nor Fabien Barthez saved a spot kick. The lone miss was David Trezeguet's effort which clanged off the bottom of the crossbar and failed to cross the line, which enabled Italy's Fabio Grosso to seal the victory for the Azzuri. Buffon received the Yashin Award for his accomplishments throughout the competition.

Buffon was named Italy captain for Euro 2008 after incumbent Fabio Cannavaro was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. In the second game of the group stage against Romania on 13 June, he saved an 81st minute penalty from Adrian Mutu as the match ended 1–1 to keep Italy's hopes alive. Buffon kept a clean sheet against France in the final group game. Italy were eliminated in the quarter-finals nine days later after a 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Spain in which Buffon saved one penalty.

from ESPN SoccerNet
Long regarded as the finest goalkeeper in the world, Buffon became the most expensive stopper in history when he joined Juventus for £32.6 million in 2001. Since that record breaking move the Italian has proved his considerable worth for both club and country, culminating in World Cup triumph.
After winning the 2001-02 and 2002-03 Scudetti in Turin, Buffon stayed loyal to Juventus after they were demoted to Serie B in the Italian match-fixing scandal and he was rewarded with an instant return to the top fight, which inspired the big keeper to sign an extension to his contract until 2012.

Buffon has won everything in the Italian game and was a major part of the Italy side that won the World Cup in 2006 - enjoying a 453-minute scoreless streak and conceding just two goals (one an own goal and the other a penalty) during the tournament. His personal accolades include the UEFA award for Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper. He was also named by Pele as one of the top 125 players in the game.

Strengths: An agile, commanding shot-stopper who is hugely experienced at the highest level.

Weaknesses: Playing with dodgy knees and requires surgery.

Career high: Winning the World Cup in 2006 with Italy.

Career low: Being demoted to Serie B with Juventus following the calciopoli scandal.

Style: Accomplished keeper who makes the job look simple, rather than showing off for the cameras.

Quotes: "Gigi Buffon is in every way an original. His talent very quickly made him the number one with Italy, whilst his personality, which is never banal, is characterised by great bravery both in his statements to the press and as he comes out to smother the ball at the feet of onrushing players." Italian journalist Leo Turrini.

Trivia: Buffon hails from sporting stock as he is a nephew of keeping legend Lorenzo Buffon. His father Adriano was a weight lifter while his mother was a discus thrower.

Soccernet says: Often cited as the best goalkeeper around, Buffon has a history of rising to the big occasion and will be key for Italy.

from FIFA.com
Gianluigi Buffon is the latest in a long and distinguished line of gifted Italian goalkeepers, continuing the legacy bequeathed by the likes of Giampiero Combi, Aldo Olivieri and Dino Zoff. As the Azzurri know perhaps better than anyone, a great side needs a great keeper and in Buffon they have perhaps the perfect custodian. The outstanding No1 of his generation, he has been named Serie A's goalkeeper of the season seven times and four times world goalkeeper of the year.

With his tall, slender frame, Buffon was destined to be a goalkeeper. Capable of making the most difficult saves look easy, whether from distance or at point-blank range, there is no apparent weakness in his game and few strikers have ever managed to get the better of him on a regular basis. Perhaps one of his main qualities is an ability to put whatever errors he makes to the back of his mind and focus on the match again.

Hailing from a sporting family (his mother Maria Stella Masocco was an Italian discus champion), the young Buffon made his first league appearance for Parma at the age of 17 years and nine months on 19 November 1995, keeping a clean sheet in a goalless draw with AC Milan.

He would go to play 168 games in six seasons with I Gialloblu, winning an Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup and the UEFA Cup before moving to Juventus in 2001 as Edwin van der Sar's replacement. He brought his skills to bear in his very first season, making a vital contribution to Juve's title success by conceding only 23 goals in 34 games. He has remained loyal to the Turin giants ever since, becoming a cornerstone of the club.

Buffon's first international appearance came in a match against Russia in October 1997. The following year he travelled to the 1998 FIFA World Cup France™ as Italy's second-choice keeper. Forced to pull out of the squad for UEFA EURO 2000 with injury, he made his mark at Korea/Japan 2002 by saving a penalty in Italy's fateful golden-goal elimination to Korea Republic in the Round of 16. And at EURO 2004 in Portugal his luck was out once again when Italy were eliminated in the group phase.

Those disappointments were all forgotten at Germany 2006, however, when Buffon won his first major international trophy with the national team. The Juventus shotstopper had a vital part to play in Italy's penalty-shootout win in the Final against France, keeping out Zinedine Zidane's extra-time header with a superb leaping save and then winning a bout of spot-kick mind games with his Juve team-mate David Trezeguet, forcing the Frenchman to change his usual penalty-taking technique.

Never less than fully committed, Buffon has also suffered his fair share of injuries, not unlike his idol, the former Cameroon star Thomas N'Kono, after whom the Juventus and Italy legend named his son.

Gianluigi Buffon (World Soccer Stars / Estrellas Del Futbol Mundial)
AUTHENTIC OFFICIAL LICENSED FC Juventus Italian Soccer Scarf
PUMA v5.08 Buffon LS Goalkeeper Jersey (Green)

World Cup GK Profile: Maarten Stekelenburg (Netherlands)

2010-06-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

Maarten Stekelenburg

Squad: Netherlands
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 27
Birth Date: Sept 22, 1982
Birth Place: Nara, Japan
Height: 6' 4" (1.94m)
Club: Ajax (Netherlands)
International Caps: 27

Club History
Ajax (NED): 2001-

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Stekelenburg made his international debut for the Netherlands on 3 September 2004 against Liechtenstein, who they beat 3–0.

2006 FIFA World Cup
He was called up by then manager Marco van Basten for the squad of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, but he did not play any game during this tournament as Edwin van der Sar was first choice.

Euro 2008
Despite his international debut in 2004, Stekelenburg was called up to Marco van Basten's Euro 2008 squad to play as understudy to Edwin van der Sar. He took part in the Group C match against Romania on 17 June. With Netherlands already having qualified for the quarter finals, coach Marco van Basten fielded a second-string side, to give players like Stekelenburg a game.

In a September 2008 friendly match against Australia, Stekelenburg was sent off after 44 minutes into the first half for fouling Joshua Kennedy. Stekelenburg is the first goalkeeper of the Dutch national side ever to receive a red card.

2010 FIFA World Cup
Since the retirement of Edwin van der Sar from the national team, Stekelenburg has been the first-choice keeper under manager Bert van Marwijk. Stekelenburg was included in the preliminary squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. On 27 May 2010, Netherlands manager Bert van Marwijk announced that the player would be part of the final squad of 23 participating in the competition.

from ESPN SoccerNet
None.

from FIFA.com
It can be no easy task to follow in the footsteps of a goalkeeper in Edwin van der Sar’s class. The Manchester United custodian picked up 130 caps in his international career and made 226 appearances for Ajax, but despite the pitfalls involved in picking up the baton, current Ajax No1 Stekelenburg intends to show that the Dutch tradition of uncovering fine goalkeeping talent remains strong.

Originally from Haarlem, Stekelenburg made his first career switch at the age of 15, leaving Schoten to join the Ajax academy. His reputation then begin to rise when he helped the Amsterdam club’s reserve team reach the semi-finals of the Dutch Cup in 2001/02.

An imposing presence at 1m94 tall, his first-team debut came on 24 February 2002, when the then 19-year-old featured in a 1-0 win over Breda. Over the next few seasons he made sporadic appearances without ever convincing the coaching staff that he deserved a regular starting berth, but that all changed in 2005/06, even if a series of injuries have interrupted his progress since.

Stekelenburg’s career has so far brought him a pair of Dutch Cup titles and he hopes to soon be adding a FIFA World Cup™ winner’s medal to his list of honours, having earned the trust of Oranje coach Bert van Marwijk since Van der Sar’s international retirement. “We’ve already overcome an important hurdle by qualifying for the finals,” he said recently. “Now, we have to continue our progress. We want to do great things during this World Cup and leave South Africa with the Trophy.”

Netherlands (Holland) National Country Flag 3' x 5'
Netherlands National Team World Cup 2010 Scarf

World Cup GK Profile: Seigo Narazaki (Japan)

2010-06-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Seigo Narazaki

Squad: Japan
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 34
Birth Date: Apr 15, 1976
Birth Place: Nara, Japan
Height: 6' 2" (1.87m)
Weight: 168 lbs (76 kg)
Club: Nagoya Grampus Eight (Japan)
International Caps: 76

Club History
Nagoya Grampus Eight (JPN): 1999-
Yokohama Flügels (JPN): 1995-1998

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
After graduating from Nara Ikuei High School in 1995, he joined J. League side Yokohama Flügels. He became the No. 1 GK for the club in August of that season. His first professional appearance came on August 16, 1995 in a league match against Bellmare Hiratsuka. He contributed to the club winning the Emperor's Cup in 1998.

When Flügels was merged with cross-town Yokohama Marinos in 1999, he was signed by Nagoya Grampus Eight. He was again a member of the Emperor's Cup winning side in 1999 but this time with Nagoya.

He made his international debut for Japan on February 15, 1998 against Australia. He participated in three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals. He played all the Japan matches in the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals although Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi was preferred ahead of him in the 1998 and 2006 finals.

He played for Japan as the No.1 goalkeeper following an injury to Kawaguchi, but himself sustained a broken finger in 2009.

He has been included in the 2010 World Cup squad. Narazaki will be one of two Japanese players (other being Kawaguchii) to be named for their national team's final squad for 4 straight World Cups.

from ESPN SoccerNet
This will be the fourth time Narazaki has made Japan's World Cup squad. An ever-present on home soil in 2002, he was relegated to the understudy role in 2006, but has since fought back to regain the number one spot after the unfortunate leg injury suffered to regular national team first pick, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.

Starting in November 2003, with a match against Cameroon, he managed to keep a clean sheet in seven successive national team games - a total of 715 minutes - to set a Japan record. He played in ten 2010 World Cup qualifiers and looks set to be a first pick between the sticks in South Africa.

Narazaki was formerly the highest-earning Japanese J.League player, on £500,000-a-year at Grampus and his status as a national hero will be assured if he lives up to his billing this summer.

from FIFA.com
The Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi-Seigo Narazaki battle for Japan’s goalkeeping jersey has intrigued – and divided – fans for over a decade. The former was first choice at the 1998 FIFA World Cup™ in France and during Germany 2006, while the latter got the nod at Korea/Japan 2002. But since 2007, Narazaki has been the automatic choice.

Born in Kashiba in 1976, Narazaki joined J.League side Yokohama Flugels in 1995 and immediately became No.1 in his first season as a professional. He duly earned his first Japan call-up in 1996, and made his international debut two years later after helping his club win the Emperor’s Cup.

When the Flugels went bankrupt in 1999, Narazaki moved to Nagoya Grampus, whom he helped win the Emperor’s Cup in his first campaign. Described by Nagoya coach Dragan Stojkovic as "an outstanding keeper, very consistent", he has made the J.League team of the season on four occasion and became the first man to keep 100 clean sheets in the competition.

He was part of the Japan squads that finished second at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001, and won the AFC Asian Cup three years later. He was also one of his country’s top performers in their successful qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010.

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World Cup GK Profile: Thomas Sorensen (Denmark)

2010-06-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

Thomas Sorensen

Squad: Denmark
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 33
Birth Date: Jun 12, 1976
Birth Place: Odense, Denmark
Height: 6' 4" (1.93m)
Weight: 196 lbs (89 kg)
Club: Stoke City (England)
International Caps: 86

Club History
Stoke City (ENG): 2008-
Aston Villa (ENG): 2003-2008
Sunderland (ENG): 1998-2003
Svendborg fB (DEN): 1997-1998
OB (DEN): 1996-1997
Vejle Boldklub (DEN): 1995-1996
OB (DEN): 1994-1995

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Sørensen debuted for the Danish under-21 national team in September 1993, 17 years old. Sørensen made his debut for the Danish national team in November 1999, coming on to replace an injured Peter Schmeichel. Sørensen was a reserve keeper for Denmark at Euro 2000, when Peter Schmeichel was at the end of his career.

For the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in 2001, he took over the job as goalkeeper and helped Denmark qualify. Sørensen was then instrumental, as Denmark won their first round group ahead of Senegal, Uruguay and defending World Cup champions France to book a second round clash against England. However, in the pouring rain at Niigata, Sørensen conceded three goals, one of them an embarrassing blunder,[2] as he bundled the ball into his own goal from a Rio Ferdinand header in the fifth minute. England went on to win the match 3–0.

Once again representing his country in an international tournament, Sørensen played in all his country's games at 2004 European Championship (Euro 2004), gathering the official man of the match award after both the 0–0 draw with Italy and the 2–0 victory against Bulgaria. Despite his efforts, Denmark was once more eliminated in a 3–0 loss, this time to the Czech Republic in the quarter finals.

During the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Denmark got off to a flying start with 4 victories and a draw in the first 5 games. In the sixth game of the tournament, Denmark faced Sweden, in Stockholm. Sweden was awarded a penalty in the tenth minute. Sørensen saved the penalty, and Denmark went on to win the game 1–0. The qualification ended with Denmark qualifying for the 2010 World Cup with 1 match to go. This is the first time the Danish national football team has achieved this feat. This could be Sørensen's second World Cup, but he might miss the tournament after injuring himself on 25th April 2010, 7 weeks before the World Cup starts. However, there are encouraging signs that he will be able to make it to South Africa.

from ESPN SoccerNet
Denmark coach Morten Olsen was rocked by the injury suffered by his reliable first choice stopper in a Premier League game against Chelsea at the back end of April, with Sorensen's elbow dislocation throwing his participation in the World Cup finals into serious doubt.

The stopper who performed so well in seven of the Danes' 2010 World Cup qualifiers has vowed to return in time to take up his position between the sticks in South Africa and it is vital that Sorensen wins his fitness race. He suffered with a similar elbow problem in the past and that experience may help him recover a little quicker this time.

Sorensen has been in fine form for Stoke this season as he helped to keep the Potters in the English top flight with something to spare. Agile, dependable and a fine leader of his defensive ranks, he lists Sunderland and Aston Villa among his former clubs in a career that has seen him establish a fine reputation for himself in England. He made his full Danish international debut back in 1999.

from FIFA.com
If asked which player had collected the most yellow cards in a qualifying campaign, you would tend to nominate a defender or midfielder. Not so in the case of Denmark, where the dubious honour goes to keeper Thomas Sorensen, albeit with a relatively modest total of two bookings.

Sorensen took over in goal for the national team at the start of the decade, and the task was a daunting one, as he emerged as the successor to no less a great than Peter Schmeichel. The 1992 and 1993 World Goalkeeper of the Year was one of the outstanding players in Denmark’s stunning European championship triumph back in 1992 and spent long years starring on the European stage for Manchester United.

It was a special moment for Sorensen when he chalked up a first full cap in November 1999 as a sub for the injured Schmeichel. Sorensen has been a consistent performer since then, contesting more than 80 international matches. His wealth of experience encompasses three FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaigns (2002, 2006, 2010), and a taste of the finals in 2002. That familiarity with the big stage should stand him in good stead for the showdown in South Africa.

Sorensen kept goal seven times as the Danes progressed to the finals, clocking up an excellent personal record of five victories, one draw, and one defeat, conceding just two goals in the process. Furthermore, the solitary loss, a 1-0 defeat to Hungary in the final fixture, was in any case a dead rubber. At that stage, the Danes had already booked their place at the finals, the first time the 'Dynamite' have achieved this with any games to spare.

Nor is the keeper ever likely to forget the trip to face bitter rivals Sweden, when he beat out Kim Källstrom’s 12th-minute penalty to pave the way for a famous 1-0 triumph in Solna.

In terms of club football, Sorenson started out with Odense and Svendborg before switching to the English Premier League in 1998 with Sunderland. He had a successful spell at Aston Villa before joining Stoke City, where he plays today.

International World Cup Track Jackets -- Denmark Soccer Jacket (Red) (Adult X-Large)
Denmark - World Cup South Africa 2010 FIFA Keychain (2"x1")
Denmark National Country Flag 3' x 5'

World Cup GK Profile: Carlos Kameni (Cameroon)

2010-06-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

Carlos Idriss Kameni

Squad: Cameroon
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 26
Birth Date: Feb 18, 1984
Birth Place: Douala, Cameroon
Height: 6' 1" (1.86m)
Weight: 190 lbs (86 kg)
Club: Espanyol (Spain)
International Caps: 55

Club History
Espanyol (ESP): 2004-
Le Havre (FRA): 2003-2004
Saint-Etienne (FRA): 2003-2003
Le Havre (FRA): 2000-2003

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
A senior international since the age of 17, Kameni was part of the national team squads at the 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008 African Cup of Nations, starting in all but in the first; in addition, he also represented the nation at the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, also as first-choice (at only 19), for the eventual runners-up.
In 2002, aged 18, Kameni was picked for Cameroon's squad of 23 at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He was named Best African Goalkeeper for 2006–07, after being runner-up in the previous season.

from ESPN SoccerNet
An ever-present between the posts in the 2010 qualifying programme, he was the teenage hero of Cameroon's gold-medal-winning side at the 2000 Olympics, saving a penalty in the final against Spain. Indeed, he proudly holds the record for being the youngest-ever football gold medallist at the Games

He was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons early in 2009, almost coming to blows with an Espanyol fan at the club's training ground. "I'm a professional, so respect my work and respect me," Kameni yelled at a supporter who had advised him not to renew his contract.

Kameni's older brother Mathurin is also a professional footballer and a 'keeper. He plays for Egyptian side Haras El Hodood and has kept goal for Cameroon, but it will be the younger of the Kameni boys given the gloves for the Lions in South Africa and mistakes will not be tolerated.

from FIFA.com
Carlos Idriss Kameni can already be considered a veteran of the Cameroon national team, even at the tender age of 26.

Espanyol’s current No1 took part in the 1999 edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Nigeria when he was only 15, and notably won gold in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Sydney the following year. He has been part of the national team set-up for nine years, and in 2003 at the age of 20 succeeded the legendary Jacques Songo’o.

That said, this imposing cat-like figure (1.86m tall and weighing 86kg) will make his FIFA World Cup™ debut at South Africa 2010. He was part of the squad for Korea/Japan 2002 but spent the whole tournament as an unused substitute.

Kameni is both frustrated by so many years in the finals’ wilderness and excited at the prospect of entering Cameroon’s football hall of fame. "I don’t know if an African country will be world champions, but it will of course be an advantage for us to see our fans in the stadiums," he told us back in 2007. "If I were in one of the established teams, I would be wary."

Ever since this fan of hip-hop made his debut for the famous Douala sports academy team Kadji Sport Academies, he has frustrated many of the world’s best strikers. Kameni has stunning reflexes and a natural command of the penalty area, and was voted best African goalkeeper for the 2006/07 season.

By this time he had been in outstanding form in goal for Espanyol for two seasons. His idol Thomas N’Kono was goalkeeping coach at the club, and was perfectly placed to help Kameni develop both on and off the pitch. Since his first season he has stood out as a penalty expert, coming out on top against players such as Ronaldo, Fernando Torres and Julio Baptista.

Having only played three matches in four seasons at Le Havre, this converted striker from the working-class Biyem-Assi area of Yaounde can be commended for never turning his back on the game. He has since made up for this with more than 170 appearances in an Espanyol shirt, and a strong showing at South Africa 2010 could even lead to a move to one of the world’s bigger clubs.

Known as ‘Caka’ (the first two letters of his first and last names) to his international team-mates, he was a CAF Africa Cup of Nations winner in 2002, runner-up in 2008 and quarter-finalist in 2004, 2006 and 2010. At club level he can also point to a Copa del Rey winner’s medal from 2006, and was a losing finalist in the 2007 UEFA Cup.

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Puma African Fan Ball Mini (Cameroon)

World Cup GK Profile: Lee Woon-Jae (South Korea)

2010-06-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

Lee Woon-Jae

Squad: South Korea (Korea Republic)
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 37
Birth Date: Apr 26, 1973
Birth Place: Cheongju, South Korea
Height: 5' 11" (1.82m)
Weight: 181 lbs (82 kg)
Club: Suwon Bluewings (Korea)
International Caps: 130

Club History
Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR): 2001-
Sangmu (Army): 2000-2001
Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR): 1996-1999

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Lee has been a member of the Korea Republic national football team since the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Even though he was now 33 years of age, he still started for South Korea at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, ahead of younger high-profile goalkeepers such as Kim Young Kwang. He captained the side at the 2007 Asian Cup in place of the injured Kim Nam-Il.

Lee is well-known for saving vital penalties during international competitions. In the 2002 World Cup, he made football history during the quarter-final between Spain and South Korea, which ended in a draw and went to penalties. After both sides scored their first three penalties, Korea scored its fourth goal, and Lee blocked Spain's fourth shot, taken by the 21-year old winger Joaquín. Korea scored its fifth penalty and went on to the semi-finals against Germany. In addition, he saved a total of three shootout penalties during the 2007 Asian Cup, two against Iran and one against Japan (they would win both matches and finish third overall).

Lee will be one of two players (other being Rigobert Song of Cameroon) to part of 2010 World Cup squad that also played in 1994 World Cup. Also joining one of seven players from Asia to play in 4 different World Cup.

from ESPN SoccerNet
The elder statesman of the team, Lee made his international debut for the Taeguk Warriors as long ago as March 1994 in a friendly with the USA and is poised to become the team's most-capped player of all-time in South Africa. This will be his fourth World Cup finals and he joins an elite band of players to have appeared on the biggest stage on a quartet of occasions.

His first major international tournament was the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and his senior position in the national side has seen him don the captain's armband from time to time.

A devout Christian, he was a hero of the 2002 World Cup campaign when his side rewrote the form book to go all the way to the semi-finals. His most sparkling moment of glory came in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out against Spain, decisively blocking Joaquin's kick.

from FIFA.com
Korea Republic’s most capped player in the current squad, Lee Woon-Jae is regarded by many as the first choice goalkeeper during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Although he may not be the tallest among the South Korean custodians of all time, ‘Spider Hands’ has become one of the most reliable figures between the sticks.

In 1996, he began his professional career at Suwon Samsung Bluewings where he has enjoyed a series of successes including four national championships, two Korean FA Cups, two Super Cups as well as an Asian Club Championship in his 14 seasons so far.

Lee made his debut at the FIFA World Cup as a half-time substitute in Korea Republic’s final group game against Germany at USA 1994. With his confidence boosted by a solid performance in Dallas, he went on become a permanent fixture in the national team.

He was the first choice goalkeeper at the 2000 AFC Asian Cup in Lebanon where Korea Republic finished third under the guidance of coach Huh Jung-Moo. Despite missing out on the squad for France 1998, Lee returned to help his country achieve groundbreaking success at Korea/Japan 2002. He recorded two clean sheets in the victories over Poland and Portugal in the group stage before guiding the co-hosts into the last four with his heroics in the penalty shoot-out against Spain in the quarter-finals. Lee went on to feature in the semi-final against Germany and the third place match against Turkey, conceding six goals in seven games overall.

Despite wearing the captain’s armband for the first time in a major tournament, Lee’s second journey to the Asian Cup two years later was to be shortlived. Although he kept clean sheets against Jordan, UAE and Kuwait in the group stage, the Taeguk Warriors were eliminated in the quarter-finals after a 4-3 defeat by Iran.

Nevertheless, Lee was still an integral part of Korea Republic’s qualifying campaign for Germany 2006, conceding no more than seven times over the course of 12 matches in the second and the third round of the preliminary competition. But his third trip to the world finals came to a halt as the South Koreans made a premature exit from the group stage at Germany 2006.

Lee then went on to prove his worth again in the penalty shoot-outs against Iran and Japan in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, as Korea Republic finished third in the continental championship. Although he was subsequently suspended by the Korean FA for breaking team rules during the tournament, Lee returned in time for the crucial encounter with Saudi Arabia in the final round of qualifying for South Africa 2010 to lead his country to a 2-0 win in Riyadh in November 2008. He went on to take part in the remaining qualifiers, conceding only two goals in six matches as the Taeguk Warriors secured their seventh consecutive appearance at world football’s showpiece event.

World Cup GK Profile: Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria)

2010-06-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

Vincent Enyeama

Squad: Nigeria
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 27
Birth Date: Aug 29, 1982
Birth Place: Katuna, Nigeria
Height: 5' 11" (1.80m)
Weight: 174 lbs (79 kg)
Club: Hapoel Tel-Aviv (Isreal)
International Caps: 54

Club History
Hapoel Tel Aviv (ISR): 2007-2010
Bnei Yehoda (ISR): 2005-2007
Iwanyanwu Nationale (NGA): 2005-2005
Enyimba (NGA): 2001-2004
Ibom Stars (NGA): 1999-2001

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Enyeama was selected for the 2002 World Cup as a cover for Ike Shorunmu.He only played one match in that tournament, keeping a clean sheet against England, but has since taken over the spot after Shorunmu's international retirement. Since then he has been the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team, playing in the 2004 African Cup of Nations and 2006 African Cup of Nations. In the 2010 African Cup of Nations, Enyeama also had a good tournament with Nigeria in the 2006 CAN; he stopped three penalties in the quarter-final against Tunisia, but couldn't prevent a loss to Ivory Coast in the semi-final. Goalkeeper Enyeama turned out the hero for the Nigerians as he saved Thomas Nyirenda’s spot kick after both teams had scored their previous three kicks. He put his own kick past his opposite number Mweene in a battle of the goaltenders, after Mweene had scored his seconds earlier, to set up a fantastic semi final clash with Ghana.

from ESPN SoccerNet
In terms of time on the pitch, no other Super Eagle made a bigger contribution to their successful World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign than their principal custodian who missed just two games out of twelve, standing firm between the posts for 900 minutes.

Enyeama served as an understudy to Ike Shorunmo at the 2002 World Cup in the Far East, but finally saw some action as he kept a clean sheet in the goalless draw with England. He was Nigeria's main man in goal at the 2004, 2006 and 2010 African Cup of Nations, helping them achieve third-place finishes in 2006 and 2010.

He truly became a Nigerian star during four years at the Enyimba club (2001-04), notably inspiring them to a pair of African Champions League titles in 2003 and 2004. He has been in Israel since 2005, first with Bnei Yehuda, now Hapoel.

from FIFA.com
One of the best shot-stoppers in Africa, Vincent Enyeama has been the undisputed first choice in goal for Nigeria, who have a trio of quality options between the posts. While the Super Eagles have had their fair share of ups and downs and many of their players have fallen in and out of favour, Enyeama has stayed a fan favourite in his home country and a first choice for the many Nigeria coaches. It’s a station ‘The Cat’ has comfortably held since taking over the position from Ike Shorunmu in Nigeria’s final match at the 2002 FIFA World Cup™. After two losses in the so-called Group of Death in Korea/Japan, the then-19-year-old was called on for the Super Eagles’ final contest against England and helped hold the Three Lions to a scoreless draw.

Except for a time during the 2008 CAF Africa Cup of Nations under controversial coach Berti Vogts, his grip on the starting spot has rarely slackened, and he’s starred for the side at the 2004, 2006 and 2010 AFCONs, leading them to third place in each of the events. Despite missing out on qualification for Germany 2006 with the Super Eagles, he has an excellent record in FIFA World Cup preliminary matches, losing just once in his 20 appearances while conceding only 11 goals. In the qualifiers for South Africa 2010, he kept a clean sheet in eight of the 10 matches he played.

One of his shining moments with the national team came earlier this year at the continental finals in Angola in a hard-fought quarter-final bout with Zambia. Though the west Africans were largely outplayed, Enyeama and his defence held the match scoreless until it went all the way to a post-match penalty shootout. Once there, he accomplished a rare match-winning double by saving a penalty kick and converting the winner himself. It was an ironic vindication for the net-minder who used to be substituted before shootouts by his Nigerian club Enyimba. But continental watchers were not entirely surprised with his exploits since the goalkeeper also stopped three penalty kicks and scored one of his own in the quarter-final shootout with Tunisia in the 2006 Cup of Nations.

Enyeama won the African Champions League twice with the most successful domestic club Enyimba, and he’s impressed European club watchers since moving to Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2007. He was named Player of the Season in Israel in 2009, and he’s been on the radar of several of Europe’s biggest clubs over the last two years, including sides in Turkey, Spain and England. Arsenal were rumoured to be very close to signing the keeper only for the deal to break down over the transfer fee. The interest is understandable given the player’s athleticism, leadership and ability to pull off acrobatic saves. The only knock against him is his height, which is a bit short for a world-class goalkeeper at 1.8m. But, like most ‘cats,’ he usually makes up for it with his reflexes and killer instinct.

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World Cup GK Profile: Konstantinos Chalkias (Greece)

2010-06-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

Konstantinos Chalkias

Squad: Greece
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 36
Birth Date: May 30, 1974
Birth Place: Larissa, Greece
Height: 6' 6" (1.98m)
Weight: 181 lbs (82 kg)
Club: PAOK (Greece)
International Caps: 26

Club History
PAOK (GRE): 2008-
Aris Saloniki (GRE): 2006-2008
Real Murcia (ESP): 2006-2006
Panathinaikos (GRE): 2003-2005
Iraklis (GRE): 2001-2003
Panathinaikos (GRE): 1999-2001
Apollon Athinai (GRE): 1996-1998
Panathinaikos (GRE): 1995-1996

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Konstadinos Halkias made his debut the 10 November 2001 against Estonia. In the summer 2004 he won Euro 2004 included in the team together with the other goalkeepers Antonis Nikopolidis and Fanis Katergiannakis. Otto Rehhagel called him also for the qualification of Euro 2008.

Konstantinos Chalkias during the qualification for the World Cup 2010 play as the first goalkeeper for Greek national team, after the retirement of the legendary goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis and he is the only goalkeeper from the Euro 2004.

from ESPN SoccerNet
Greece's long-time back-up custodian finally got his chance to establish himself as the first choice in the national team after Euro 2004 hero Antonios Nikopolidis retired and he made the most of his opportunity during 2010 World Cup qualifying, playing in eight of the 12 ties played by Otto Rahhagel's men.

His wait on the sidelines as been lengthy, with Chalkias making his Greece debut against Estonia back in 2001, but he has been as patient as they come. "Everyone appreciated what Nikopolidis meant to the Greek team after the success of Euro 2004 and I knew my moment would arrive," he says philosophically.

Chalkias has done well to bounce back from a horrible and brief period in England's Premier League, as he made mistake aplenty during a spell with Portsmouth. He is not always so reliable under high balls into his box.

from FIFA.com
PAOK Thessaloniki’s towering veteran goalkeeper started his career back in the early 1990s.

Learning his trade at the Panathinaikos academy, Chalkias spent two seasons on loan at Apollon Athens. On his return to Pana he had to battle for a starting place with Polish legend Jozef Wandzik and, not for the last time in his career, the emerging Antonis Nikopolidis. After several seasons as the club’s third-choice custodian, he was shipped out to Iraklis, where his fine performances led to the Athens giants recalling him once more. More frustration ensued, however, with Nikopolidis barring his path to the first team.

Nikopolidis’s move to Olympiakos finally opened the door for Chalkias, who nevertheless chose to move abroad. After failing to impress at Portsmouth in England, he fared little better with Spain’s Real Murcia.

Brought back home by Aris Saloniki, he regained his form and was subsequently called up to the Greece squad for their victorious UEFA EURO 2004 campaign. Aside from being a European champion, he has also won Greek league and cup winners’ medals with Panathinaikos, and helped Aris reach the Greek Cup final in 2008 and PAOK to second place in the league in 2009.

Chalkias had to wait patiently for his first international call-up, which finally came in 2001. Once again he found himself deputising for undisputed first-choice Nikopolidis, whose recent retirement gave the PAOK gloveman the chance to shine for his country at last, though he now faces facing stiff competition from Alexandros Tzorvas for the No1 slot at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

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World Cup GK Profile: Sergio Romero (Argentina)

2010-06-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

Sergio Romero

Squad: Argentina
Squad No: 22
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 23
Birth Date: Feb 22, 1987
Birth Place: Bernardo de Irigoyen, Misiones, Argentina
Height: 6' 4" (1.92m)
Weight: 183 lbs (83 kg)
Club: AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands)
International Caps: 6

Club History
AZ Alkmaar (NED): 2007-
Racing Club (ARG): 2006-2007

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Romero represented Argentina at the 2007 South American Youth Championship in Paraguay and at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, which Argentina went on to win, and replaced injured Óscar Ustari at the 2008 Summer Olympics football tournament. He has also made Maradona's final 23 man roster for the South African 2010 World Cup.

He is married to model/actress Eliana Guercio. Sergio's older brother, Diego Romero is a professional basketball player in Argentina, and he played at Florida State University. On Tuesday 16 February 2010 Sergio became a father of a daughter called, Yazmín.

from ESPN SoccerNet
This young man has made quite an impression in European football since he made a move from Racing Club in 2007 and while it's always tough to second guess the team selections of Argentina boss Diego Maradona, there is every chance that this agile stopper will be filling the goal as first pick in South Africa.

An Olympic gold medallist in 2008, Romero confirmed his worth in the AZ side that claimed the Dutch title in the 2008-09 season and while a repeat success has not been possible in the season just gone, this keeper has not let anyone down . He played in three 2010 World Cup qualifiers and was recently linked with a move to Premier League side Arsenal.

Romero is a high-profile figure back home, as his relationship with actress and model Eliana Guercio is big news. The couple celebrated the birth of their first child when Yazmin came into the world back in February.

from FIFA.com
Sergio Romero has a perfect record with Argentina in major international competitions. The goalkeeper was on duty when La Albiceleste won the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 and was between the posts again a year later when the South Americans claimed gold at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing.

Hailing from a family of basketball players, Romero uses his height to great effect, plucking corners and crosses out of the air with deceptive ease. He learned his trade as a youngster at Racing Club, where he went on to make only a handful of appearances before signing on the dotted line for Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar. Despite his youthful age, he quickly claimed the No1 jersey and went a remarkable 18 games without conceding a goal during 2009.

Among his many admirers is Diego Maradona. “I gave him a try-out in the warm-up before the Olympic final and I could see that he was a fantastic keeper with bags of personality,” commented the national coach. Indeed, Maradona has such confidence in Romero that, in the wake of the 3-1 defeat to Brazil last September, he made him his first-choice keeper ahead of Juan Pablo Carrizo and Mariano Andujar.

With Argentina’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, the youngster responded to the challenge, turning in solid performances in the decisive games against Peru and Uruguay. And having deservedly earned the No1 slot, Romero now has the chance to complete a hat-trick of international titles in South Africa.

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World Cup GK Profile: Fernando Muslera (Uruguay)

2010-06-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

Fernando Muslera

Squad: Uruguay
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 23
Birth Date: Jun 16, 1986
Birth Place: Montevideo, Uruguay
Height: 6' 3" (1.90m)
Weight: 163 lbs (74 kg)
Club: Lazio (Italy)
International Caps: 6

Club History
Lazio (ITA): 2007-
Nacional (URU): 2007
Montevideo Wanderers (URU): 2004-2006

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Néstor Fernando Muslera Micol is a Uruguayan footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Italian Serie A club Lazio and the Uruguayan national team.

Muslera had been called up for the Uruguayan national team on numerous occasions, but did not earn his first cap until October 10, 2009, when he started in Uruguay's 2-1 away win over Ecuador. The match was Uruguay's penultimate qualifier for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

from ESPN SoccerNet
This giant young 'keeper was called up for the later stages of the 2010 qualification campaign, looking the part in the play-off double-header with Costa Rica in particular. Muslera's senior international debut came in October 2009 in a World Cup tie in Ecuador, which Uruguay won 2-1.

A graduate of the Montevideo Wanderers youth scheme, he subsequently figured prominently for their first XI before heading on loan to capital city slickers Nacional and then to Lazio, whom he joined in exchange for a £2.75 million fee in the summer of 2007.

Muslera is known to Biancocelesti followers as Castorino or the 'Little Beaver' and the club are so pleased with him they recently extended his contract until 2014. He has won the Italian Cup and Italian Super Cup with Lazio in recent years.

from FIFA.com
Fernando Muslera will celebrate his 24th birthday on 16 June, the day Uruguay face hosts and Group A rivals South Africa in Tshwane/Pretoria, so a starting place between the posts and a win for La Celeste would be the ideal present.

A physically imposing figure, Muslera’s reliability and command of the penalty area have marked him out as a dependable goalkeeper from a young age, featuring prominently at U-17 and U-20 levels for Uruguay. He made his Primera Division debut at just 18 with Montevideo Wanderers, the club whose youth ranks he had risen through, where he remained until being snapped up by Nacional in 2006.

His performances for Nacional, particularly in the 2007 Copa Libertadores, boosted his profile to such an extent that it was no surprise when Serie A outfit Lazio signed him that same year. And though he initially struggled to nail down a starting berth, by early 2009 he had laid claim to the Roman side's No1 jersey and has held onto it ever since.

On the senior national team scene, in March 2009 Oscar Tabarez called him up for the South Africa 2010 qualifiers against Paraguay and Chile, although Muslera remained an unused substitute on both occasions. His opportunity soon arose however and he made his full international debut in the penultimate game of the campaign against Ecuador in Quito.

After helping La Celeste to a valuable 2-1 success at altitude, Tabarez kept faith in Muslera for the final qualifier against Argentina and for both legs of the crucial play-off tie versus Costa Rica. And on the evidence of those four games, he has shown he has what it takes to shoulder the responsibility of being Uruguay’s first-choice keeper.

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World Cup GK Profile: Hugo Lloris (France)

2010-06-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hugo Lloris

Squad: France
Squad No: 1
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 23
Birth Date: Dec 26, 1986
Birth Place: Nice, France
Height: 6' 2'' (1.88m)
Weight: 161 lbs (73 kg)
Club: Lyon (France)
International Caps: 10

Club History
Lyon (FRA): 2008-
OGC Nice (FRA): 2005-2008

from Wikipedia (full wiki)
Lloris has been active on the international front with France first appearing with the under-18 team making on 11 Match 2004 in a friendly match against Germany. He later played with the under-19s and was part of the winning team at the 2005 European Under-19 Football Championship. Lloris appeared in all 20 matches the under-19 team contested. Lloris made only three appearances with the under-21 team, primarily because of his commitments to the senior team. On 11 October 2008, with the under-21 squad attempting to qualify for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, coach Erick Mombaerts called up Lloris to the team for their important two-legged playoff against Germany, despite Lloris having been called up to the senior team and the player having last played for the team on 1 June 2007. Lloris honored the call up and started the second leg. With France seconds away from a spot in the tournament, because of their 1–1 draw in the first leg, Germany got a late 90 minute goal from Benedikt Höwedes. The 1–0 loss eliminated France from the competition and also ended Lloris's under-21 career.

Lloris received his first call-up to the senior national team for France's 6 February 2008 showdown against Spain. However, he instead played for the B team in their friendly match against the Congo DR, held the day before the Spain friendly. After receiving several more call ups in 2008, he finally earned his first cap on 19 November 2008 in a 0–0 draw with Uruguay. On 9 September 2009, Lloris received his first international red card, against Serbia, following a foul on Nikola Žigic in the penalty box, despite replays showing otherwise. Lloris returned to the team on 14 October playing the entire 90 minutes in the team's 3–1 win over Austria.

Lloris was applauded by the media and players, alike, for his performance over two legs against the Republic of Ireland that saw France earn a spot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Former national team goalkeeper Grégory Coupet credited his performance as "phenomenal", while the French media branded him "Saint Lloris", which is a play on the nickname of Real Madrid counterpart Iker Casillas, who is considered one of the top goalkeepers in Europe at the moment.

from ESPN SoccerNet
Lloris did not start the World Cup qualifying campaign as France's number one but his continued excellence for Lyon and influential performance in the play-off win over Republic of Ireland means he is favourite to don the number one shirt at the World Cup ahead of Steve Mandanda. If he is Raymond Domenech's favoured choice, it will complete a stellar rise for a player who did not even travel to Euro 2008.

After breaking into the Nice first team with five league appearances at the end of the 2005-06 season, Lloris was soon a losing finalist in the 2006 Coupe de la Ligue final when Nancy triumphed 2-1. Having spent the following two seasons as Nice's number one, Lloris outgrew the side from the French Rivieira and at the age of 21, he snubbed a move to AC Milan to join Lyon for ¬8.5 million in the summer of 2008.

Replacing Gregory Coupet, a mainstay of the OL side that won seven league titles in succession, Lloris quickly proved himself a worthy successor and while Lyon surrendered their domestic dominance as Bordeaux won the title, Lloris was named goalkeeper of the season ahead of his Marseille nemesis, Mandanda. He also won his first French cap in a friendly against Uruguay in November 2008 and in the 2009-10 season, edged ahead of Mandanda in Domenech's plans, culminating in his defining performance at Stade de France as he kept Robbie Keane and Damien Duff at bay.

Strengths: Boasting lightning reflexes and good decision-making, Lloris is capable of the spectacular and is also a formidable opponent in one-on-one situations. He commands his box well.

Weaknesses: Despite being 6ft 2in, Lloris still needs to work on his physical presence and his lack of experience on the biggest stage could be a concern for France.

Career high: Playing a starring role as France sneaked past Ireland in the play-offs. Thierry Henry's handball made the headlines but France were only still in the game thanks to the gloves of Lloris as he made a string of important saves.

Career low: Being sent off and conceding a penalty after only nine minutes against Serbia in September, with France going on to draw 1-1 in a game that heavily damaged their chances of finishing top of their qualifying group.

Style: Dynamic, determined, athletic, a talented all-round 'keeper.

Quotes: "He's a phenomenon. Because of what he did (against Ireland), the choice has to be made in his favour (instead of Mandanda)." Gregory Coupet, November 2009.

Trivia: Lloris was a member of the France side that won the European Under-19 Championship in Northern Ireland in 2005. Team-mates Abou Diaby and Yoann Gourcuff have also graduated to senior honours.

Soccernet says: Lloris should get the nod ahead of Mandanda and if he can cope with the pressure of being France's first choice at a World Cup at the age of 23, expect his reputation to soar.

from FIFA.com
Spotted performing acrobatics in goal for a local team in Nice by former French international goalkeeper Dominique Baratelli, Hugo Lloris joined his hometown club at a very early age. Working his way up through the different levels, he made his professional debut during the 2005/06 season, playing in all of Nice’s League Cup matches right up to the final, eventually won by Nancy. Still only 19, he was already displaying such quality between the posts that, the following season, he relegated his more mature team-mates Damien Gregorini and Lionel Letizi – both rivals for his position – to the bench, securing the goalkeeping slot in the team for himself at just 20 years of age.

Strong in every area of goalkeeping, he is decisive too, whether coming out for crosses or narrowing the angle in one-on-ones with opposing strikers. Such assets naturally made him a target for several major European clubs, including AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur, but he opted to take things one step at a time and instead signed for Lyon in 2008, charged with the tricky task of succeeding Gregory Coupet in the champions’ line-up. A former Lyon player himself, France coach Raymond Domenech was also won over by the young goalkeeper at this stage, calling him up for the first time in November 2008, even though at that point his first-choice keeper remained Marseille’s Steve Mandanda, Ligue 1’s other young phenomenon.

Lloris first ‘victory’ of sorts in the healthy rivalry that has developed between the two shot-stoppers was the title of goalkeeper of the year for season 2008/09 bestowed upon him at the expense of his peer, who had picked up the same award the season before. Continuing to put in top-level performances while his fellow goalie experienced a dip in form, Lloris has been recognised as France’s first choice since a friendly match against Turkey in June 2009. He was replaced in goal on just one occasion since then, having been suspended following a red card he received in Serbia in a qualifying match for 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, hence earning the dubious honour of becoming the first-ever keeper to be sent off while playing for France.

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