Well, FIFA's 2014 World Cup in Brazil is over. Germany beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time. (Argentina should have won that game, Blog-lodytes! 3 wasted chances). Manuel Neuer wins the Golden Glove-rightfully so, I think--and Messi wins Player of the Tournament.
But......this is a Goalkeeper Blog. So let's rate the GKs! Here is my list--Top 6--and I WANT comments!
1. Keylor Navas--Costa Rica
2. Manuel Neuer--Germany
3. Tim Howard--USA
4. Sergio Romero--Argentina
5. Jasper Cillessen--Holland
6. Julio Cesar--Brazil
Agree? NO?!? Give me some feedback!
We were treated to some GREAT goalkeeping in the Tournament. Likewise, we saw some really dodgy Goalkeeping. It's a tough position, eh? How about Sergio Romero from Argentina being the number 2 GK at Monaco (his club team), and only getting 3 matches in League play last season, but taking his Country to the World Cup Final? A great lesson to young GKs out there......always keep working! No matter how bleak things may look at the moment, keep plugging! Your chance will come!
Stay focused, work hard, pay no attention to all of the peripheral BS, believe in yourself, believe in your preparation, believe in your abilities, work hard. (See? I said, "Work Hard" twice.) FACT: Coaches will ALWAYS notice the GK who works the hardest. And given a "tie" between 2 GKs when selection time comes? Coaches will go with the GK who works hardest.
Congratulations to Germany! Condolences to Brazil. 10 goals in their last 2 matches....Ouch! Lots of post-tournament introspection for Brazil; and lots of work ahead. And, oh by the way....how about the English commentators totally slagging Brazil throughout the last 2 matches on ESPN? Whaaaaaat?!? English commentators? Hey, English guys, you didn't get out of Group play. You were bottom of Group D. 0 Wins, 1 Draw, and 2 Losses. And in your loss to Uruguay, Suarez (a guy that you all have played against week-in, week-out all during the BPL season); ATE. YOUR. LUNCH. So, English guys......Shut UP!
You guys have your own set of problems. Brazil got to the Final Four. England got shown the Group D door. We admire your BPL, for sure, but stop slagging teams/programs that are FAR superior to you. Just sayin'.
OK! Shoot us your comments! It was a great month, it was a great tournament, and we look forward to 2018!
May the ground beneath your dive be soft; may the opposition hit EVERY shot right at you; and may your goalposts always be 3 feet wide!
All the Best-EV