This year’s World Cup has seen an uncanny number of excellent goalkeeping performances, from Mexican Guillermo Ochoa’s superhuman efforts denying Brazil to American Tim Howard’s valiant last stand against Belgium.
But despite the incredible saves pulled off by the likes of Ochoa, Howard, Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas and Belgium’s Thibaut Courtouis, history suggests they don’t stand much of a chance snagging the Golden Glove, the award handed out to the best goalkeeper in the tournament. In the past 10 years, the award has gone to one of the two ‘keepers in the finals eight times (there were two winners in 1990).
Similar to the Golden Ball award, which we previewed here, there’s one standout candidate who will take some beating from his nearest competition. Read on to see who goes home with a shiny new glove.
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Top 3 Candidates for 2014 World Cup Golden Glove
Manuel Neuer – Germany
As discussed in our Golden Ball preview, Germany’s Manuel Neuer is having an excellent tournament, and is well on course toward matching the feat of his predecessor, Oliver Kahn, of winning both the Golden Ball and the Golden Glove in the same tournament.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Neuer has only strengthened his claim to the title of best goalkeeper in the world with his trademark consistency and commanding presence in Germany’s penalty box. Neuer’s forays into the outfield have also shown he’s pretty handy with his legs as he backs up his team’s aggressive back line with outstanding (and daring) sweeper play.
Now that he’s helped Germany route Brazil, the award is Neuer’s to lose.
Julio Cesar – Brazil
Julio Cesar’s error in the 2010 quarterfinal against the Netherlands knocked Brazil out of the competition, but this year, he’s making amends in a big way. Cesar, who’s currently on loan to Toronto FC of the MLS, has been one of the top performers in a Brazil team that has failed to impress for much of the tournament.
His penalty shootout heroics against Chile kept Brazil in the competition, but with defender Thiago Silva suspended for the semifinal Cesar was on his own as the team allowed an outrageous seven goals in the worst international loss Brazil has ever suffered. With such a result hanging on his head, the Buzz Lightyear lookalike’s chances of grabbing the Golden Glove have gone from infinity to…unlikely.
Sergio Romero – Argentina
Sergio Romero’s chances of starting in the World Cup were pretty dim after he hardly played last season while on loan at Monaco. But he has shown no signs of rust whatsoever, as his great goalkeeping has helped an underwhelming Argentina team reach the semifinals.
Romero has yet to concede a goal in the knockout rounds, which is impressive considering how vulnerable he can be left by his defense at times. Considering the reputations of his rivals, Romero may well have to keep a clean sheet throughout the rest of the tournament to have a realistic shot at the award.
Writer’s Prediction
Regardless of where Germany finishes in the tournament, Neuer is almost assured to claim the Golden Glove. Create a betting account and have your say on who wins this prestigious award.
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