Congratulations Spain!
As I still regard myself as a fully paid up member of the ‘goalkeepers union’, I was delighted to see Spain’s Captain goalkeeper Iker Casillas lift the World Cup!
In this modern era, Spain are blessed with ‘World Class’ goalkeepers in Casillas, Reina and Valdes, I suspect by far the strongest ‘three goalkeepers’ in world soccer.
At whatever the level, whether it be park football or the World Cup Final good goalkeeping doesn’t change!
In last night’s Final, Iker did the ‘basics’ well; dealing with shots from distance, collecting crosses and dealing with though balls comfortably, he kept his defence high at set plays, organised throughout and distributed the ball sensibly…one great long throw in particular.
In my opinion he also made two ‘match winning ‘saves both from Holland’s Roben.
Both one v one saves…..the first a magnificence ‘spread’ using his body as a long barrier….he waited, got close and spread….a true match winning save.
Then again Roben was through; again he waited, got close and this time….tackled with his hands and secured the ball….brilliant!
A great example to any young aspiring goalkeeper on dealing with one v one situations!
Originally published July 13th 2010
