If goals are exciting enough, the thrill (and the crashing disappointment or excitement) that follows near goals and fantastic saves are a huge part of what makes football exciting. This World Cup has indeed been a game of saves what with the emergence of fantastic goalkeepers, and there are the saves that truly got blood pumping during the Round of 16 -
5. Claudio Bravo (Chile) vs Brazil – 28th June
A very powerful right-footed shot by Brazil’s Hulk from the penalty area is stopped by Bravo as he dives towards the right and hits the ball away with his palm.
4. Rais Mbholi (Algeria) vs Germany – 30th June
The Algerian goalkeeper had been on fire the entire evening, not conceding a single goal throughout the 90-minute match. His best save that day was Philip Lahm’s shot from just outside the box in the 55th minute, which was blocked by Mbholi’s fingertips.
3. Tim Howard (USA) vs Belgium – 1st July
He set a record that match with a total of 16 saves against Belgium, which made the loss even harder to bear. His best was a reaction save with the edge of his right boot against Origi’s straight goal-bound shot.
2. Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria) vs France – 30th June
He was the main reason France even got away with such a low win margin. His best save against France was against Paul Pogba’s spinning volley that would have been a sure shot goal had the 31-year old keeper not deflected it with his hands. The force of the goal attempt was immense, making the save a commendable one.
1. Julio Cesar (Brazil) vs Chile – 28th June
The 34-year old literally saved Brazil and helped them win with his amazing saves at the penalty shootout. His best was when he saved Aranguiz’s goal very close to the post, ensuring that Brazil won.
Take a look at Julio Cesar's saves in the penalty shootout:
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