Being a goalkeeper adds that particular extra pressure on a player, especially at the biggest stage in world football. The fact that the goalie is the only one in his position in the first eleven means that he’s more prone to errors and howlers, with some occasions in past World Cups proving such a point.

Nevertheless, along with risk comes pride, with the World Cup managing to get the best out of the world’s best keepers. In another two-part article, we shall be looking into some of the best goalkeepers who will be between the sticks for their nation in Brazil.

IKER CASILLAS  

Spain‘s number one has been along for the whole ride throughout the country’s dominance of national football. He has however seen better campaigns than his recent ones, falling down the pecking order during Mourinho’s Real Madrid tenure as well as suffering an injury at the end of the season, Casillas is currently a lion licking his wounds. Betting against him succeeding isn’t advisable, seeing as how he will feel that he has a point to prove following recent seasons.

MANUEL NEUER

The presence which Neuer brings between the sticks for both club and country is immense, with few stating that the goalkeeper is in fact the current best in his position. Winning the Champions League in 2013, Neuer’s form has never dipped as his statistics remained consistent and exemplary. An outstanding keeper for an already outstanding squad.

GIANLUIGI BUFFON

The veteran of the upcoming tournament, Buffon is still as reliable as can be when it comes to goalkeepeing. Each player in the same position makes the odd mistake here and there, yet his excellence in reaction and defence management remains impeccable. Still one of the strongest forces in the Italian squad, he will look to be his best ever as the Azzurri face an improbable yet not impossible task of world dominance yet again.

Tune in next week as we shall be looking into more goalkeepers who could provide us with some historic moments this summer at the World Cup.