Only Goalkeeping

Nike Total 90 Deja Todo features Memo Ochoa

2009-09-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Memo certainly has some technical quirks, but his natural athleticism makes for great highlight reels, even the short ones pushing product.

This post is part of the Goalkeeper Commercials and Producs Series.

Kahnzilla

2009-09-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

A German goalkeeper who can breath fire? Who could imagine such a thing?

This post is part of the Goalkeeper Commercials and Producs Series.

Continental Grip - Iker Casillas: Goalkeeper Commercials and Products Part 2

2007-12-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

This post is part of the Goalkeeper Commercials and Producs Series.

Continental tires decided to advertise the amazing grip its tread provides to Spain by using none other than the most notable goalkeeper in the country, Iker Casillas.

My favorite part of this commercial is how Casillas is revealed from under the cloak and hood after "continentalizing" his gloves. Watch and enjoy!

A Tim Howard Flashback

2007-11-30T14:24:00.000-08:00

Image by: Football

Under the influence of Tim Howard's recent praise by Neville Southall, I decided to go looking for some good Tim Howard video. Unfortunately there isn't much out there of him playing for Everton or Manchester United. However, I did find a video that was made to chronicle his days with the Metrostars in Major League Soccer after he signed with United.

The video is a bit of a flashback. It reminded me of all the natural athleticism Howard has that we rarely see anymore because of how educated he has become as a goalkeeper. His positioning is now better, his ability to read the game is better, his decision-making is better, his communication is better and his reactions are truer. He is obviously achieving what ever goalkeeper wants to: he is mastering goalkeeping. Tim made a ton of saves with the Metrostars just like he has for Manchester United and does for Everton, but the way he makes saves is now more refined and more efficient. Watch the video below and marvel at his athleticism and then think of how now, despite playing against better competition, you only see his athleticism when he absolutely needs it.

The video below is a spectacular show of athleticism by Tim Howard and, compared to his play today, evidence as to how much he has grown as a goalkeeper. For the sake of Everton FC and the United States I hope that growth continues. Now, watch Tim's talent in raw form:

"Hey Bella" - Gianluigi Buffon: Goalkeeper Commercials and Products Part 1

2007-11-29T14:24:00.000-08:00

This is officially the first post of the new Goalkeeper Commercials and Products series here at Only Goalkeeping. In this series Only Goalkeeping will be featuring commercials and products based on or including your favorite goalkeepers from around the world. Now, let's get it started.

The first in this series belongs to, in my opinion, the world's current #1, Gianluigi Buffon. It's a Puma commercial that aired some time ago (you can tell by his hair and the Puma products in the commercial), with the obvious tag line "hey bella". Enjoy!

Video Of The Iker Casillas Wax Statue Unveiling

2007-11-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

Image by: uefa.com

In a previous post I showed you a photo of Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas with his wax statue. Now there's video!

The video is from a news station covering the unveiling of the Casillas wax statue at the Museum of Wax in Madrid and is, as expected, in Spanish. However, although I couldn't understand most of what was being said, I did enjoy the video, and most certainly have a favorite scene: Iker Casillas staring down his wax statue. Watch the video and you'll see it, too.

Football Gets Something Back Courtesy of Brad Friedel

2007-11-28T12:46:00.000-08:00

Image by: PSA

He has given many memorable performances on the field for the United States and Blackburn Rovers, and in return has gained much respect in the world of football. Now, goalkeeper Brad Friedel is giving back to the future of football in a very big way.

Friedel's Premier Soccer Academies (PSA) have gone from being built to being introduced, and are now up and running. It is a full scholarship (yes, no cost) program designed to provide talented players from across the world great academic and athletic educations. PSA's mission statement says it best:

"Premier Soccer Academies will provide the highest quality soccer education, experience, training and enjoyment to talented soccer players without regard to economic or social condition."

There is so much that can be said about what Brad Friedel has done by creating PSA, and some have already started talking. In this post, though, I just want to get to the point: THANK YOU VERY MUCH MR. BRAD FRIEDEL.

Also, I figured you would want to check out the PSA website and see video below that I found at The Offside Rules. The video gives you a good glimpse of what life is like for the kids at PSA. Enjoy!

Goal Review: Peter Schmeichel's UEFA Cup Tally

2007-11-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

In 1995, the great Manchester United goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel, scored a late goal against Roter Volvograd in the UEFA Cup. Many remember it, simply because it was, at that time, such a taboo thing for a goalkeeper to do (attacking) from the perspective of English fans, players and coaches. Here's the replay:

JDJ says: Should the header have been saved? Probably. Nonetheless, compliment the big man for getting up and getting the header down and on target. Also, that's not his only career goal. He has scored internationally and in the Premier League, too.

Goalkeeping Quick Hits: November 28th, 2007

2007-11-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

Some news, some discussion, all goalkeeping links!

Rene Higuita gives his "expert" opinion on Iker Casillas, Petr Cech and Gianluigi Buffon.
More praise for the in form Robert Green.
Corinthians goalkeeper Felipe could be headed to Spain.
Have you visited Puma's International Goalkeeper Union?
If you haven't already heard, David James has both defended Scott Carson and predicted that he will be England's future #1.

Robert Green Loves The Game, Not Video Games

2007-11-27T07:35:00.000-08:00

Image by: KUMB

"We would have the best team if we could go into every household and throw away every PlayStation, XBox and video game,"(thisislondon) said West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green after watching England fail to qualify for Euro 2008.

Did he mean that, literally, video games are crippling England's international football? I don't think so. It seems to be an implication that English youth are focusing too much on video games instead of football, that kids desire to score a hundred goals on FIFA '08 more than they do a hundred goals in the Premiership. His comment seems to be more than just a comment, though, because it really sounds like it came from his core, from what he really feels. You may think I'm reading into his words a bit, but I think they and his actions are very revealing about how much Green really loves his country and the game.

After the match against Croatia, many offered bitter opinions as to why England failed, but Green's opinion was different, perhaps more genuine. He didn't blame the FA, he didn't blame the coach and he didn't blame the players, even though he is a player working hard to get on the squad. Lauded by many, he has been waiting for his chance to lay claim to England's #1, but, as of yet, with no reward. Has being denied made him resentful or bitter toward the game? No. Instead of complaining he has continued to work hard and shine for his club. And, even though he hasn't gotten his chance to represent England, he has continued to support the squad. In fact, although not being selected to feature in the match against Austria days prior to the Croatia clash, Green actually payed his own way to Vienna to see it. Then, as the Mirror reported, "joined fans on a Saturday morning flight home to City Airport" the day after the match.

Some have analyzed Green's video game crack as plausible, others laughable, but I would label it more cathartic. He doesn't have a column and isn't vying for a now vacant coaching position, could it be that he just commented because he cares? Because he is disappointed too and wants to see English soccer thrive once again? If not, what else could he possibly have to gain from his statement? The answer is nothing. He just wants England to succeed.

Can England resurrect its international game by getting more kids off video games and onto the pitch? Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, Green's answer is a step in the right direction for the Three Lions because he, himself, is a step in the right direction. He is a player who honestly cares.

Could Brazilian Fabio Signal Lehmann's Exit?

2007-11-26T07:56:00.000-08:00

Image by: globoesporte

Rumors are circulating about Arsenal forcing cancerous Jens Lehmann out the door by potentially signing Cruzeiro goalkeeper Fabio Deivison Lopes Maciel, or Fabio, with some discussion sources confirming the deal, and others denying it. Here is what the Mirror quoted Fabio, himself, having said:

"I've a deal signed with Cruzeiro until the end of this year but after that I would like to move to Europe and if that happens in January then that is up to the clubs involved. I've heard of the interest from Wenger but it is too soon to think or talk about it too much. But I'm prepared to make the big jump to European football as that's a great challenge for any player."

Could Fabio be on his way to Arsenal? As he said, it is probably too soon to talk about it. However, after watching his highlight video (below) I can tell you one thing. If he does make the move, he will certainly have to work on his handling before he can be a real contender for the #1 shirt at Arsenal. Watch the video and you will notice how he makes saves, but doesn't catch anything.

David James Uses Column Fee For Charitable Donation

2007-11-25T15:18:00.000-08:00

Image by: Foxsports

Portsmouth and England goalkeeper David James is not only an eco-crusader, but also a philanthropist. James has been writing a column for Guardian, about football, of course, and has donated his column fee to the Beneficial Foundation in Portsmouth.

The Beneficial Foundation gives "training and support for those who are disadvantaged in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire", specifically providing mental health services. You can learn more about the Beneficial Foundation by clicking here.

Goalkeeper Given Turned On The Christmas Lights

2007-11-25T13:29:00.000-08:00

Image by: Chronicle Live

On November 23rd long-time Newcastle United and Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given pushed the button which illuminated the Newcastle city center with this year's Christmas light display. Of course, the classy Given was thankful for the honor:

“I feel very privileged and honoured to be asked to switch the lights on. There’s been some great people have done it in the past, I know Michael Owen did it last year, Alan Shearer’s done it, Bobby Robson, people like that. The lights in Newcastle are always pretty spectacular. I was happy they worked when I pressed the button. It would’ve been a bit of an anti-climax if they hadn’t. They’ve obviously spent a lot of time putting them up and it obviously gets everyone in the spirit for Christmas. They’re great.” (Chronicle Live)

If there were a goalkeeper in Newcastle United's history worthy of joining the ranks of Owen, Shearer and Robson in any category it would most definitely be Given.

The Iker Casillas Wax Statue

2007-11-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

Image by: See The Cup

It's shorter, thinner and missing the so often photographed 5 'o' clock shadow we often see on Iker Casillas (like in the photo above), but See The Cup claims that the statue located in Madrid, Spain is a likeness of the Real Madrid #1 himself. It makes me wonder: What other goalkeepers have been immortalized in wax?

If you know of any, leave me the pertinent info in the comments and I'll make sure and give your blog a mention in a post. Cheers!

Goalkeeping Quick Hits: November 23rd, 2007

2007-11-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

It's time again to do some speed-linking for all of you who love to read about the world of goalkeeping. Enjoy!

Rogerio Ceni is one of the three finalists for the Brazilian League Most Valuable Player Award.
French goalkeeper Sebastian Frey's brother says that not Gianluigi Buffon, but Frey is the best goalkeeper in Italy.
Apparently Martin O'Neill isn't interesting in keeping Scott Carson at Aston Villa permanently.
Rafael Benitez not only thinks that "Pepe" Reina is great, but the greatest in Spain.
Newcastle United have signed a new goalkeeping coach.

"Memo" Ochoa's Deal With Manchester United Is Getting Closer

2007-11-23T12:29:00.000-08:00

Image by: esmas

Do you remember the the earlier post in which I said that Manchester United was close to signing Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa? Well, according to the Ovaciones, Manchester United is getting even closer. In fact, the deal could be finalized by this weekend, with Club America set to be the beneficiary of potentially the most expensive player in Mexican history (7.5 million). Ochoa is a great shot stopper, but there is no doubt that he will have a lot of growing to do to in the European game if the deal is finalized. Regardless, with his recent performances for both club and country I don't think anyone could argue that Ochoa has earned the chance to play with a club like United.

English Goalkeeping Crisis: Carson Doesn't Prove Capable Either

2007-11-21T22:37:00.000-08:00

Image by: Football

I can't ever remember having said or heard this before, but goalkeeping is the culprit for England's international demise. England has failed to qualify for Euro 2008 at the hands, or lack thereof, of Scott Carson and his predecessor Paul Robinson.

After being under fire for lack of form for months now, Robinson was hastily relieved of his role as England's #1 after a reportedly dismal showing in training leading up to their do or die match against Croatia. Unfortunately his replacement proved to be as ineffective, if not worse, at being the safe hands which England has been accustomed to for half a century.

Senior international rookie Scott Carson managed to edge out Robinson for his first competitive start only to show how much more he has to learn. The scoring opened 8 minutes in when Carson failed to save a 25-yard dipping shot from Niko Kranjcar that should have been routinely caught. The shot left Carson victimized by his technique, for which Robinson has also been criticized, as from his knees a portion of his left hand was all he managed to get behind the shot. Goalkeeping put England down 1-0.

The score then surprisingly went to 2-0 when Ivica Olic beat an offside trap in the 14th minute and managed to round Carson for the goal. The 2nd was not the fault of Carson, but nonetheless left Wembley stunned yet again. England did managed to get two back with a Frank Lampard penalty in the 56th and a Peter Crouch finish in the 65th to knot the score at 2-2. However, what followed next was once again unexpected and so uncharacteristically below the standard of English goalkeepers. Carson was beaten for the second time in the match from outside of 20 yards.

Substitute Mladen Petric managed to beat Carson for the third time in the 77th minute with a 20+ yard shot from an angle to the right of the goal. Another shot that should have been at least saved turned into the final goal and final whistle of England's Euro 2008 qualifying quest. Goalkeeping put England down 3-2 and out of Euro 2008.

Of course England manager Steve McClaren will be questioned for several tactical decisions and most certainly lose his job as a result of this match. However, what continually spins around in my mind at the moment is not what McClaren did or didn't do, but another question. What has happened to English goalkeeping? Where are the Gordon Banks and Peter Shiltons today?

Paul Robinson was at one point the future of English goalkeeping. He claimed the #1 shirt following David Seaman, represented his country in the 2006 World Cup, but has failed to mature and grow as a goalkeeper. Robinson's form in domestic and Euro 2008 qualifying competitions, mixed with a terrifying training display, so loudly set off alarms to McClaren that his shirt was given to 22 year-old Scott Carson to make his first competitive appearance in the most important match of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. Basically, before the clash with Croatia England's best goalkeeping option was a rookie rather than a World Cup vet. I call that evidence of decline.

Exactly how fragile is the faith in English goalkeeping that a 22 year-old goalkeeper makes his competitive debut in a do or die Euro qualifying match? The video above proves that Carson's game is nowhere near par for international competitions, yet his start against Croatia means he managed to beat out 2 experienced goalkeepers in Robinson and David James who had gained and then lost consideration for the #1 shirt recently. Was Carson really the best England had to offer against Croatia? After his performance I'm sure that every English fan hopes not.

All of the sudden the buzz about Robert Green and pleading in newspaper print to Steve McClaren to include him seems with almost certainty the right call. Unfortunately, its too late. Could Green be the answer to the currently obvious English goalkeeping crisis? Maybe. I don't don't see how he could perform worse, and don't think he could possibly be denied his shot now that England has lost confidence in James, Robinson and Carson. After Green it seems that there is currently only one more hopeful for English goalkeeping: Ben Foster. Perhaps after recovery he can prove himself worthy of a chance to represent his country, too.

Sadly, though, because of the recent consistency of failure from English goalkeepers, we will have to wait to see if the likes of Green, Foster or anyone else can resurrect the valuable, powerful and refined art of English goalkeeping. In the meantime, it seems that crisis has struck the hands that guard the hopes of English football.

Rogerio Ceni Sets His Sights On 2014

2007-11-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Image by: Mercado Livre

"Yes, I will be 41 years old but in my position that is not an important factor," said Ceni speaking after winning the Campeonato Brasileiro title. Why does he want to play until 2014, though? According to Ceni:

"I think I can play until 2014 because I want to play the World Cup here in my country. I don't want to stop in 2010."

I really don't want to be the nay-sayer to what many will receive as a wonderful announcement from Ceni, but does he really expect to "play [in] the World Cup" in Brazil in 2014? His World Cup career has seen him on the team as #3 in 2002, and #2 in 2006 where he made his debut and logged a total of 10 minutes of playing time. It already appears that Julio Cesar and Doni are ahead of him on the depth charts for 2010, so does he really think he can make the climb over the next 7 years and get himself on the field again?

I really do love Rogerio Ceni, but he is riding a wave of cult popularity right now, and I think it may be clouding his judgement. He has never been Brazil's #1 and struggled to get to #2 at 33 years old. What makes him think that he can be #1 at 41 years old? I don't say any of these things to diminish any of his club accomplishments, but Ceni simply has not yet proven to be an international-class goalkeeper and I don't think another 7 years is going to make a difference. At best he will be representing his country as #3 in 2014, not playing.

Asia Preparing For The Return Of Kahn

2007-11-20T08:02:00.000-08:00

Image by: China Daily

As earlier reports suggested, Oliver Kahn may well be on his way to coaching in Asia after he retires from playing. Kahn took a trip to China during the Bundesliga's Euro 2008 qualifying break and, after being welcomed by a mob, held a training session with 10 selected goalkeepers there. Kahn told Shanghai Daily:

"I have a lot of fans in Asia, especially in China, and it is my way of giving them back something for their support, and it is not just because of the fans that I want to be here but I am interested in China as well. I had a brief training session with some of them the other day and was surprised by their willingness to learn things. I am keen on discovering, developing and training goalkeepers here."

The investment of time and evidence of desire doesn't end there, though. Kahn has been actively involved in building buzz around his name via the web:

"He has already launched a Chinese Website (http://www.kingkahn.cn/) where he interacts with his fans and has loads of video footage of his games, Internet coverage of his training session, chat lines and soccer tips - perfect for early learners.

Youngsters send demonstration videos of their skills, which is analyzed in faraway Munich and reverted back with comments from the veteran keeper himself. The German already has a column on the Chinese portal Sohu.com (http://goalkeeperkahn.blog.sohu.com/) that connects him to local fans." (China View)

The further branding that Kahn is creating through web use in China is definitely Kahn-quality. I did some exploring on the kingkahn.cn website and it looks to be every fan and goalkeeper's dream. I wish it was in English, and I wish that more goalkeepers would create such audience friendly sites with video, etc. It also seems that the Sohu.com column that Kahn has is doing very well. His latest post from the 16th of November had racked up 425 comments when I checked it.

After doing this little bit of research it think its safe to say that we will see Oliver Kahn making the move to Asia in the near future, and perhaps some European-quality goalkeepers coming from Asia a little while later.

The "Pepe" Reina Praise Parade Continues

2007-11-19T18:47:00.000-08:00

Image by: elmundo.es

Rafael Benitez recently gave some public praise to his club's #1, Jose "Pepe" Reina, but that wasn't the end. Even in reference to a very notable mistake by Reina last season against Everton the compliments were flowing:

"Pepe will remember this mistake as important, so for him it was a test and he showed that he can come through difficult situations and be really good. He has a lot of character. One of the keys to being a top professional and a top-class player is to be able to show character in difficult situations. If you are always playing well and without difficulties you cannot test the character of the player. Pepe made some mistakes but after this he showed quality and character. Also, you can see when he has been under pressure in finals and other big games that he is a player with a very good mentality."

These were Benitez's words to Liverpool's official website, and they were uttered to once again confirm the many talents of Reina. If you think back I'm sure that you can remember many goalkeepers who's confidence and growth were ruined by single mistakes. Even lacking the words of Benitez, I'm certain that everyone can realize that Reina is not one of those cases. Indeed, the progress post-error that Reina has shown is symptomatic of great goalkeeping, because great goalkeeping is about growth, about experience and resilience. Do you remember how he followed up that error at Goodison Park? He finished the season winning his second consecutive Barclay's Golden Glove. Basically, he recovered from ridicule by claiming praise as the best in the league.

Benitez also revealed that he has been a long time admirer of Reina. All the way back to when they were both in Spain:

"The first time I saw him play he was still at Barcelona and I was manager of Tenerife. We were looking for a new keeper and we were playing a tournament in Lanzarote which Barcelona were also involved in. On this occasion Pepe was going through his warm-up with Victor Valdes and I was stood behind him watching. It was clear just from watching him in a warm-up that he was a very good keeper and although I did not manage to sign him for Tenerife I did sign him for Liverpool a few years later."

I'm not certain one can tell how great a goalkeeper can be from watching a warm-up, but I am certain Reina's performances at Villarreal reminded Benitez of the warm-up he saw, and made him certain that he wanted to bring Reina to Liverpool. However, regardless of whether or not Benitez has the talent to find great goalkeepers by watching warm-ups, I don't think anyone can argue that Reina's arrival at Liverpool has been mutually beneficial.

The Effect Of Thai Energy Drinks On Goalkeepers

2007-11-19T07:23:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you mix a Thai energy drink with a goalkeeper? A shot stopper that can sell. The video below is a Black Up Coffee ad I found on Sanook Lei. And, because Only Goalkeeping loves, well, everything goalkeeping, I figured this video would be a great addition. Enjoy!

Peter Shilton Speaks About Paul Robinson and English Goalkeeping

2007-11-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

With all of the recent talk about Paul Robinson, Robert Green, Scott Carson and David James, who better to comment than English goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton? England's long-time #1 sat down with Iain Macintosh from NewPaper and started off with the present #1, Robinson:

"I've got a lot of sympathy for him. In a way, he's suffered from being the England first-choice goalkeeper for so long. It means that his performances, both for club and country are scrutinised much more. When you do make a series of errors, the coverage is exaggerated. He's a very good goalkeeper, but his recent form has affected him."

No doubt Robinson's recent scrutiny has been greater than it would if he weren't #1 for England, but that's the life, and that's the reason why the English goalkeeping standard is so high. Like the level of play in the Premier League, the fans demand it.

I thought that Shilton's criticisms of Robinson were very accurate, though, and I'm sure you'll appreciate his honesty as well:

"The problem with Paul is that over the last five years, he hasn't really improved at all on a technical level. He hasn't sharpened the finer points of his technique. There's a lot more to come from him, I'm convinced. He's good now, but he could be a lot better as he gets older."

I don't think anyone can argue with that statement. Robinson's potential is obvious, but his technical ability and experience pales in comparison to those we consider goalkeeping greats. It always seems to me that Robinson is a bit frantic when playing, especially at the international level. He seems more concerned than confident, and that is the type of attitude that defenders pick up on. I'm not saying its something that can't be fixed, but it is an obvious sign that Robinson must do some maturing to truly contribute on a consistent basis at a high level of play.

Shilton also commented on the pressure inherent in being England's #1, and critically touched on David James a bit, too:

"Sometimes, not being the No. 1 can help. As soon as David James lost his starting place, he suddenly became more accomplished and consistent for Portsmouth. He's been fantastic for some time now. When there was all that speculation last month that he might be getting back into the team, he started to make mistakes. I'm an admirer of James, but he's always had problems with his decision-making and he's got a horrible habit of coming off his line too often at the wrong moment."

Well, we now know that David James isn't Shilton's choice to represent England. As for the pressure that accompanies being #1 for England, that just seems to be a problem for the country at the moment. There are many goalkeepers in the world, and goalkeepers in England's history that have handled the pressure of being the country's #1 and been able to perform at the club level like they are top international players. Maybe this is just a weak spot we are seeing in English goalkeeping right now. Can they handle the pressure?

Who would Shilton pick for England's #1? Here's the quick rundown:

"There's a few other goalkeepers in contention for an England place, but I wouldn't call any of them 'world class'. Rob Green, Scott Carson, Chris Kirkland, they're all very good, but they need to improve. They will do eventually though as they're all playing regular football now. Look out for Ben Foster though. When he gets back to full fitness, he could easily become Manchester United's No. 1 and then we'll have a chance to see how good he is."

Many have been calling for Robert Green to get his chance, but Shilton has picked Ben Foster to be the real challenger. Interesting, don't you think? We're all interested in seeing Foster's return, but at the present we all want to see Green represent England at least once. Who's your pick once everyone is healthy and playing?

Carragher & Benitez Praise "Pepe" Reina

2007-11-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

Image by: Goal.com

How great of a goalkeeper is Jose "Pepe" Reina? For starters, he has such a tight grip on the #1 shirt at Liverpool that the club is ready to sell a contender for England's #1, Scott Carson, who himself said that "Pepe [Reina] is the best goalkeeper I have ever played with" (Teamtalk.com). Reina is regarded by many as the best penalty-saver in the game, he has won the Barclay's Golden Glove two years running ('05-'06/'06-'07), and he's only 25 years old. Amidst the regular applauds for the Spaniard, recently some very insightful praise has been given by his coach and one notable teammate as to how great he actually is.

Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez commented on two of the Reina's admirable talents:

"Reina is a goalkeeper with real game intelligence. He can read the game and play the kind of balls he delivered to Torres. He can play these passes to strikers if strikers move for the ball. A modern goalkeeper needs to be able to read the game like this. That is the difference. You can save 100 shots, but if you don't do something more you will only be a good goalkeeper - not a top-class goalkeeper" (ComeOnReds).

So, Benitez clearly believes that Reina's distribution and ability to read the game catapult him into "top-class" status. England international Jamie Carragher went a bit further:

"I've always thought Pepe is a great goalkeeper. I have been here at Liverpool a long time now and he is the best 'keeper I've played with. He has beaten some records at this club already and that is testimony to what a top class goalkeeper he is. For me he is in the top three in the world. I think Cech, Buffon and Pepe are the best around and you can put them in any order you want, there is not much difference between them" (TeamTalk.com).

Did you notice that Carragher said Reina is the best goalkeeper he has ever played with? I think that says something coming from a man who's international career is nearing a decade in length. Flattering for Reina, I'm sure, Carragher said that the best three goalkeepers in the world are Buffon, Cech and Reina, and that they are interchangable. Did you notice who he didn't include in that group? Iker Casillas, Reina's fellow countryman and Spain's #1, and I don't think Carragher is the only one questioning who should really be representing Spain.

And, just in case you haven't seen Reina play in a while here is some video for you. Enjoy!

Cult Goalkeeping: Rogerio Ceni

2007-11-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

Image by: Galaxie Sport

I had the opportunity to meet Rogerio Ceni and see him play years ago, and I would tell anyone that he is a solid goalkeeper. What I've noticed recently, though, is that his goalkeeping prowess seems to be a bit inflated, or overly-hyped. From where is this hype coming? It's from what can only be described as a following... a following that is fanatically trying to get their man into the spotlight.

FIFA.com has started a "Have Your Say" series which asks online users to vote for who they think is the best in different categories. Can you guess who won the "best goalkeeper" poll? That's right, Ceni. Among the many praising comments were many that in one way or another claimed if his goalkeeping isn't enough "Rogerio is still the greatest goalkeeper marksman in the history of football". Excuse me if I sound a bit naive, but what exactly does being able to score goals have to do with being a great goalkeeper? Would it help a goalkeeper catch more crosses or make more saves if he could score? I just don't see how goalscoring ability can ever be used to measure goalkeeping ability.

The argument that Ceni's impressive goalscoring record (78, all for Sao Paulo F.C.) makes him a better goalkeeper is the type of illogical reasoning that made me associate his status with that of a cult classic movie. Like cult movie followers, Ceni's have become so enamoured by the uniqueness of his goalscoring ability that they are using it disproportionately to judge his overall goalkeeping quality. It's like watching your kid make an 'A' in math, a 'B' in everything else, but then telling all your friends that he or she is an 'A' student.

Goalkeeping is about more than just one talent, it is about having a complete set of fine-tuned abilities that are both mental and physical. Ceni has reached a high level of ability in many different areas, but take away the goalscoring and think to yourself, how does Ceni's shot-stopping compare to that of Gianluigi Buffon or Petr Cech? How about his handling? His ability to deal with crosses? His ability 1 vs. 1? I think you'll find that Buffon and Cech, by goalkeeping standards, are in a completely different league. Yet, in the FIFA.com poll "finishing a distant second was Gianluigi Buffon, winner of the Lev Yashin award for his efforts at Germany 2006".

The fact that Buffon finished a "distant" second is one of the hints at the fanatical nature of Ceni's following. He may not be your personal favorite, but I don't think anyone would say Buffon is a "distant" second to any goalkeeper on the planet right now. However, cult followings tend to share a type of mob mentality that subjectively judges competing figures, in Ceni's case the likes of Buffon, Cech, Jose "Pepe" Reina, Edwin Van Der Sar, etc. In essence, a cult classic in any category is something unique in a way that propels its fans to view it as having no competition. So, as previously mentioned, is Buffon really a distant second to any goalkeeper? Is your favorite goalkeeper so great that there is only a distant second? If you answered no to both of those questions that is good. That means you view goalkeeping objectively, not subjectively, and at least put thought into the claims you make about who the best goalkeepers are. Because, as we all know, there are constantly between 2 and 5 goalkeepers narrowly competing for that title.

Ceni's charismatic shock wave isn't just focused on online polls, either. The fanatical clout of Ceni's following has even sent tremors all the way to Dunga, the Brazilian national team coach, who has decided on Julio Cesar as Brazil's #1 in an upcoming World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay. The match is to be played at the Morumbi stadium, the home of Sao Paulo F.C., where Dunga and Julio Cesar seem be be anticipating a demonstration in favor of the left-out Ceni. In a Guardian interview, when asked about the probability of an active pro-Ceni crowd, Dunga wisely pandered to Ceni's fans and stood by his decision at the same time:

"I don't know what's going to happen at the Morumbi, but if there is a demonstration by the crowd in favour of Rogerio, it will be more than deserved. He's an excellent goalkeeper who is good enough to play for the national team. But some players are not here because of one small detail or another."

Later Dunga gave some more reasoning as to why he chose to leave out Ceni, by applauding Julio Cesar and Brazil's #2, Doni:

"Julio Cesar and Doni are here on merit. Doni was decisive at the Copa America and Julio is playing well in the qualifiers. Whoever plays for Brazil has to deal with this kind of pressure."

The fact that Ceni has been left out of the team to face Uruguay, coupled with his mere 16 international appearances at 34 years of age seems to supply another bit of evidence pointing toward his cult status. FIFA.com's online users claimed that Ceni is the best in the world, but how can a goalkeeper be the best in the world if he's not even the best from his country? Drawing on previously used examples, would anyone argue that Buffon is the best from Italy, or that Cech is the best from Czechoslovakia? Of course not, and those two don't even score goals.

Realize one thing about the hype that is currently surrounding Rogerio Ceni: it is just hype. I don't say that to diminish what he has done. He has won a lot for Sao Paulo F.C., is widely renown in Brazil for his scoring ability and respected for his goalkeeping ability. These elements coupled with his charismatic team leadership have created electric popularity, which is awesome, but should not be confused with goalkeeping ability. Once again, I would tell anyone that Ceni is a solid goalkeeper, even edging on great, but he has never approached the arena of contention for world's best goalkeeper based on goalkeeping standards. The lauded Rogerio Ceni you are hearing about is, in reality, cult stardom in the realm of goalkeeping.

Bosnich To Meet With Football Federation Australia's Manager

2007-11-15T09:05:00.000-08:00

Image by: CRW Flags

Football Federation Australia manager John Boultbee has set up a meeting with Mark Bosnich to discuss what the former Socceroos goalkeeper's future may hold, according to The World Game. Boultbee even suggested that, depending upon the outcome of Bosnich's attempted comeback, he could even be considered for the Socceroos, again. "Mark was a great servant of the Socceroos and he’s a man who warrants our consideration," he said.

Bosnich had an honest reaction to Boultbee's words: "It was a surprise and a welcome one, I'm not sure what the outcome will be but it’s interesting."

According to the report, Boultbee's intentions are to feel out Bosnich for both on and off-field options, including coaching and administration work.

JDJ says: The current situation surrounding Mark Bosnich is evidence as to how many kind people there are in this world. The guy acts insane, gets dropped for cocaine use, disappears for half of a decade and then comes back into the world of soccer with plenty of people willing to help him find very comfortable types of employment. The story makes me very proud of Bosnich for cleaning up his act, and many in the world of soccer for having such wonderful hearts. I still have questions about whether or not Bosnich can continue to be the reformed man he is currently showing, but because of others faith, I shall extend him the same.