Supreme World Cup individualism isn’t limited to outfielders, folks. While it’s the playmakers and goalscorers who conjure much of the attention, those tasked with stifling the showstoppers deserve similar acclaim.
So often, a performance can be defined by one lapse or a single moment of genius, especially for those between the posts. Gordon Banks’ stop from Pelé in 1970 remains the benchmark for goalkeeping perfection, while Iker Casillas and Emiliano Martínez have each produced saves that won World Cups for Spain and Argentina, respectively.