There were plenty of amazing saves in the World Cup. Here are the 10-best:
10) Manuel Neuer Takes Out Gonzalo Higuain
The entire world collectively reacted on this play from the World Cup final. Manuel Neuer punched a dangerous ball away and simultaneously took out Gonzalo Higuain.
9) Claudio Bravo Punches Away Dani Alves Shot
Chile had a realistic chance to upset Brazil in the Round of 16 and it was because of dramatic saves from Claudio Bravo. Unfortunately for Chile, it lost the game in penalty kicks.
8. Tim Howard’s 16 Saves Vs. Belgium
Any one of Tim Howard’s 16 saves could have been in this list, but since his performance was one of the best goalkeeping displays we’ll ever see in the World Cup, all 16 of them make the cut.
7. Tim Howard’s Miraculous Save Vs. Portugal
Tim Howard’s best performance may have been against Belgium, but his best save came against Portugal. After the initial kick went off the pipe, Howard lost balance but still managed to get a few fingertips on the rebound opportunity from Eder.
6. Tim Krul Shines In PKs
Tim Krul was substituted into the game to handle penalty kick duties for The Netherlands against Costa Rica. He made two awesome saves, one of which helped seal a ticket to the semifinals for the Dutch.
5. Algeria’s M’Bolhi Makes Diving Save
Rais M’Bolhi of Algeria provided his country’s biggest highlight of the 2014 World Cup after his save against Germany’s Philipp Lahm. The Algerians were able to send the game to extra time, where they succumbed to the eventual champions, 2-1.
4. Introducing Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas was a huge reason why Costa Rica made a Cinderella run during the World Cup. After Diego Forlan’s shot was deflected by a Costa Rican defender, Navas backtracked and jumped to get a couple of fingertips on the ball preventing it from going into the net.
3. Navas Wins It For Costa Rica
Keylor Navas made the only save during the penalty kick shootout between Greece and Costa Rica. The Costa Rican keeper dove to his right to prevent a Theofanis Gekas penalty kick from going in. The save propelled Costa Rica to the quarterfinals.
2. Romero Makes Huge Save In Scary Game For Argentina
Argentina got a scare from Iran in its group stage match. The Iranians kept it scoreless for 91 minutes despite an onslaught of attempts from the Argentinians. Iran got its best chance when Ashkan Dejagah’s shot was batted away by Sergio Romero.
1. Ochoa Robs Neymar
Neymar seemed like he was going to get an easy header goal, but Memo Ochoa came out of nowhere to punch the ball away for Mexico in one of the most exciting scoreless draws.
Thumbnail photo via USA TODAY Sports Images/Mark J. Rebilas
