A goalkeeper is unique.

They are often alone, defending a 7.32 x 2.44-metre space. The role can come with crushing pressure – one mistake can be crucial in such a low-scoring sport, while blunders made by midfielders or forwards can be quickly forgotten.

However, a great effort can still help decide matches, including moments at this year’s World Cup such as:

Ronwen Williams (South Africa) shattering a six-decade World Cup record by completing 77 passes in a game against Canada

Ronwen Williams (South Africa) shattering a six-decade World Cup record by completing 77 passes in a game against Canada

Cabo Verde’s Vozinha, at 40 years of age, making a stunning seven saves to keep a clean sheet against Spain

Cabo Verde’s Vozinha, at 40 years of age, making a stunning seven saves to keep a clean sheet against Spain

Orlando Gill (Paraguay) making a series of great saves including two penalties to send Germany crashing out.

Orlando Gill (Paraguay) making a series of great saves including two penalties to send Germany crashing out.

Because of their unique role, a goalkeeper’s training is different from that of their teammates.

In the modern game, goalkeepers are both a “stopper” and an integral part of a team’s offence.

They are often a passing pivot – accepting passes back from defenders to reset or pivot the direction of the play with their passes out of the back third. In offence, the goalkeeper may be a pass distributor, using........

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