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Top 5 - South American Goalkeepers

Matias Vulej, June 2 2010,
Nerves of steel and the ability to anticipate and think faster than their rivals is what makes a perfect goalkeeper.

Latin American Teams have always had problems finding the right man between the posts, as they may lack the physical advantage of most European (especially Eastern Europe) goalkeepers. But nevertheless most of this goalies have what's needed to stand against the blows of world's deadliest strikers.

1. Julio Cesar

Internazionale's goalkeeper is widely regarded as the best in the world, and it's easy to understand the reason, for Dunga's first choice between the posts has walked a fruitful path during this season. Claiming three titles with the Neroazzurri he took advantage of the opportunity to become a hero last January 24th, when his save from Ronaldinho's penalty kick gave Internazionale the three points on the Derby Della Madonnina.

 


Since 2007 he's been Brazil's top choice to guard their goal, thus this will be his first opportunity to offer his team another title for their showcase. Eleven years ago Julio Cesar showed the world things wouldn't be the same after him, and up to now he has lived up to the expectations, receiving only 11 goals in the 18 matches of the qualifying stages.


2. Sergio Romero

Diego Maradona had a hard time finding the one to guard Argentina's goal, but from the last six matches of the qualifying stages Sergio Romero has been Maradona's favorite. World Champion with Argentina's Youth National Football Team, he obtained a gold medal in the last Olympic game as well as last year's Dutch Championship and Super Cup.

Fully recovered from a broken hand which kept him off the fields the first half of last year's Eredivisie games, AZ's goalkeeper will count with the assistance of a fully experienced defense, but ultimately only himself will be responsible for keeping Albiceleste's goal shut. With 1.92 mts height he's ironically called "El chiqui".  he'll have to prove he's fully grown to lead Maradona's team to another championship.


3. Fernando Muslera

Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera has recently taken control of Oscar Tabarez's goal, for Celeste's couch was rather disappointed with the performance of Muslera's predecessors, and his bright present with SS Lazio let him outshine everyone else on the fight for the posts. Having won last year's Coppa Italia, he was called to defend Uruguay's goal for the two decisive matches against Costa Rica to obtain his team's place for the World Cup, and his role was determinant for Uruguay to qualify for this championship.

He moved rapidly from Montevideo's Wanderers to Nacional, and he was left a single step away from the European football. An average higher to one goal received per game might complicate Uruguay's pace for the fifth match, but this minor problem does not cloud Castorino's head.


4. Claudio Bravo

Chile's captain Claudio Bravo offers Marcelo Bielsa squad not only his experience but also the security needed in the back line, for his vast experience with the Roja (U-17, U-20, U-23 and the major squad) gave him control of Chile's goal from September 2005. On 2009 he was regarded as the best player on the Liga Adelante, as well as shown some incredible performances during the qualifying stages, even stopping a penalty kick from Brazil's expert Ronaldinho.

As if all of this wasn't enough, only four months ago Claudio Bravo scored his first goal, on a free kick against Tarragona's Gimnastic for the Liga Adelante. The Brave Falcon is fully recovered from its injuries now and ready to take Chile to the latter stages of this international competition.


5. Diego Barreto

Silver-medal winner with Paraguay back in 2004, Diego Barreto had to struggle to make his place within the starting eleven. After a shameful performance in Switzerland (He played a single match and received four goals during a decisive derby), Barreto returned to Cerro Porteño where he claimed the place between the posts for himself once again. His lack of experience might pose a problem, but what he lacks in experience, he makes up for with consistency and regularity, even though he already conceded a goal on his first presentation with Gerardo Martino's squad.

Diego Barreto is Edgar Barreto's brother, Atalanta's top striker, also traveling to South Africa with the Guaranies.

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