Top 5 goalkeeping blunders in FIFA World Cup history

After Igor Akinfeev made a match-defining error in Russia's draw against South Korea in the 2014 World Cup, we take a look at the most high profile goalkeeping blunders throughout the 80-year history of the tournamentwhich cost a match or the World Cup itself.

#1 Barbosa 1950 World Cup

Playing in their own country, Brazil needed only needed a draw in their final group game against Uruguay to win their first World Cup. Everything was going well for the Brazilians with the score level at 1-1 and Uruguay nowhere near to score the winning goal.

The Maracana was already turning on the celebrations when Uruguay’s Alcides Ghiggia dribbled past the defense and drove home a low shot through Barbosa who was at the near post reminding every goalkeeper their first law ‘Don’t get beaten at the near post’.

Barbosa was made the scapegoat for the loss and lived the rest of his life in misery.

#2 Rene Higuita 1990 World Cup

If there was an award for eccentricity Rene Higuita would win it hands down. Rene Higuita was a famous figure until Colombia 2nd round match against Cameroon. Higuita used to come off his line and was not averse to taking risks usually sweeping miles up the pitch, dribbling and attempting nutmegs. Against Cameroon he paid for his daredevilry.

The match was into extra-time and still goalless, Higuita tried to dribble past the legendary Roger Milla close to the halfway line. The 38-year was not having any of it and dispatched the ball into the open net sending Cameroon to the next round.

#3 Rob Green 2010 World Cup

Oh how can anyone forget this blunder. England played USA in the group stages of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. England were sailing smoothly towards a 1-0 victory until Rob Green decided to make the match interesting.

Clint Dempsey moved swiftly through the midfield and hit a tame low shot towards the net, Rob Green completely misjudging the line of the ball allowed the ball to pass through his hands which helped the Americans level the match and top the group. England were trounced 4-1 by Germany in the 2nd round, had England topped the group they would have played Ghana instead.

#4 Oliver Kahn 2002 World Cup

Going into the 2002 World Cup, there was little doubt who the best goalkeeper was. Oliver Kahn had played a key role in Bayern Munich’s Champions League triumph the previous year and helped Germany reach the finals.

Facing Brazil in the finals, Kahn fumbled a Rivaldo cutter spilling into the onrushing Ronaldo’s path who made no mistake in putting the South Americans ahead. Brazil went on to win their 5th World Cup. This remains a black dot in an otherwise remarkable career of the German legend.

#5 Nery Pumpido 1990 World Cup

In the opening game of World Cup 1990 in Italy, defending champions Argentina were stunned by Cameroon to a 1-0 victory courtesy of their own goalkeeper.

A routine header travelling at a leisurely pace straight into goalie Nery Pumpido ‘s waiting hands, landed up inside the net. Nery failed to react and position himself properly, ultimately spilling the ball and see it bounce into the net. To make matters worse, he got injured the next game putting him out of the World Cup.