Pat Jennings is a goalkeeping hero - he won his 119th international cap for Northern Ireland on his 41st birthday during the 1986 World Cup Finals in Mexico. This was a dual record at the time as the most capped international footballer and the oldest player to participate in the World Cup Finals.
Dino Zoff captained the Italian team that won the 1982 World Cup. Conversely, the “villain” of the 1992 World Cup Finals was also undoubtedly a goalkeeper - Harold Schumacher of West Germany whose, at best, reckless challenge in the semi-final left Battiston of France in a coma.
If soccer goalkeepers are underrated globally, it may be in part historical due to the fact the Brazil were able to win the 1970 World Cup with Félix as their number 1. He was viewed as the one particular weak link in what was otherwise perceived as a great team.
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