Five key highlights from the 2014 FIFA World Cup so far

As we enter the culmination of this month long fiesta of passion, courage and madness that is the FIFAWorld Cup, I think it is time we looked back at what has happened till now at this most magnificently dramatic tournament (please, just ignore the Argentina - Netherlands game, bringing that up doesn't do anyone any good).Here are my top five highlights of Brazil 2014 (so far).

#1 The rise of the goalkeeper

2010 was not a great year for that most maligned and underappreciated of species - the goalkeeper. The viciously unpredictable Jabulani had seen to that. It really doesn’t matter how skilled you are when neither the shot stopper nor the kicker can be sure of the trajectory of the ball – it makes for some sordid viewing. This time however, the Brazuca was as close to perfect as a modern stitch less ball has gotten. The shots have stayed true and goalkeepers could trust their instincts and skills to the tilt. And what a display if skill it has been.

From the indomitable semi-cyborg that is Manuel Neuer (Karim Benzema’s shot ricocheted off his left hand as if it had hit the goalpost), to the wily and super-agile Guillermo Ochoa, the men behind the post have been the stand out performers of the tournament. 

Tim Howard in that scarcely believable match against Belgium (yes, a lot of them seemed to be simple saves - they were made to look so by Tim’s exceptional positioning - and besides, simple or not, they still had to be made), little known Fatau Daudu against the supernatural talents of Cristiano Ronaldo & co. as well Die Mannshacft, Vincent Enyeama against the lords of the game (a pity that his mistake was so fatal against France) and the superlative Keylor Navas in every game he played; these players have well and truly lit up this world cup with their spectacular displays of athleticism and technique

It has been a great summer in Brazil for the custodians, in which they have seen more of the spotlight than ever before. It is truly remarkable that almost all the goalies leave the tournament with their reputations deservedly enhanced. 

(Saint Iker, please look the other way. And yes Julio Cesar; we agree, there was very little you could do about any of those seven goals.