We’ve seen a number of goalkeeping gaffs so far at the 2018 World Cup, ranging from David de Gea’s spill against Portugal, to Willy Caballero’s shocker for Argentina in their crushing defeat to Croatia, and now Fernando Muslera has joined this unwanted catastrophe category following his shocking error for Uruguay during their quarter-final clash with France.
Uruguay headed into the last-8 match brimming with confidence having recorded a run of four wins from four games in Russia, including a 2-1 victory over Portugal and Christiano Ronaldo in the last-16.
Oscar Tabarez’s men went on to enjoy a bright start to the match but headed into the break a goal down following a 40th minute glancing header from France defender Raphael Varane.
La Celeste continued to probe for that equaliser in the second-half, but with half-an-hour left to play France doubled their lead thanks to an absolute stinker from Muslera.
A speculative shot from Antoine Griezmann from 25-yards out should have resulted in a routine save from Muslera, however in a moment that could haunt him forever he made a total hash of it.
The minor swerve in the shot managed to wrong foot the keeper, who opted to flap at the ball instead of catch it, which resulted in Griezmann’s effort painfully looping into the back of the net, leaving the 32-year-old Galatasaray shot-stopper absolutely devastated.
It’s tough not to feel a shred of sympathy for him, considering how well he’d been playing at this World Cup, but that is the curel nature of football for you...
