Goalkeepers will undoubtedly play a key role in determining which team wins the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
On that basis, it is imperative to know which goalies are most likely to keep their opponents at bay if you are plan to wager on the tournament.
All new betting sites offer odds on teams ‘winning to nil’, which is a great way to get extra value on World Cup fixtures.
To help you with your World Cup betting, we take a closer look at five goalkeepers who could produce star performances at the tournament.
Alisson – Brazil
Brazil are favourites to win the World Cup for the sixth time after conceding just five goals in the South American qualifying group.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is the current first choice for the Samba Kings and is fancied to keep plenty of clean sheets at the tournament.
The 29-year-old won his 50th cap in Brazil’s 1-0 win over Colombia in Sao Paulo last November and has since made another five appearances for the national team.
Alisson is kept on his toes by Manchester City’s Ederson, which gives Brazil the most impressive goalie tandem of any team at the World Cup.
Thibaut Courtois – Belgium
Courtois ended last season as the hero of the hour with an inspired performance for Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
The Belgian made a string of excellent saves to deny Liverpool and help his team become European champions for a record 14th time.
He hit out at his critics after the game, demanding that he deserved more respect, particularly from English football fans.
Courtois’ superb save against Neymar at the 2018 World Cup in Russia perfectly highlighted his ability – he will be tough to pass in Qatar.
Ederson – Brazil
Ederson is unfortunate to be around at the same time as Alisson, and would have earned more than 18 caps had he played in another era.
The Brazil international is an elite-level stopper famed for his ability to sweep up behind his defence and superb distribution skills.
Since signing for Man City, the 28-year-old has helped the club win four Premier League titles and claimed the Golden Glove award for the past three campaigns.
He will probably feature in at least one group game for Brazil at the World Cup and could be a good bet to record a clean sheet.
Hugo Lloris – France
Many pundits have suggested that Lloris is not as good as he once was, but he remains an integral part of the French national team squad.
He was recently described as the best goalkeeper France has ever produced by compatriot Illan Meslier – high praise when you consider the competition.
The 35-year-old has amassed more than 100 international caps and became a World Cup winning captain at Russia in 2018.
Despite being pressurised by AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan for the starting role, Lloris will be France’s number one when the World Cup starts.
Manuel Neuer – Germany
The German international redefined the goalkeeping position with his performances for club and country, earning the tag ‘sweeper-keeper’.
He signed for Bayern Munich in 2011 and has since won 28 trophies, including ten Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns.
Neuer won the 2014 World Cup with Germany as well as the Golden Glove award for being the best goalkeeper in the tournament.
The 35-year-old will be keen to add another world title to his CV with a German team that was hugely impressive during qualifying.
