Goalkeepers continued to influence the biggest moments of the, with the latest , reflecting a series of standout performances in the Round of 32.
The FIFA Power Rankings use advanced metrics to measure players' influence throughout the tournament. Goalkeepers are assessed across two categories: In Possession, which rewards contributions to build-up play and distribution, and Defending the Goal, which focuses on actions closest to goal, including saves and goal preventions.
Paraguay's Orlando Gill retained top spot in the Defending the Goal rankings after inspiring his side to a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Germany, while South Africa's Ronwen Williams climbed to No1 for In Possession. Cabo Verde's Vozinha remained among the leading performers, and Mexico's Raul Rangel was the biggest mover after helping El Tri past Ecuador.
Williams climbed to the summit of the In Possession rankings after another influential display in South Africa's Round-of-32 meeting with Canada. The Bafana Bafana captain was a key figure in his side's build-up play throughout the tournament and his importance was underlined once again as he recorded 92 touches and completed 85 passes in the 1-0 loss to Canada – the most by a goalkeeper in a World Cup match since 1966.
Having topped the In Possession rankings after the group stage, Vozinha slipped to second following his side's exit at the hands of Argentina. However, the Cabo Verde goalkeeper continued to enhance his reputation as one of the tournament's outstanding goalkeepers in the 3-2 defeat, combining assured distribution with important interventions as his side pushed the reigning champions all the way.
The biggest climber among the leading goalkeepers, Rangel rose six places to third in the In Possession category after an accomplished performance in Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador. Calm under pressure and consistently involved in his team's build-up, the 26-year-old demonstrated the qualities demanded of the modern goalkeeper while helping El Tri book their place in the Round of 16.
Gill retained top spot in the Defending the Goal rankings after another outstanding display against Germany. The Paraguay goalkeeper produced a string of fine saves before thwarting two penalties in the shootout to send La Albirroja into the last 16, further underlining the shot-stopping qualities that have made him the tournament's leading performer in the category.
Costa climbed two places to second following another assured display in Portugal's 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia. The Porto goalkeeper produced a series of vital stops, most notably tipping Mateo Kovacic's powerful effort onto the post before punching away the rebound, to help Roberto Martinez's charges book their place in the Round of 16. Up next for Costa and Portugal is a blockbuster showdown with Spain, whose attack is spearheaded by the in-form Mikel Oyarzabal.
The Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper slipped one place to third despite keeping a clean sheet in Switzerland's 2-0 victory over Algeria. Kobel made two saves, including denying Riyad Mahrez in the second half, as Murat Yakin's side secured their place in the next round. The Swiss No1 will next look to carry that form into the Nati's meeting with Colombia.
Sources: FIFA Official
