1. Jose Reina
The Spaniard saved three out of four West Ham penalties in Liverpool's classic FA Cup final win over the East Londoners. Then, if that wasn't good enough, he saved two more against...you know who...Chelsea in 2007. Boaster of the best penalty-stopping ratio in Europe.
2. Francesco Toldo
Gianluigi Buffon was Italy's best keeper in 2000 but Toldo became a hero in a remarkable European Championship semi-final. He saved from Frank de Boer's spot-kick in normal time while Dennis Bergkamp hit the woodwork from 12 yards. Three further penalties were missed by Holland in the shoot-out with Toldo saving from De Boer (again) and Paul Bosvelt. Jaap Stam sent his effort over the bar.
3. Tony Parks
An unknown when handed his chance in the 1984 Uefa Cup final second leg against Anderlecht. The Spurs shot-stopper saved from Morten Olsen in the shoot-out but Danny Thomas spurned the chance to win the trophy for Tottenham. Nevertheless, Parks emerged a hero when thwarting Arnor Gudjohnsen, Eidur's dad. Now doesn't that age you if you remember all this?!
4. Mark Bosnich
The opposition may not have been the creme de la creme of European football, but Mr Bosnich still must be recognised for saving FOUR penalties against Tranmere, booking Aston Villa's place in the League Cup final - where they beat Manchester United.
5. Harold Schumacher
The anti-hero for neutrals after clattering into Patrick Battiston and escaping punishment in one of the most memorable World Cup games ever back in 1982. To make matters worse, 'Toni' saved in the shoot-out from Didier Six and Maxime Bossis to send West Germany through at the expense of France in the first ever time penalties were used in the finals.
6. David Seaman
England's idol in 1996 after his country deserved to go out of the tournament they were hosting. Spain deserved to win but were floored when the moustachioed marvel saved from Guillermo Amor and Miguel Angel Nadal, the uncle of tennis star Rafael. Fernando Hierro had earlier hit the bar from the spot.
7. Jerzy Dudek
The Pole was never to reach the heights again at Liverpool but he will be written in the Reds folklore forever for his efforts in 2005. Milan had let a 3-0 lead slip when Serginho blasted the first shoot-out attempt over the bar. When Dudek saved from Andrea Pirlo and, memorably, Milan superstar Andriy Shevchenko, one of the greatest comebacks in footballing history was complete.
8. Ricardo
The undisputed star of Portugal's Euro 2004 defeat of England. Not only did he frustrate Darius Vassell with a fine stop after David Beckham had sent his penalty skywards, but he had the cheek to ram in the winner himself. Confidence personified, he had no intention of losing the duel. He then repeated the trick by sending England spinning out of the last World Cup, at the same time becoming the first keeper to save three shoot-out kicks in the greatest show on Earth, thus ensuring he is a certainty for this list.
9. Bruce Grobbelaar
Another Liverpool entrant and he did not even make a save in the 1984 European Cup final shoot-out with Roma! It would still seem perverse to leave him out, such was his impact. The famous 'spaghetti legs' comedy routine seemed to distract the Italians as Bruno Conti and Francesco Graziani both shot off target leaving the Zimbabwean laughing his way to glory.
10. Pat Bonner
Only one save from Packie but he became a legend in Ireland on the back of it. Daniel Timofte was the unfortunate Romanian to miss in the 1990 World Cup finals, allowing David O'Leary to send Jack Charlton's Republic through to 1990 quarter finals. The man from Co Donegal's diving stop became an iconic image for the country.
11. Dida
Old Trafford will always have a place in Milan hearts after the shoot-out win over Juventus in the Champions League, courtesy of Dida's agility. The Brazilian saved three times as five of the 10 penalties were missed in a remarkable climax to a dull game back in 2003.
Fri May 23, 2008 6:57 am