It’s a knock-out with Adidas
As the knock-out stages of the World Cup move into full swing, Adidas and legendary penalty stoppers Oliver Kahn, Sergio Goycochea and Petr Cech provided their expert opinions on saving penalties and their predictions for the winner of the 2010 adidas Golden Glove award.
The goalkeepers, famed for their penalty saves, were in Johannesburg to speak to the world’s media at the 2010 FIFA World Cup where penalties are set to play a pivotal role in a team’s quest to lift the trophy.
Adidas is exhibiting at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, for the duration of the tournament. Its “Jo’bulani Central” hosts a wide range of events and activities throughout the tournament, and is co-located alongside World Football House, a ground-breaking exhibition that provides each of the 32 participating countries with a dynamic platform to showcase their national brand identity.
(Czech Republic and Chelsea FA goalie, Petr Cech)
It’s a knockout!
Throughout the history of the FIFA World Cup, there have been a total of 198 penalties, of which 160 have been converted and 38 saved. Of that 38, 22 have been saved by goalkeepers and in many instances led to their team progressing in the competition.
“Penalties are a thrilling aspect of the World Cup and as you move into the knock out phase of the tournament they can be the difference between qualifying or being knocked out.” commented the former Argentinean FIFA World Cup™ finalist Sergio Goycochea famed for his penalty saves in the quarter and semi finals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament has seen many teams win or lose via the crucial spot kick. Notably, three of the tournaments most prolific teams Spain, Germany and France have the highest conversion rate scoring 14, 10 and 9 respectively. The former Germany number one Oliver Kahn said: “Penalties are a crucial part of the tournament and every team must practice taking and saving them to ensure they are well prepared for the moment.”
(German goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn signs portrait at Jo’bulani Central)
With penalties being the thin line between success and failure, many teams practice taking and saving penalties in a bid to reduce the risk of failure during a match. Current Chelsea FC and Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech says: “I try and make myself as big as possible in the goal and stay on my feet for as long as possible to make it harder for the striker to know which way I will go. I practice regularly as it is a very important part of my game.”
Following the FIFA World Cup final on 11 June the best goal keeper throughout the tournament will be rewarded with the prestigious Adidas Golden Glove award. The award has seen many prestigious goalkeepers win the award over recent years including Gianluigi Buffon, Fabien Barthez and Gordon Banks, as well as Adidas panellists Sergio Goycochea and Oliver Kahn.
(Adidas Golden Glove winner Sergio Goycochea at the press conference)
After the press conference, the goalkeepers signed their personalised African paintings depicting moments throughout their career. The paintings will be auctioned via www.ebay.co.uk/adidas46664auction throughout FIFA World CupTM tournament and all proceeds raised will go to the Nelson Mandela 46664 Foundation.
For further information on adidas products and services throughout the FIFA World Cup visit:
www.adidasnewsstream.com and www.adidas.com/football
Sandton Convention Centre – Johannesburg
Maude Street Sandton 2196,
Johannesburg, South Africa
14 June to 11 July