| An
incident packed time for keepers over the last few days, at least compared to
other weeks. Deportivo's Molina failed to complete a match for the third time
this season, but whereas the last two times were due to injuries, this time it
was a second yellow card for time wasting in the match at Oviedo. With all
three substitutions made, Donato had to take over in goal for the second time
in just over a year, making a good punching save from a corner as his team held
on for the last ten minutes. Donato is officially forty next year, and maybe
has found a way to keep playing for a bit longer. Another keeper who made the
headlines was Nacho González, but to read about his exploits you have to
go to the Pichichi section. He became the first keeper to score two goals in a
league match in Spain, both from the penalty spot. Pity about the goalkeeping.
Last year's Zamora Herrera ruined a good reputation in five minutes in the UEFA
cup final after two reckless charges outside of the penalty area near half
time, the second one giving away a penalty on Michael Owen. Now nobody takes
him seriously. Otherwise no less than seven clean sheets in a low scoring
weekend of league matches, with Cañizares's replacement Palop heading
the list (Cañizares was rested pending the Champions League final),
followed by Alberto, López Vallejo, Juanmi, Dutruel, César and
Miki. César is keeping Casillas out of the Real Madrid side, and Miki
made his second start at Mallorca with all three first choice keepers still
injured. The high number of goals scored in the top flight is worth comparing
with the situation in the second division, where no less than seven keepers
have let in less than one goal a game. The current Zamoras are César of
Recreativo and Jauregui of Eibar, both of whom have only let in 23 goals in 38
games. Although Cañizares is five goals clear of anyone in the first
division chart, he would only be fifth if he was playing a level down. Yawn....
(21.05.01) |
