Introducing Keylor Navas, Costa Rica’s No.1 who has been a star at the World Cup
IT IS fitting that the world’s eyes are on Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas after his outrageous penalty stop to thwart Greece in the Round of 16.
It was the latest contribution in a standout World Cup for the Los Ticos custodian, who made two clutch saves deep into the match as well to ensure 10-man Costa Rica took the game to penalties.
The 27-year-old Levante stopper has one more year left on his deal with the La Liga club, and is one of the most in-demand goalkeepers in the world. He’s been heavily linked with Portuguese clubs FC Porto and Benfica, but his stellar tournament in Brazil has Atletico Madrid eyeing him as their replacement for Chelsea-bound Thibaut Courtois and it wouldn’t surprise if a Premier League club came knocking as well.
“I believe he is one of the best in the world. He is the complete protagonist. We trusted him in the shootout. He has grown, he is an extraordinary man and we can recognise his abilities today,” coach Jorge Luis Pinto said after the game.
Navas added: “This is an unbelievable moment and we’re grateful to God for this experience. It was a dream of an entire country and we have to be extremely proud of this achievement.
“I thank God. I always ask him for health. I work in a humble way to do things for my team, wherever I play. I’m pleased people reward my work and offer encouragement.
“I’m grateful to my family. This is what motivates me to keep working. Never lower your guard. I hope to live for many years and enjoy these beautiful souvenirs at home.”
Costa Rica have won hearts with their fairytale run to the final eight – but while Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz dominate headlines, it hasn’t just been flair and excitement. Navas has been the backbone – astonishingly, Italy and England could not breach his goal, while Greece huffed and puffed with an extra man yet couldn’t conjure a winner.
He is both a good shot stopper but also commanding in the air; razor sharp off his line, with good reflexes. His penalty stop earns him the attention, but he has done much more in Brazil to earn the plaudits.
But these are performances that won’t surprise those close to him, after he kept 15 clean sheets in the last La Liga season.
“He is to us what Diego Costa is to Atlético Madrid or Carlos Bacca to Sevilla, guys who score 20-plus goals a season. For me, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world,” said Joaquín Caparrós, who guided Levante to a credible 10th in Spain last season.
The Brazilian shop window has Navas centre stage right at the peak of his powers, continuing a steady passage from Costa Rica club Saprissa, where he won the Concacaf Champions League, amongst other titles. Levante spotted him in Spain’s lower tiers with Albacete.
Navas headlines a decent tournament for shot stoppers, where only Iker Casillas and Igor Akinfeev have contributed majorly to the bloopers reel.
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