US goalkeeper Matt Freese after conceding a goal due to his own error (AFP)
This has been a World Cup defined by goalkeepers. However, the performance of Matt Freese in Seattle might prompt a slight objection to that narrative.
The number of shocking errors by goalkeepers in this World Cup has been remarkably low; in fact, many have stood tall like walls. The heroics of goalkeepers like Cape Verde’s Vozinha, Paraguay’s Orlando Gil, Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand, Australia’s Patrick Beach, and Curaçao’s Eloy Room have illuminated the tournament. While Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s mistake against Spain certainly stood out, Matt Freese managed to surpass even that.
Muslera’s error involved a stroke of bad luck; he failed to securely catch a shot from Spain’s Álex Baena, and the ball slipped through his hands into the net. Freese’s mistake, however, was truly unbelievable. Former England defender Matthew Upson described it as a “horror show,” adding, “Who knows what Freese was actually thinking!”
It was the 57th minute of the Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium in Seattle. A pass floated in from the left flank, landing right behind the US defensive line, which was playing high up the pitch. Sensing the danger, three US defenders sprinted to intercept Belgian forward Charles De Ketelaere. At that moment, Freese rushed out of his goal and beyond the penalty area. Although he initially averted the danger by controlling the ball with his chest, his subsequent error created a fresh crisis.
Freese could have cleared the ball with his left foot, but as he attempted the shot, his left foot caught the ground. That split-second delay proved costly. He tried to pass the ball to a nearby teammate but failed; the ball deflected off De Ketelaere’s feet and fell to Belgian midfielder Hans Vanaken, who was standing right in front. Seizing the opportunity, Vanaken scored with a cool, composed shot from 30 yards out.
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One might question whether US defender Tim Ream could have blocked or deflected the shot by stretching out his left leg. However, the error was clearly Friedel’s; the sight of him standing there with his hands on his head after the goal must have been painful for US supporters.
Vanaken’s goal put Belgium ahead 3–1. Later, a goal from Romelu Lukaku sealed a commanding 4–1 victory, sending the European side through to the quarter-finals.
After the match, Friedel spoke to Steven Goff of Yahoo Sports about the mistake: “I am obviously disappointed with my role in the error that led to the third goal.”
What was going through Friedel’s mind when Belgium’s De Ketelaere was right behind him? The 27-year-old goalkeeper—who studied economics at Harvard University—said, “He seemed so close that I thought he might kick my leg. So, I tried to move out of the way.”
