The Hindu : Men who matter: OLIVER KAHN

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 22, 2002

Sport

Sport - Football

Men who matter: OLIVER KAHN

A goal-keeper's plight is similar to that of a wicket-keeper in cricket; there is a tendency to remember the occasional mistake at the expense of brilliant work earlier.

In a team game where action moves to all corners of the ground, the custodian is the lone man at the very back, which also provides him with a distinct identity.

When he takes flight, defying gravity, to keep the booming drives at bay, the whole stadium watches with bated breath. And if the odd one slips through his grasp, the poor goalkeeper has nowhere to hide.

It goes without saying that goalkeepers are generally men with a big heart, considering how thankless the job can be on occasions. They are indeed the lone rangers, alone in their moments of joy and anguish.

Germany's Oliver Kahn must be familiar with the travails of being a goal-keeper by now. And his response to the demanding nature of the job has been typical of the man - he's just got better and better, overcoming early frustrations.

So much so that many rate Kahn as the best shot stopper in the world today.

His anticipation, reflexes, speed and fitness, coming to Germany and Bayern Munich's rescue time and again.

Recognition was not easy in coming for Kahn, who slogged it out in the Bundesliga for three years before receiving the National call-up in '93.

Then he travelled with the World Cup squad to the U.S. in '94, but did not get a game, Bodo IIIgner being the first choice.

And in France '98, Kahn was an understudy to Andreas Kopke, whose forgettable display paved the way for this determined customer. The 32-year-old Kahn soon stepped in as Germany's No. 1 goalkeeper and has been on a roll ever since, effecting marvellous saves for both his country and club, the famed Bayern Munich.

In a German side, going through the transition phase, and lacking in big names, Kahn is easily the single biggest star.

He was first adjudged the German Footballer of the Year in 2000, and then won the Best European goalkeeper award.

Looking back, Kahn's move to Bayern from Karlsruher SC in 1994-95 did much for his career. It was a lucrative shift, and importantly, he was the first choice keeper.

Kahn was the toast as Germany picked itself from the mat during the World Cup qualifiers to sneak in moments before the door closed.

Indeed, he was in the thick of things, repeatedly producing spectacular, instinctive saves.

A reliable goal-keeper is a huge plus for any side, and as a weakened Germany begins yet another World Cup campaign, it would do so with the comforting thought of possessing one of the finest - if not best - goal-keepers in the world.

Will this mercurial custodian inspire his men yet again. Kahn can...for sure. — S. Dinakar.

Kick-off: 39 days to go

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