OUTFIELD football stars volunteering to become an emergency goalkeeper was fairly commonplace in the 1970s and 80s, but these days it’s a rare sight.
With at least one goalkeeper on the subs’ bench, the chances for an outfield player to pull on the gloves are few and far between.
But every now and then, it still happens – and fans love it.
Here are some of the most memorable times in recent memory
Dani Alves for PSG v Sochaux, 2018
Brazil hero Dani Alves showed no fear in going in goal for Paris Saint-Germain in 2o18.
Standing at just 5ft 6ins, the usual full-back seemed almost eager to replace Kevin Trapp between the sticks after the goalkeeper was sent-off.
It might be because the French giants were already cruising 4-1 in the Coup de France against Sochaux,.
But he did have to face a dangerous free-kick immediately.
That was blasted into the wall, and seconds later the whistle was blown.
But while Alves’ spell in goal proved short, sweet and uneventful, other outfield players have had a much busier time of it when thrust in an alien position.
Harry Kane for Tottenham vs Asteras Tripoli, 2014
Tottenham were coasting with the scoreline reading 5-0, and Harry Kane had already scored a hat-trick in the Europa League clash.
But despite scoring a treble in the thrashing, Kane may be remembered for a blooper when he went in goal.
Hugo Lloris was shown a straight red card for bringing down Tasos Tsokanis in the dying moments, and Kane took on the gloves.
He then proceeded to let Jeronimo Barrales’ poor free-kick squirm under his body, and the Greeks had finally got on the board at 5-1.
Speaking to ITV 4 after the thrashing, Kane said: “It was a great night until I went in goal.
“In fairness I think I’ll leave that to the keepers from now on.”
John Terry for Chelsea vs Reading, 2006
The game will be remembered with horror by fans of both these clubs, and the wider footballing world.
With less than 20 SECONDS on the clock, Reading striker Stephen Hunt collided with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech when going for the ball, and the keeper suffered a serious head injury.
Carlo Cudicini was introduced to replace him, but ended up being stretchered off on the stroke of full-time.
The Italian left the pitch in a neck brace and Chelsea’s ‘captain, leader, legend’ John Terry went in goal.
He saw out the rest of the game without conceding.
But the game will be remembered for the horror injury that means Cech has to wear a protective helmet to this day.
Rio Ferdinand for Man United vs Portsmouth 2008
Back in 2008 Man Utd and England legend Rio Ferdinand took the goalkeeper gloves when United were in dire straits.
Edwin Van der Sar had gone off injured in the FA Cup quarter-final clash against Portsmouth.
Then sub keeper Thomas Kusczak was sent off and Ferdinand’s first job was to save a Sulley Muntari penalty.
Although he guessed the right way, the Ghanaian’s spot-kick sneaked in past his out-stretched hand.
That goal 12 minutes from full-time dumped the Red Devils out of the famous old competition.
Glenn Hoddle for Tottenham vs Man United, 1980
The midfield maestro actually played in goal THREE times during his career with Spurs -and remarkably was never on the losing side.
As a footballer, Hoddle could clearly do no wrong.
Back in 1980, Spurs keeper Milija Aleksic collided with Man United striker Joe Jordan, suffering a broken jaw, and Hoddle was thrust the gloves.
Time and time again he won the aerial duel with a bustling Jordan, while Spurs tried their best to prevent shots being peppered at him.
The FA Cup game went into extra-time with the score tied at 0-0.
But with just two minutes of time remaining Spurs forward Ossie Ardiles curled home a beauty, ran to celebrate with Hoddle, and the game was over.
Niall Quinn for Man City vs Derby, 1991
Centre forward Niall Quinn had already scored once against Derby for Manchester City, and he looked a good bet to add some more goals to his name.
But then No1 Tony Coton was sent off, it was 6ft 4in Quinn, who donned the gloves in the time of need.
And it couldn’t have gone better.
The Irishman saved Dean Saunders’ penalty and City went on to win the game thanks to his goal.
David Webb for Chelsea vs Ipswich, 1971
Chelsea were left in a right pickle for their league clash against Ipswich.
Regular No1 Peter Bonetti was injured in the previous game, and with his understudy John Phillips also out with injury, club official tried desperately to recall Steve Sherwood from his Christmas break in Yorkshire.
But he got stuck in traffic on the M1, so the gloves were passed to David Webb – to play the FULL game in goal.
He had replaced Bonetti between the sticks in the previous game against Coventry – and obviously impressed enough.
Incredibly, the defender kept a clean-sheet on the mudbath of a pitch, and Chelsea won 2-0.
Cosmin Moti, for Ludogorets vs Steaua Bucharest, 2014
Cosmin Moti will go down in Ludogorets folklore for single-handedly making history.
The Bulgarians were playing Steaua Bucharest in a Champions League play-off, and with the teams set to head into a penalty shoot-out, tied at 1-1, Ludogorets keeper Vladislav Stoyanov was sent off.
Centre-half Moti took over in goal – and ended up being the hero.
He scored his side’s first goal in the shoot-out, then saved two Steaua penalties to send the minnows into the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Keys of Ludogorets, surely?
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
