Old hands find the magic touch

They say you have to be a little mad to be a goalkeeper; with every mistake likely to lead to a goal being conceded, shot-stoppers constantl...

They say you have to be a little mad to be a goalkeeper; with every mistake likely to lead to a goal being conceded, shot-stoppers constantly face the wrath of teammates and fans alike. Three of Europe8217;s best came to Euro 2004 with formerly solid reputations looking frayed at the edges but Portugal seems to be a happy hunting ground for the goal guards

Oliver Kahn
THE NIGHTMARE: Kahn had cut a sad figure in recent months after a poor season at Bayern Munich and whose error in the World Cup final two years ago gifted Brazil their opening goal.
THE TURNAROUND: Kahn celebrated his 35th birthday and his 69th cap with a solid and confident showing as Germany held traditional rivals Holland to a 1-1 draw. 8220;We were determined to make a good start in this event and that is what we succeeded in doing,8221; said Kahn, who conceded just four goals in eight qualifying matches for the finals.

Fabien Barthez
THE NIGHTMARE: Barthez became so error-prone at Manchester United that he slid to third choice a year ago prior to a move back to France with Marseille. He helped Marseille to the UEFA Cup final last season only to be sent off during their defeat by Valencia.
THE TURNAROUND: Barthez, veteran of France8217;s World Cup win in 1998 and Euro 2000 triumph, was a hero once more as Les Bleus defeated England 2-1. Zidane goals cementing a victory only made possible after Barthez had saved former Old Trafford teammate David Beckham8217;s second-half penalty.

Thomas Sorensen
THE NIGHTMARE: Sorensen arrived in Portugal looking to forget all about mistakes which gifted England two goals in their 2002 World Cup second round encounter in Japan. He helped a Rio Ferdinand header into the net for England8217;s opening goal and then allowed an Emile Heskey effort to slide underneath his body into the net for the third.
THE TURNAROUND: Sorensen played a blinder in Denmark8217;s entertaining goalless draw with Italy which gives the Danes every chance of reaching the second phase. Sorensen made a string of superb saves, most notably from Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti, to earn the Man of the Match Award.