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 Europe’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 guardsOliver KahnTHE 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. “We were determined to make a good start in this event and that is what we succeeded in doing,” said Kahn, who conceded just four goals in eight qualifying matches for the finals.Fabien BarthezTHE 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 France’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 Beckham’s second-half penalty.Thomas SorensenTHE 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 England’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 Denmark’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.
