Football has given rise to countless unforgettable moments over the ages. This global game has sometimes been celebrated for a coach’s brilliant tactics and occasionally for a surprising mistake.
But at the end of the day, the fantastic goals seem to linger in people’s minds in this game of goals.
But how about missing goals by fate? Beyond all this, some saves become more unbelievable than scoring a goal, delivering a sudden shock to the audience.
Instead of just creating excitement, these remarkable saves have astonished viewers, become immortalized in the history of football, and elevated the game to a new level.
But how would it be if the goal is saved not by the goalkeeper but rather by the goalpost deflecting the direction? Yes, such moments astound the spectators and leave them in silence!
Today, we will share some remarkable football match moments where goals are saved through goalposts at extremely significant moments, including some incidents that changed the outcome of matches.
The wonder of those saves seems never to fade. There are discussions about them, research conducted, and even psychological analyses performed. Sometimes, physicists are called in!
So, let’s start with the tale of the top five football goal post saves in history, which sounds like fairy tales but are events witnessed by people on this earth with their own eyes!
5 Football Goal Post Saves list
Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich 2012 Champions League Final |
Spain vs. Netherlands 2010 World Cup Final |
Uruguay vs. Ghana 2010 World Cup |
Germany vs. Algeria 2014 World Cup |
Italy vs. France 2006 World Cup Final |
- Petr Čech’s Post Save – Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich (2012 Champions League Final)
- Teams: Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich
- Tournament: UEFA Champions League Final
- Date: May 19, 2012
It was Allianz Arena, the home of Bayern Munich. The crowd was going wild as it was the last few minutes of the game, and Chelsea was in the race for their first Champions League title.
Things were almost out of hand for Chelsea when Bayern Munich earned a penalty in the 95th minute of extra time, and Arjen Robben decided to take this decision-making shot.
Robin took a low, driven shot toward the bottom corner of the post, and interestingly, Petr Čech, the goalkeeper of Chelsea, guessed it correctly and jumped in the right direction.
Yet, he failed to take control and attempted to cut it away with that faintest touch! It was not supposed to be enough, but the magic happened when the redirected ball, with a slight deflection, touched the post and bounced in a safe direction!
With that lucky save, the score remained 1-1, helping Chelsea keep hope for their first title. The game went to the Penalty Shootout, which Chelsea won by 4-3 and made history!
Reaction
All eyes were on Roben as Chelsea celebrated exuberantly after winning the league title! The save cemented Čech’s legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his time.
While Chelsea’s victory is still a testament to seizing the trophy as an underdog, the Goal Post Save remains the match’s defining moment.
2. Casillas’ Legendary Save – Spain vs. Netherlands (2010 World Cup Final)
- Teams: Spain vs. Netherlands
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup Final
- Date: July 11, 2010
Both teams were striving for their first-ever World Cup title in a toe-to-toe fight.
This was a World Cup final in which Spain exhibited exceptional beauty throughout the tournament, and their intricate, short-pass tiki-taka style captivated the entire football world.
However, with the first half of the final ending without goals, there was some concern about the match’s outcome. Just when the situation seemed uncertain, the 62nd minute brought a pivotal moment.
Robben’s shot appeared to be headed for the net, but Casillas stretched out his leg, deflecting the ball onto the post and out of danger.
The score remained 0-0 after this crucial save, and Spain’s Andres Iniesta eventually scored the winning goal in the 116th minute of extra time.
Casillas’ save was a turning point that kept Spain in the game, enabling them to secure their first World Cup victory.
Reaction
It could be the decisive goal for the Netherlands to win their first title, which they have yet to achieve even as of 2025! This football goalpost saves is regarded as one of the greatest in World Cup history.
Robben admitted that missing the chance haunted him for years, while Casillas’ composure and skill earned international acclaim.
Yes, it hit the goal post, but Casillas redirected it, and the post deflected the shot. Luck favored Spain, and the Netherlands remained goalless, leaving them trophyless!
- Luis Suárez’s Last-Minute Post Save – Uruguay vs. Ghana (2010 World Cup)
- Teams: Uruguay vs. Ghana
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals
- Date: July 2, 2010
Ghana was in the race to become the first African team to become a World Cup semifinalist.
Ghana played remarkably well and created numerous chances. Before extra time concluded, Dominic Adiyiah’s header was nearly on target; however, Luis Suárez blocked it with his hands, surprising everyone! Nevertheless, the ball traveled past the goalkeeper but hit the goalpost! A golden opportunity was missed due to that unexpected goalpost save!
A penalty was awarded immediately, but Ghana missed it, likely because of the nerves from their earlier miss.
The match went to penalties, and ultimately, Ghana could not succeed. A slight deflection altered the fate of this African nation that day.
Reaction
While Suarez faced intense criticism for his actions, the block by the goalpost haunted Ghana for a long time.
This African nation could never perform so remarkably again after that World Cup, although their football journey might have received a fresh boost if the ball had found the net that day.
- Manuel Neuer’s Double Save – Germany vs. Algeria (2014 World Cup)
- Teams: Germany vs. Algeria
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup Round of 16
- Date: June 30, 2014
The tournament favorite, Germany, faced a confident Algerian side in a tense knockout match.
Algeria’s shot deflected off Neuer’s fingertips and hit the post in extra time. Neuer quickly recovered to clear the rebound, showcasing his lightning-fast reflexes.
Germany eventually scored twice in extra time, winning 2-1 and advancing to the quarterfinals. The save preserved the draw critically and allowed Germany to maintain their composure.
Reaction
Another goalpost deflected shot misdirected the ball from the goal and rightfully allowed the lucky team to win in a crucial game! Interestingly, Germany won that World Cup, defeating Argentina in the Final, which may have never happened if this shot had found the net safely!
- Buffon’s Stunning Save – Italy vs. France (2006 World Cup Final)
- Teams: Italy vs. France
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup Final
- Date: July 9, 2006
The match was tied 1-1, with both teams fighting for another World Cup title, the ultimate prize!
Zinedine Zidane’s powerful header seemed unstoppable in extra time. Gianluigi Buffon couldn’t get the control but could tip the ball, which hit the crossbar at the end, and the goal was saved!
The game went to penalties, where Italy triumphed 5-3. Buffon’s save ensured that the match stayed level and gave his team the chance to win.
Reaction
Buffon’s save was hailed as one of the best in World Cup history. Italy won their fourth title, which would never have happened if this lucky thing hadn’t happened to them!
All the Way of Football Goal Post Saves That Changed Match Outcomes
In the heart-stopping football match moments, the entire scenario can be abruptly halted by the agonizing sight of a shot striking the goalpost.
Such near-misses can be profoundly disheartening for the attacking team, often leading to a psychological blow that proves challenging to overcome.
Consequently, teams that squander these golden opportunities created by football goalpost saves frequently find themselves on the losing end.
Although goalkeepers sometimes exhibit extraordinary skill in making these saves, sheer fortune usually tips the balance in their favor.
