goalkeeper

A goalkeeper is a player in a team sport, particularly in soccer (football), whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by guarding the goal. Positioned directly in front of the goal, the goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use their hands to play the ball, but only within the designated penalty area. Their responsibilities include stopping shots on goal, organizing the defense, and distributing the ball to teammates. Goalkeepers must possess skills such as agility, anticipation, and strong hand-eye coordination to effectively perform their duties. They are crucial to a team’s defensive strategy and often play a critical role in determining the outcome of a match.