Just as Ochoa has drawn a lot of praise in the media, so has Akinfeev's nervous collapse been highlighted. For me, I really think this is a psychological thing, but can't quite pinpoint it exactly. Igor has long been considered one of Russia's great goalkeepers and with strong performances in the UEFA and previous World Cup tournaments, having taken over as 1st choice with his club at the age of 16, with scouts and pundits taking a liking to him, but for some reason things have gone more than a little wrong. The weather (with the torrential showers taking place in quite a few matches at the moment) may have had something to add to making it worse, but he couldn't seem to catch a thing.
He is also normally great at catching and has strong hands. But he fumbled about four shots, with one ending up in the back of the net. I really think there is something going under the surface, mentally, for whatever reason that needs addressing. If he was as confident as he usually is, this wouldn't be happening, as he would be making the right choices; sticking to them and being forceful in commanding his area.
Compared to his usual performances, this is terrible. In the sense that he is normally so consistent and strong mentally, and is not known for his mistake making. The goal he did allow, he needed to have been more convicted with his decision making, and punched it away, on a good angle, or left his feet and gone for the catch. By electing to palm away and not pushing the ball away on a good angle, he ended up popping it up and over him for the OG.
It could also have something to do with a possible change in coaching or similar, which shouldn't be ruled out. If he is in two minds over whether to punch/parry or catch, this can be creeping into his decision making. As the ball comes in and he keeps changing his mind, things go wrong, and then his confidence is destroyed from then on in.
Whatever it is, he needs to go away and strengthen his mind and confidence, if he wants his team to do well, or start the next game. Just like Gomes just needed a good sports psychologist whilst he had his own struggles at Tottenham, so does Afinkeev need encouragement. Support from his coach, his team mates and Russian media should help, and so long as he stays mentally strong going forward, he should be back at his best in no time.
The pressure on the modern player is almost unthinkable compared to previous years and generations. All goalkeepers know how much pressure is put on them for their team to succeed, and critics and fans should keep this in mind when considering Igor's meltdown.
He is also normally great at catching and has strong hands. But he fumbled about four shots, with one ending up in the back of the net. I really think there is something going under the surface, mentally, for whatever reason that needs addressing. If he was as confident as he usually is, this wouldn't be happening, as he would be making the right choices; sticking to them and being forceful in commanding his area.
Compared to his usual performances, this is terrible. In the sense that he is normally so consistent and strong mentally, and is not known for his mistake making. The goal he did allow, he needed to have been more convicted with his decision making, and punched it away, on a good angle, or left his feet and gone for the catch. By electing to palm away and not pushing the ball away on a good angle, he ended up popping it up and over him for the OG.
It could also have something to do with a possible change in coaching or similar, which shouldn't be ruled out. If he is in two minds over whether to punch/parry or catch, this can be creeping into his decision making. As the ball comes in and he keeps changing his mind, things go wrong, and then his confidence is destroyed from then on in.
The pressure on the modern player is almost unthinkable compared to previous years and generations. All goalkeepers know how much pressure is put on them for their team to succeed, and critics and fans should keep this in mind when considering Igor's meltdown.
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