Alireza Beiranvand: the shot-stopper who grew up throwing rocks

Every time the world shrinks into a ball to celebrate the beautiful game with eyes on superstars, stalwarts, and legends at their last dance, amid the tricks, passes and stunning shots rise new heroes who stand defiant in front of the goalpost against wave after wave of attacks. Guillermo Ochoa’s heroics to hold mighty Brazil at bay for Mexico and Tim Howard with his record 16 saves to help the U.S. hold on against Belgium till extra time in Brazil 2014, Danijel Subasic’s run including four penalty saves in two consecutive shootouts to push Croatia into the final in Russia 2018, and Yassine Bounou’s incredible shot-stopping skills that helped Morocco become the first African and Arab nation to play in a World Cup semi-final in Qatar 2022 were all performances that stunned the world. And as the ball got rolling in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada in an extended tournament with teams previously unheard for many fans, the underdogs rose to the occasion and their goalkeepers immediately started doing what they do best: stay defiant.