Keeper Accidentally Punches Two Players, Allows Goal Anyway

This is a very unfortunate play by Japanese keeper Yota Akimoto during a recent match against Urawa Reds. Let’s break down all the mistakes by the Shonan Bellmare keeper.

1. Akimoto fails to decide whether or not he wants to come off his line, initially, on the free kick.

2. He finally decides to make a move well after the ball has been delivered.

3. When he makes his move, he punches not one, but two players in their heads.

4. One of the players punched already got a head to the ball and scored.

Allow this to be a reminder that, often, decision-making is just as important as making athletic saves if you’re a professional keeper.