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They are the last line of defence. On their performance hinges the team’s fortunes. Presenting the top five goalkeepers who will be seen in action in this World Cup. Breathtaking reflexes and the ability to hold the nerve in crunch situations separates them from the rest. Over to the shot- stoppers.

Iker Casillas - Spain

Age- 29 Height- 5 ft 11.5 inches Club- Real Madrid International debut- 2000 Caps- 103

DESPITE Real Madrid’s ability to self- destruct, one man who, throughout all this, has remained consistent is Iker Casillas. The breathtaking saves, speed, reflexes and the ability to read the opponent set him a notch above the rest.

He has shown for both club and country, helping Spain to the top of European football two years back. Fans would be looking for an encore from ‘ Saint Iker’ — as he is fondly called at his club — if Spain is to reach the pinnacle of world football.

And that would cement his place among the greats of the game.

Gianluigi Buffon - Italy

Age: 32 Height: 6 ft 3 inches Club: Juventus International debut: 1997 Caps: 100

HE has been there and done that.

He played a pivotal role as Italy won the last World Cup and will have to be at his best if the Azzuri are to repeat that feat. But age, injury and poor form seem to have affected Gianluigi Buffon’s performance. But as they say, cometh the hour, cometh the man, so ‘ Gigi’ can’t be ruled out till the final whistle.

Julio Cesar - Brazil

Age- 30 Height- 6 ft 1 inch Club- Internazionale International debut- 2004 Caps- 47

BRAZIL have always been known to produce brilliant outfield players.

But rarely has the country produced a keeper of the class of Julio Cesar. If his club form is anything to go by — he braved a car accident and facial injuries to defy Barcelona in the Champions League semi- finals — Dunga has reason to feel pleased.

He is brilliant in oneon- one situations and has the guts to go for the impossible.

Having won European club football’s most coveted trophy, he is out to conquer the world.

Mark Schwarzer - Aus

Age: 37 Height: 6 ft 4.5 inches Club: Fulham International debut: 1993 Caps: 73

WHILE football is considered to be a young man’s game, one man who has rewritten this regulation is Mark Schwazer. The 37- year- old has re- invented himself with age. He has unfinished business having failed to save a penalty in the 2006 World Cup against Italy which sent Australia out of the event. With rumours rife that Arsene Wenger plans to sign him for Arsenal in the next season, the World Cup will provide him another incentive to show his true class.

Tim Howard - USA

Age- 31 Height- 6 ft 3 inches Club- Everton International debut- 2002 Caps- 50

HE might be representing the United States — a country more known for its love of basketball, baseball and its own version of the football — in the World Cup, but Howard is one player who excels on the big stage. He will also have good memories of South Africa where he won the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper at the 2009 Confederations Cup. This will only add to his confidence.

His knack of saving penalties will stand US in good stead when they go out to prove the world that their run to the final of the Confederations Cup wasn’t a fluke.