Wojciech Szczesny has plenty of company in boneheaded World Cup mishaps

4.Rob Green: England vs USA, 2010 World Cup

It was the opening game of England’s 2010 World Cup campaign and they had started it perfectly with an early Steven Gerrard goal, but the day wouldn’t end on such a high note.

As the first half came to a close, USMNT star Clint Dempsey sent a tame shot towards Rob Green’s goal. Inexplicable, Rob Green failed to catch the ball and helplessly flailed as the ball trickled in for the equalizer.

Green had been chosen by then England coach, Fabio Capello, over the more promising Joe Hart. Needless to say, Green’s mistake proved costly to his career as he was dropped for England’s next game and gained just a handful of caps following the Three Lion’s Round of 16 exit against Germany.

3. Rene Higuita: Columbia vs Cameroon, 1990 World Cup

Rene Higuita, nicknamed El Loco (The Madman), was known for his sweeping runs — and what some might characterize as needless risks. He is probably best known for his scorpion kick clearance in a friendly against England in 1995.

However, Higuita lavish goalkeeping style wasn’t always successful.

During his breakout tournament at the 1990 World Cup, Higuita made quite a high profile error against Cameroon. It’s a mistake that resembles Szczesny’s mistake against Senegal. Higuita was also found a long way outside his area, however, unlike his Polish counterpart, Higuita appeared to be dithering around, something that the experienced Cameroon striker, Rodger Milla took advantage of. Milla caught the goalkeeper in possession and tapped home from close range.

The goal knocked Columbia out of the World Cup, however, El Loco survived the ordeal, eventually retiring in 1999 as one of South America’s greatest goalkeepers.