Biggest goalkeeping blunders in World Cup history

Who would want to be a goalkeeper?

Yet another example of the misery that comes with one of the most thankless jobs in sports came Thursday. That's when Willy Caballero was the latest goalkeeper to make a heartbreaking mistake in the World Cup.

Caballero joined a long list of disgraced 'keepers when his shocking blunder put a dent in Argentina's chances to get out of the group stage at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. While there's still a chance Lionel Messi and Co. can advance, Argentina's poor form likely won't lead to an extended run even if they make into the knockout stage.

Here's a look at some of the most crushing goalkeeping miscues in World Cup history:

Moacir Barbosa: Brazil vs. Uruguay (1950)

The stage was set for Brazil to triumph on home soil during the 1950 World Cup. The tournament format was far different from the modern version, with the winner of the second group stage crowned champion.

Needing just a 1-1 draw against Uruguay to capture its first-ever World Cup, confidence was high at the Maracana Stadium when Brazil took the lead shortly after half-time. But when the full-time whistle sounded, the reputation of one of the best goalkeepers during that era was left in tatters, leading to a lifetime of misery for Moacir Barbosa.

After Uruguay tied the match, Barbosa charged at Alcide Ghiggia, thinking a cross was inevitable. Then the Uruguayan winger smashed the ball into the back of the net upon noticing the gap at the near post.

After his death in 2000, Barbosa was the subject of an ESPN documentary titled "Barbosa: The Man who Made Brazil Cry."

Peter Shilton: England vs. Italy (1990)

Pride was the only thing on the line when England and Italy met in the third-place match at the 1990 World Cup.

In what was meant to be a memorable end to Peter Shilton's glittering international career, the consolation match instead featured one of the most embarrassing moments from his time with the English national team.

Shilton conceded the opening goal when a lapse in judgment saw Roberto Baggio nick the ball away from the former Leicester City goalkeeper to score Italy's first in a match that ended with the host city finishing third.

Rene Higuita: Colombia vs. Cameroon (1990)

There isn't a goalkeeper who made his manager squirm more than Rene Higuita.

The Colombian developed a unique reputation over the years with his outlandish style and desire take risks no other shot-stopper in the world would consider.

Higuita's tendency to deviate from the norm made him famous, but it also proved costly during the 1990 World Cup when his antics led to Colombia's elimination. After pushing up into midfield, Higuita failed to control a pass before Cameroon's Roger Milla took the ball away from him and broke free to score the decisive goal in the round of 16 encounter.

Robert Green: England vs. U.S. (2010)

It was supposed to be a routine save when United States forward Clint Dempsey fired a low shot directly at Robert Green from the edge of the penalty area.

A comfortable save opportunity to keep his side ahead ended in disaster when Green failed to gather the ball, which hit off his arms before bouncing slowly into the back of the net.

The match concluded in a 1-1 draw and both teams eventually progressed out of the group stage. But the damage was done, as England's second-place finish in the group paved the way for a thrashing in the round of 16 when Germany dominated the Three Lions, winning 4-1.

David Seaman: England vs. Brazil (2002)

While everyone expected a delivery into the England area, Ronaldinho had other ideas after noticing David Seaman straying away from his goal-line.

The reliable goalkeeper was barking out instructions to his defenders when the unthinkable happened, and Ronaldinho's audacious long-range lob soared over Seaman's head and into the back of the net to give Brazil the lead.

The stunning goal turned out to be the deciding one as Brazil ended England's tournament in the quarter-final en route to winning its fifth World Cup.

Willy Caballero: Argentina vs. Croatia (2018)

A month after Loris Karius' costly blunders for Liverpool in the Champions League final, Willy Caballero refused to be outdone by his Premier League counterpart.

The Argentine goalkeeper was responsible for the most shocking moment at the 2018 World Cup so far when his epic mistake on Thursday contributed to Argentina's loss to Croatia.

As he attempted to chip the ball to his teammate, Caballero instead miss-kicked it into the path of Ante Rebic, who uncorked a devastating volley over the head of the Chelsea 'keeper.

Caballero would allow another two goals, but none stung more than the opener that will live on in infamy.