As someone who knows what it’s like to make headlines for all the wrong reasons Tiger Woods is well versed in dealing with the pressure of life in the spotlight. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that the world number one golfer has offered his support to West Ham United's Robert Green following the England keeper’s horrific gaffe against the USA last Saturday.
Green gifted the USA an equaliser in the opening game of England’s quest for World Cup glory and has been widely pilloried in the media for not dealing with Clint Dempsey’s tame shot. Tipped to be replaced by either David James or Joe Hart ahead of Friday’s match with Algeria, the West Ham United star has apologised for the mishap but remains public enemy number one back home.
Recognising the pain that Green must be feeling having himself been singled out for his extra-marital behaviour in recent months, Woods told reporters in the build up to the US Open that he felt the West Ham United stopper deserved another chance to prove himself in South Africa.
"Our goal was a gift but I hope the goalkeeper gets another chance to play - we all make mistakes,” stressed Woods.
It is as yet unclear whether Fabio Capello will choose to replace Green but having labelled the Adidas Jabulani ball as ‘the worst’ in World Cup history, the Italian tactician does appear to have sympathy with all goalkeepers in the competition.