Gregor Kobel
This Swiss goalkeeper is one of the best shot-stoppers in world soccer—meaning he's incredibly quick and athletic at blocking shots that seem impossible to save. He matters at this World Cup because Switzerland's defense relies heavily on him to keep games close and give his team a chance to win, and he's been playing at an elite level for his club (Borussia Dortmund in Germany). If you watch Switzerland play, keep your eye on how fast he reacts to shots from distance; even when strikers think they've got him beat, he somehow gets a hand or leg in the way. He's basically the reason Switzerland can compete against bigger soccer nations.