293. Joël Bats

Joël Bats - 281.66 Performance Pts

Born: 04/01/1957    Mont-De-Marsan, France                       

Position: Goalkeeper     Height: 1.78m    Weight: 75kg

Bats was a hero of France's quarter-final victory against Brazil at the 1986 World Cup, saving a penalty from Zico in normal time, and from Socrates in the shoot-out. However, 4 days later - a semi-final against West Germany, and a chance for France to gain revenge for their semi-final defeat 4 years previously. 9 minutes in - a free-kick for the Germans, and Brehme's shot squirms under the body of Bats. France never recover and lose 2-0. Bats had tasted success with France 2 years prior to this, at the 1984 European Championships. At club level, Bats played for 3 Ligue Un sides - Sochaux, Auxerre, and Paris Saint Germain. His only league title came with PSG in 1986. He retired in 1992 with over 500 Ligue Un appearances to his name, and immediately began his coaching career, firstly at PSG. He was head coach for a couple of years, from 1996 to 1998. He went on to spend a long period as goalkeeping coach with Lyon, and his proteges include current French first-choice keeper, Hugo Lloris. 



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