\n<\/p>\n
Pundits and punters alike cut a similar shape to Braga on the bench. Disbelief abound. Just how had Gordon done that? Even the man himself wasn’t sure.<\/p>\n
“Sometimes you surprise yourself as a goalkeeper,” Gordon told BBC Scotland. “That was definitely one that I thought was a goal, but decided to go after it anyway and somehow managed to claw it out.<\/p>\n
“That really does feel as if it was one of my best.”<\/p>\n
Not half. There was talk of Gordon Banks v Brazil, David Seaman v Sheffield United and… well, Craig Gordon v Bolton Wanderers.<\/p>\n
Former team-mate Steven Pressley was in the opposite dugout, and couldn’t help but enthuse about the Hearts goalkeeper.<\/p>\n
“I spoke to Craig at length before the game,” the Dundee head coach said. “He’s been starved of opportunity and you wonder if it’s going to affect his performance… wow, it seems to have improved it. <\/p>\n
“He made a couple of big saves today. That’s the reason they’re top of the league, they have a second-choice goalkeeper who’s world class.”<\/p>\n
Former Hearts midfielder Ryan Stevenson was on punditry duty, and could barely believe his eyes: “That’s save of the season. Every player is running to Craig Gordon. That is one of the best saves I have ever seen.<\/p>\n
“That dressing room will be electric. Against any other goalkeeper in the league, that is a goal and Dundee get a draw.”<\/p>\n
In the frenzy of the post-save aftermath, it became clear that it was more than just a superb piece of goalkeeping or moment of individual brilliance. <\/p>\n
It showed why Hearts’ unbelievable title charge continues to hold water.<\/p>\n
“Craig has always been capable of that big save, that big moment,” head coach Derek McInnes said. “When he was called upon, he stood up. “I thought it was past him. Magnificent moment for him.<\/p>\n
“For Craig, to be 43 years of age, throwing himself about a training ground… obviously, there’s a lot of motivation this season in terms of the World Cup, and trying to be part of something special here.<\/p>\n
“It’s first class, and good on him. I’m pleased for him. It’s a wee reminder everyone that he’s still got a role to play and when we needed him, he was there.<\/p>\n
“Any team that has a successful campaign, they’re the bedrock, digging out results like that. It felt significant.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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