The report says Williams has developed an outstanding reputation in shootouts:
Those performances helped establish Williams as one of South Africa’s most important players. His leadership extends beyond the goalmouth, with the goalkeeper expected to organise his defence while carrying the responsibility of a captain.
Williams has described himself as an “estudante do jogo” - a student of the game. The report says he works closely with analysts, studying videos of potential penalty takers and looking for clues in their approach, body shape and preferred direction.
His methods do not stop with research. Before a kick, Williams reportedly speaks to the taker, trying to create doubt. He also moves across the line and waves his arms, attempting to make the goal appear smaller and the moment more intimidating.
That combination of study and psychology can turn a shootout into a contest that begins long before the whistle.
The report says Williams looks to the sky before each penalty and thinks of his brother, Marvin, who died in a car accident when the goalkeeper was 18. Asking for guidance has become part of his routine, giving the pressure a deeply personal dimension.
South Africa will hope the match is settled in normal time, but if Canada forces extra time and penalties, Williams may become the defining figure. The next storyline to watch is whether his preparation can withstand the biggest shootout pressure of the tournament.