Cramps affect goal keepers in the world cup

Coach cool to 'keeper's cramps

The fact that a professional goal keeper can develop cramps during a professional match shows once again that muscle cramps and leg cramps are due to more than hydration. While fluid intake is extremely important it's other factors such as electrolyte levels and overall training, flexibility and energy levels that will have a bigger role to play.

Admittedly the match is being played in the 2006 world cup in Germany in mid-summer and it's possible that hydration could be a factor for a player that hasn't estimated their fluid requirements correctly.

Even if you're in a sport that doesn't require much physical exertion you can still lose easily half a litre an hour in hot sun.