Manuel Neuer’s World Cups, from glory to setbacks, through the eyes of Jens Lehmann | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer, 40, is contesting his fifth World Cup finals, a German record. Germany began with a 7-1 win over Curaçao on Sunday, and he bristled at the deflected goal conceded. He has reclaimed the number one shirt for this tournament.

L'Équipe notes he joins Lothar Matthäus on five tournaments. If he starts against Côte d'Ivoire at 22:00 on Saturday, he would set a new goalkeeping appearance record, moving beyond Hugo Lloris, both on 20.

In 2010 he replaced René Adler after injury, starting at 24 until the 1-0 semi-final loss to Spain and missing the 3-2 win over Uruguay, conceding three overall. Jens Lehmann portrays it as an opportunity he grasped.

In 2014 Germany beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time and Neuer was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper, later finishing third in the Ballon d’Or. Lehmann views this as close to his peak, marrying an advanced position with razor reflexes.

In 2018 Germany exited in the groups. Back from around 18 months out injured, Neuer had a mixed tournament and was dispossessed upfield before South Korea sealed a 2-0 defeat. Lehmann says elite individuals were offset by gaps elsewhere.

As captain in 2022, the rainbow armband row, rejected by FIFA, dominated, and Neuer said they would not be silenced. Germany lost 2-1 to Japan and went out on goal difference in a group with Spain and Costa Rica. Lehmann argues the furore sapped energy, noting Siemens’ tram project in Qatar.

Source: L'Équipe