Germany arrived at the FIFA World Cup hoping to challenge for another global title. Instead, their campaign came to a painful end after a dramatic Round of 32 defeat.
The four-time world champions were knocked out by Paraguay following a penalty shootout after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The disappointing result immediately brought down the curtain on one of international football’s most celebrated careers.
Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from international football after Germany’s defeat. Neuer said after the match (via The Sun):
“It’s extremely bitter for it to end like this.”
The 40-year-old had already retired from international football after Euro 2024.
However, he reversed that decision to represent Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup before bringing his international career to an end once again.
Neuer made one crucial save during the penalty shootout to keep Germany alive.
However, Jonathan Tah missed Germany’s next penalty before Jose Canale converted the decisive spot-kick for Paraguay.
The defeat marked Neuer’s 128th and final appearance for his country. The tournament also proved difficult for the experienced goalkeeper.
He failed to keep a clean sheet in any of Germany’s four matches and has not recorded a World Cup shutout since the 2014 final.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann also faced criticism for recalling Neuer ahead of Oliver Baumann.
Baumann had been Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the previous two years but remained on the bench throughout the tournament.
Neuer also came under scrutiny after Germany’s 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the group stage. He rejected suggestions that he should have done better for the winning goal.
Germany’s World Cup campaign ultimately ended in disappointment. It also marked the final international appearance of one of the country’s greatest-ever goalkeepers.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
