Manuel
Neuer has been dubbed ‘the best goalkeeper in the world’ by Oliver Kahn
as Germany’s star shot-stopper prepares for Tuesday’s World Cup
semi-final against Brazil, AFP.
The 28-year-old has played a key part in
Germany’s run to the last four of Brazil 2014 by dominating his penalty
area and pulling off a string of key saves.
Neuer has shown great timing and
judgement by frequently cutting out long passes or crosses with runs out
of his own area, often acting more like an extra defender.
He has leaked only three goals in five
games at the World Cup. He was outstanding in the Germans’ nervy 2-1
last 16 win to shut Algeria out until the 121st-minute.
Neuer then nullified France’s potent
attack in Friday’s 1-0 quarter-final win at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana
Stadium to set up the Selecao clash in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday for a
place in the July 13 final.
He constantly denied France’s Karim
Benzema, including a crucial save just before the final whistle to palm
away the Real Madrid star’s goal-bound shot.
Former Germany midfielder and TV pundit
Mehmet Scholl has dubbed him ‘Icecube Neuer’ for his composure, while
ex-national team captain Kahn says he is the world’s best.
“He has proven at this World Cup that he
is currently the world’s best goalkeeper,” said Kahn, who captained
Germany to their 2002 World Cup final defeat to Brazil.
“Everyone knows that he is a wonderful
footballer who can play really well. But what is crucial is that in
important situations he can rescue the victory.”
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