Germany Eliminated as Neuer Confirms International Retirement
Germany’s FIFA World Cup campaign ended in disappointment on Monday, with the defeat to Paraguay national football team also marking the end of Manuel Neuer’s international career.
FIFA World Cup • Round of 32
Boston Stadium • Foxborough, MA
🇩🇪
1
Germany
Final
Yesterday
🇵🇾
1
Paraguay
Penalties: 3-4
Kai Havertz 54′
Julio Enciso 42′
Germany
Paraguay
75%
Possession
25%
21
Shots
7
7
Shots on target
4
16
Corners
6
18
Fouls
12
2
Yellow cards
2
0
Red cards
0
4
Offsides
1
3
Saves
5
The veteran goalkeeper confirmed his retirement from international football after Germany crashed out 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
“It’s extremely bitter for it to end like this,” Neuer said as he reflected on his final appearance in the national team’s colours.
The 40-year-old had come out of international retirement to represent Germany at the World Cup after initially stepping away from the national team following UEFA Euro 2024. His return, however, ended without the fairytale finish many had hoped for.
Neuer produced a vital save during the penalty shootout to keep Germany alive, but the four-time world champions were undone when Jonathan Tah missed from the spot before José Canale calmly converted the winning penalty for Paraguay.
His final appearance took his tally to 128 international caps, closing a career that established him among the greatest goalkeepers of his generation.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann had faced criticism for recalling Neuer ahead of Oliver Baumann, who had been Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for two years. Baumann did not feature during the tournament.
Neuer also came under scrutiny after Germany failed to register a clean sheet throughout the competition, while questions were raised over his role in the team’s 2-1 group-stage loss to Ecuador national football team.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper defended his performances, insisting he made the correct decisions in difficult moments and rejecting suggestions that he was responsible for Germany’s costly defensive lapses.
Although his final tournament ended in heartbreak, Neuer leaves the international stage with a legacy built on consistency, leadership and innovation, having transformed the role of the modern goalkeeper and inspired a generation of players who followed.
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