FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) – Germany national team goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement from international soccer for the second time since his retirement from the team. Early withdrawal from the World Cup.
Neuer, 40, who was persuaded to retire just before the tournament, said in a TV interview: Unexpected loss against Paraguay on Monday That would be his last international match.
When asked if that was the case, he told broadcaster Sportshow, “Yes,” but told Magenta TV that he would not be participating. “No. It’s very painful for it to end like this.”
Germany drew 1-1 with Paraguay in overtime, then lost 4-3 in the penalty shootout and was eliminated.
Neuer had already retired from international football. After the European Championship in 2024 And he insisted that he would not return.
Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann took charge of the German first division side following an injury to Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and had played in the team’s past six qualifying matches and pre-tournament friendlies.
Although denied by the player and Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, speculation about Neuer’s possible return continued until Nagelsmann confirmed it. The team also includes Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper. They will demote Bauman and participate in the World Cup as Germany’s No. 1 team.
This move did not pay off. Neuer saved a penalty in the shootout against Paraguay, but it wasn’t enough as three German players missed their spot kicks.
Neuer, who made his debut for Germany in 2009, was the only surviving member of the 2014 World Cup winning squad. He played 128 games for the German national team. ___
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