HOUSTON (AP) — Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has fully recovered from a calf injury sustained last month and is ready to play against Germany. world cup The opening game against Curacao on Sunday.
The 40-year-old goes into the World Cup having not played for Germany in almost two years, since coach Julian Nagelsmann pulled him out of international retirement.
“(He’s) definitely healthy enough to start the game and he’s been getting better and better,” Nagelsmann said Saturday night. “He didn’t really have a rhythm, but now he’s found a rhythm. He’s played a lot and we have a lot of faith in him and I think… to have a good World Cup, we need Manuel to perform at his best and I think he can bring that.”
Questions had been raised about his health after he injured his left calf in Bayern’s final Bundesliga game of the season in late May and missed the German Cup final against Stuttgart due to a so-called “left calf muscle problem.”
The Bayern Munich captain is the only remaining member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning team. This will be his fifth World Cup, equaling Lothar Matthäus’ German record.
His return to the national team is a boost for Germany’s young squad, who have relied on him throughout their preparations as they try to bounce back from two straight defeats in the World Cup’s group stage.
Neuer’s teammate at Bayern, midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, praised the 22-year-old’s leadership as he aims to make his World Cup debut.
“Manuel is a world-class player,” Pavlovic said. “He always gives me tips. He helps me on the pitch and that is very important to me. I am very grateful for every tip he has given me and I try to implement every tip he has given me.”
Four-time champions Germany are heavy favorites against Curacao. First appearance in the World Cup And it is the smallest country in history to qualify for the tournament. I was the underdog in the opening game, but coach dick advocaat He has extensive World Cup experience, having coached the Netherlands national team in 1994 and the South Korean national team in 2006.
At 78, he will become the oldest manager in World Cup history on Sunday, while Nagelsmann, 38, will be the youngest at this year’s tournament. The 40-year age gap between these managers is the largest in World Cup history.
“I think he’s a really great coach,” Nagelsmann said. “I think that’s really cool and a great compliment to his work. I’ve known him a few times and he’s always kind. As a young coach, I can always learn from people like him.”
But don’t expect Mr. Nagelsmann to be a leader in 40 years.
“I love what I do, but at that age I want to do something different with my life,” he said with a laugh.
Advocaat said he was impressed that Nagelsmann was in this position at such a young age.
“He must have something special, otherwise he wouldn’t be able to coach the national team,” Advocaat said. “He’s a great coach.”
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
