Just fourteen seconds into the match against Hungary, Manuel Neuer found himself in the spotlight for the first time that Wednesday evening. With a few quick steps off his line, he extended his right leg to block a shot from Roland Sallai, taken from just five meters out. “It started with a dangerous situation, it was really risky,” Neuer commented after the game.
He spoke in his usual manner—calm and composed, as if such saves were hardly worth mentioning. However, these saves are once again becoming noteworthy for many others. At this European Championship, Neuer has to answer one crucial question on the field: Is he still the rightful number one goalkeeper for the national team at the age of 38?
During the 2-0 victory over Hungary, Neuer had several opportunities to shine. He saved a free kick from Dominik Szoboszlai taken from about 18 meters, blocking it with his hands and then clearing the rebound with his left foot (26th minute). “It was a very good free kick, high speed, he hit it well,” said Neuer. He added, “It wasn’t easy to save.” If one wanted, they could hear an implied message: Others might not have saved it.
Celebrated Online
Those who saw the reaction on social media after this save would believe that Manuel Neuer is back to being the goalkeeper who is considered the best of this century, and who has changed the game with his style of play.
Yet, only a few weeks ago, even Neuer faced doubts. He had made mistakes against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, against Hoffenheim in the last Bundesliga match of the season, and also in the friendlies against Ukraine and Greece before this European Championship. Furthermore, Marc-André ter Stegen openly expressed his disappointment at once again being the backup goalkeeper for a major tournament, calling it “a slap in the face.”
National coach Julian Nagelsmann, however, stood by his decision, made back in March. What other choice did he have? The idea of Neuer being the second-choice goalkeeper seemed unimaginable.
After the game against Hungary, Neuer could have used the opportunity to make a personal statement. Instead, he focused on the bigger picture—the team. “It was important that we kept a clean sheet. We actually deserved that in our first game against Scotland,” he said.
No Scottish Magic
Now, after two games and two victories, Germany has already secured a spot in the Round of 16 of this European Championship. The fans in Stuttgart even dreamed of more, chanting in the final minutes of the match: “Berlin, Berlin, we’re going to Berlin.” The final will be played there on July 14 (21:00 in F.A.Z. live ticker for the European Championship, on ARD, and on MagentaTV).
However, the magic seen against Scotland was missing against Hungary. “It was a tough game,” Nagelsmann admitted. The Hungarians defended resolutely, with even their three forwards often dropping back close to their own penalty area when Germany had possession. They also remained dangerous during corners and free kicks. “There were moments we had to withstand. That’s what we need; it’s a maturation process,” said Nagelsmann. “In November, we might not have necessarily won this game 2-0.”
