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Andreas Köpke did not need long to consider his answer. When asked if he had ever seen a better sweeper than Manuel Neuer, Germany's goalkeeping coach smiled broadly and replied: "Only Franz Beckenbauer, perhaps.
In his prime, the "Kaiser" faced his challenges with elegance and nonchalance. In contrast, "Manu the Sweeper" had to risk life and limb on several occasions to make his daring runs and help Germany to secure a 2-1 extra-time win against Algeria to set up Friday's World Cup quarter-final against France (live on ARD from 18:00 CEST). It was probably one of the most spectacular performances by a goalkeeper in the long history of German football.
The 28-year-old received well-deserved praise from all corners after the match."He was exceptionally good," said national team coach Joachim Löw. "He played like a sweeper and defused a lot of precarious situations."
Niersbach: "Absolutely world-class"
On the flight back to Germany's World Cup team base, DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach continued to sing Neuer’s praises, announcing over the plane's tannoy system: "I think we can all say a big ‘thank you’ to our Number 1 tonight. Manu, what you achieved tonight was just absolutely world-class."
The Bayern Munich shot-stopper has also been a major talking point on social media since Monday evening, as a large number of Photoshopped images with Neuer as the main protagonist quickly went viral. England defender Rio Ferdinand acknowledged the Germany keeper’s escapades and daring touches by saying: "Neuer the sweeper could replace me at Manchester United next season!"
Köpke: "He doesn't take unnecessary risks"
On ZDF, Bastian Schweinsteiger declared Neuer "a gift", while Köpke described his charge as simply "the most complete and therefore best keeper in the world, before emphasising that “the risks Manuel takes are not unnecessary."
In fact, says Germany's goalkeeping coach, "He enjoys his football. You never get nervous on the bench because Manu is assured in every situation". He added that Neuer's presence, "and the way he anticipates play is unique, fantastic." Former German international Christoph Metzelder believes Neuer "could also play in central defence."
Despite the multitude of tributes, Neuer himself remained cool, referring only to the "fine line" he treads in such matches. He explained that he simply has to make the right decision, "but once I've decided, I see it through 100 per cent." This was perfectly apparent in the Algeria match, where he touched the ball outside the box an astonishing 19 times.
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Neuer: "That's the way I play"
Die Mannschaft's goalkeeper, who will win his 50th international cap against France on Friday, takes the prospect of injuries in his stride. "If I was afraid, I'd stay on my line. I try not to think about getting injured," he explains. He knows what he is capable of, saying "that's the way I play". Per Mertesacker agrees, acknowledging that Neuer is “renowned” for his confident approach.
The impression that Neuer played like an outfield player in gloves on Monday evening is only reinforced by his "heat map", a diagram that uses coloured shading to show how much of the pitch a player covers during a game. Neuer's heat map includes blue traces near the touchline on the right and left flanks as well as 30 metres from goal. He also helped to set up some of Germany’s chances by feeding the ball to players such as André Schürrle – just as legendary sweeper Franz Beckenbauer might once have done.
created by sid
[bild1]
Andreas Köpke did not need long to consider his answer. When asked if he had ever seen a better sweeper than Manuel Neuer, Germany's goalkeeping coach smiled broadly and replied: "Only Franz Beckenbauer, perhaps.
In his prime, the "Kaiser" faced his challenges with elegance and nonchalance. In contrast, "Manu the Sweeper" had to risk life and limb on several occasions to make his daring runs and help Germany to secure a 2-1 extra-time win against Algeria to set up Friday's World Cup quarter-final against France (live on ARD from 18:00 CEST). It was probably one of the most spectacular performances by a goalkeeper in the long history of German football.
The 28-year-old received well-deserved praise from all corners after the match."He was exceptionally good," said national team coach Joachim Löw. "He played like a sweeper and defused a lot of precarious situations."
Niersbach: "Absolutely world-class"
On the flight back to Germany's World Cup team base, DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach continued to sing Neuer’s praises, announcing over the plane's tannoy system: "I think we can all say a big ‘thank you’ to our Number 1 tonight. Manu, what you achieved tonight was just absolutely world-class."
The Bayern Munich shot-stopper has also been a major talking point on social media since Monday evening, as a large number of Photoshopped images with Neuer as the main protagonist quickly went viral. England defender Rio Ferdinand acknowledged the Germany keeper’s escapades and daring touches by saying: "Neuer the sweeper could replace me at Manchester United next season!"
Köpke: "He doesn't take unnecessary risks"
On ZDF, Bastian Schweinsteiger declared Neuer "a gift", while Köpke described his charge as simply "the most complete and therefore best keeper in the world, before emphasising that “the risks Manuel takes are not unnecessary."
In fact, says Germany's goalkeeping coach, "He enjoys his football. You never get nervous on the bench because Manu is assured in every situation". He added that Neuer's presence, "and the way he anticipates play is unique, fantastic." Former German international Christoph Metzelder believes Neuer "could also play in central defence."
Despite the multitude of tributes, Neuer himself remained cool, referring only to the "fine line" he treads in such matches. He explained that he simply has to make the right decision, "but once I've decided, I see it through 100 per cent." This was perfectly apparent in the Algeria match, where he touched the ball outside the box an astonishing 19 times.
[bild2]
Neuer: "That's the way I play"
Die Mannschaft's goalkeeper, who will win his 50th international cap against France on Friday, takes the prospect of injuries in his stride. "If I was afraid, I'd stay on my line. I try not to think about getting injured," he explains. He knows what he is capable of, saying "that's the way I play". Per Mertesacker agrees, acknowledging that Neuer is “renowned” for his confident approach.
The impression that Neuer played like an outfield player in gloves on Monday evening is only reinforced by his "heat map", a diagram that uses coloured shading to show how much of the pitch a player covers during a game. Neuer's heat map includes blue traces near the touchline on the right and left flanks as well as 30 metres from goal. He also helped to set up some of Germany’s chances by feeding the ball to players such as André Schürrle – just as legendary sweeper Franz Beckenbauer might once have done.
