Zieler lays down a marker

In the World Cup he was third choice, but Ron-Roberz Zieler performed like a number one in the 1-0 victory over European Champions Spain. Thomas Müller was effusive in his praise for the goalkeeper in the mixed zone after the match: “Excellent, Robert.” The keeper received a pat on the back from the FC Bayern attacker and also received praise from goalkeeper coach Andreas Köpke.

Zieler, who was unused in Brazil, made the most of his opportunity to impress the coaching staff. “We won, kept a clean sheet and I made some good saves. Overall it was a perfect evening for the team and for myself,” said the 25-year-old, who was getting his first taste of victory in his fourth cap.

Köpke: "The conditions were hard, especially for goalkeepers"

It was the idea time for Zieler to lay down a marker: Manuel Neuer may currently clearly be Germany’s number one goalkeeper meaning chances for others to impress are rare. On Tuesday he had a newly formed defence in front of him as well as facing the dangers of the current European Champions. “Conditions were hard, especially for the goalkeepers,” explained Köpke: “The opposition goalkeepers also found it tricky out there.”

Spain’s Francisco “Kiko” Casilla (Espanyol), who came on for Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas, let a long range effort from Toni Kroos (89’) slip through his hands and into the net. Despite the conditions, Zieler was on good form: He kept out two efforts from Nilito (12’ and 59’) as well as one from Pedro (82’) in spectacular style.

Löw: "I was very happy with Zieler"

Joachim Löw described these saves as "Outstanding. I was very happy with his performance." Andreas Köpke added: “Ron deserved his chance and he took it with both hands.” Ahead of the game it was expected that Zieler and Weidenfeller would play a half each due to Neuer’s injury. “But, Ron deserved the chance to play a completed game,” said Löw: “Roman had the chance to do that ahead of the World Cup.”

Ahead of the game he had only appeared once for Germany in the previous 27 months – the 0-0 draw with Poland in May ahead of the World Cup. He is yet to appear in a competitive international for Germany. The game in Vigo saw him build upon his good form for the national team: He has now gone 209 minutes without conceding a goal for Germany.

Löw was particularly impressed with how Zieler “played the ball out from the back.” Manuel Neuer is an expert at this, as are U21 keepers Marc-André ter Stegen and Bernd Leno; footballing ability is becoming an ever more important skill for goalkeepers. “In Germany we are blessed with good goalkeepers, but I only focus on my own performances and will continue to give it my all,” said Zieler. He strengthened his claim for a starting spot with his performance on Tuesday.