Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer overcame physical problems and made a definitive move to start the World Cup in Germany’s goal. The 40-year-old athlete reestablished his clinical condition after presenting a muscle problem in the left calf region and has been carrying out preparatory activities in full alongside the other squad members. The constant improvement shown by the veteran consolidates the technical committee’s projections of using him in the main formation during the world tournament.
Manuel Neuer’s first work with the rest of the German squad took place on Monday (8), marking the end of medical isolation. The following day, Tuesday (9), the player repeated the high-intensity routine and did not show any type of limitation in his regular movements.
In the previous stages of preparation, the professional completed isolated schedules on the pitch and in the gym to regain muscular power and reestablish adequate reaction time. The positive response obtained this week consolidates the archer’s choice as the main option to defend the country in the tournament.
The experienced player’s clinical situation became an issue shortly after the 2-1 victory against the United States, in the final preparatory clash before the international competition. When asked about the risks of climbing the athlete, commander Julian Nagelsmann dismissed suspicions and supported his coach’s technical ability.
The coach pointed out that a professional with such historical background does not need long stages of competitive transition and highlighted that he has total emotional control in the face of extreme demanding scenarios.
On the other hand, the veteran’s replacement in the main post generated public discontent in Oliver Baumann, an archer linked to Hoffenheim. The direct competitor occupied the German goal in most of the preparatory matches in recent years and expressed his dissatisfaction with the imminent departure to the bench.
The athlete said that the scenario did not bring a positive feeling and chose to avoid deeper statements about the behind-the-scenes of the technical choice. He concluded by saying that the current focus is on collective work and the search for a successful campaign in the next few weeks of the tournament.
German schedule in the group stage
The key for the German team in this first phase of the world tournament is Group E, which also includes the presence of Curaçao, Ecuador and Ivory Coast. The four-time champions’ first official match will take place next Sunday (10), starting at 2pm (Brasília time), measuring forces against the Curaçao team at NRG Stadium, located in Houston.
The next challenge on the schedule is scheduled for the 20th, a Saturday, when they face Ivory Coast at 5pm on the BMO Field lawn in Toronto. The end of German participation in this initial stage takes place on the 25th, a Thursday, also at 5 pm, in a duel against Ecuador at the MetLife Stadium, located in New Jersey.
