Sepp Maier counts on DFB captain Neuer – and worries about the shoulders of the nation
Created: 02/12/2022 05:34
By: Christoph Klaucke
Sepp Maier loses his World Cup record to Manuel Neuer.
The Bayern legend blames the national keeper for two goals conceded.
Doha – When the German national team plays Costa Rica today (December 1) for progress at the 2022 World Cup, the DFB captain will be in the spotlight.
Manuel Neuer shouldn't have much to do against the outsider, for whom one point might be enough for the round of 16.
However, the FC Bayern goalkeeper set a new record with his 19th World Cup appearance, overtaking Brazilian Claudio Taffarel and Sepp Maier of all people.
The goalkeeper icon and Bayern legend criticizes Neuer's recent performances.
Manuel Neuer |
Born: March 27, 1986 (age 36), Gelsenkirchen |
Position: goalkeeper |
Club: FC Bayern |
Internationals: 116 (as of December 1, 2022; 2 p.m.) |
World Cup games: 18 (as of December 1, 2022; 2 p.m.) |
World Cup record: Manuel Neuer surpasses Bayern legend Sepp Maier
First, credit where credit is due.
Sepp Maier congratulates Neuer wholeheartedly for the new goalkeeper record and is not angry with his successor for ousting him.
"I'm very happy for Manuel, he deserves it," said the 1974 world champion goalkeeper in an interview with
Sportbuzzer
.
"Manuel is the best goalkeeper in the world - and who knows, maybe he'll play another World Cup in just under four years?
Then Manuel can also play 30 games,” Maier even looks ahead to the next World Cup in 2026.
Bayern boss and ex-goalkeeper Oliver Kahn recently emphasized that Neuer could continue “until 40 or over 40”.
The contract can also be extended by a further year each season.
Manuel Neuer is outwitted in the near corner in the World Cup match against Japan.
© Robert Michael/dpa
World Cup 2022: Sepp Maier criticizes Neuer – "Not so happy, I think"
Despite the new World Cup record (broadcast dates of the DFB team), Maier is not particularly enthusiastic about Neuer's current form.
"Not so happy, I don't think so," said the 78-year-old, adding: "As was the performance of the entire team in the first game against Japan." In the 2-1 draw against the Blue Samurai, Neuer made an unfortunate one of both goals conceded Figure, but also prevented worse with strong saves.
also read
Japan through scandal goal group winners?
No Spanish help for Germany
Germany fails again: Thomas Müller hints at resignation after the World Cup
"When we conceded the first goal, Manuel was unfortunately only able to deflect the shot forward into the opponent's feet," explained Maier.
“The second time Takuma Asano conceded, he looked a bit stupid because normally a goal shouldn't be scored from this acute angle.
If the Japanese shoots 1000 times, the ball goes in once.” Neuer opened the goalkeeping corner in reaction to his injured left shoulder?
Peter, Walter, Cedric: These are the middle names of the DFB stars at the 2022 World Cup
View photo gallery
Germany at the World Cup: Sepp Maier worries about Neuer's shoulder
"I was worried once on TV when he straightened his shoulder like that after a save and got there.
I don't think he's 100 percent fit," said Maier, who speaks from his own experience.
“I also had a shoulder joint contusion, a really stupid story – and I struggled with it for months.
With every movement, it stings briefly in the shoulder.
For a few weeks I had injections to relieve the pain, even at half-time.”
“To this day I still have a little bump on my right shoulder.
The good thing is: If I hang a travel bag or a bag on it when shopping, it doesn't slip down," reveals Maier, who hasn't lost his typical sense of humor even in old age.
Before the World Cup, Neuer missed seven competitive games due to a shoulder joint rupture, but returned in time for the last three Bundesliga games.
Sepp Maier: Despite Neuer, Germany is not a favorite for the World Cup
In Maier's opinion, Germany even reached the World Cup semi-finals - also thanks to Neuer.
"Okay, he's in a good mood overall," says Maier confidently.
But his favorite for the title is different.
"The Spaniards played great, very strong.
That's why the 1:1 of the Germans was okay.
On the other hand, the Brazilians haven't convinced me that much despite their victories.” On Thursday evening it's all about the round of 16,
tz.de
reports on the group final Germany against Costa Rica in the live ticker.
(ck)
