HOUSTON — At this level, Manuel Neuer has seen all of it.
Germany’s veteran goalkeeper is enjoying in his fifth World Cup, tying Lothar Matthäus for the German file. When Neuer began in on Sunday, June 14, he grew to become the oldest German participant to look in a serious event at 40 years and 79 days previous.
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It was Neuer’s twentieth World Cup match. Though he continues to age, some issues by no means get previous. Enjoying within the World Cup is one among them.
“It was actually very particular,” Neuer mentioned. “It makes me extremely proud to be enjoying for the nationwide group once more, to be out on the pitch with this squad, and to be enjoying in my fifth World Cup. I’m overjoyed about it.”
There was no assure he can be right here.
Neuer retired from the nationwide group after Germany was knocked out of the 2024 European Championship. However nationwide group coach Julian Nagelsmann requested Neuer to return earlier this 12 months after Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen bought injured, and with Neuer in spectacular kind for Bayern Munich.
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The choice was divisive. Neuer missed a number of of Germany’s pre-World Cup friendlies whereas recovering from a calf damage he suffered in late Might enjoying within the Bundesliga. Nagelsmann’s last-minute determination to call Neuer to Germany’s World Cup roster, changing Oliver Baumann because the group’s No. 1 goalkeeper, drew criticism from German followers in addition to a number of former distinguished German nationwide group gamers together with Matthäus.
Then once more, Manuel Neuer just isn’t for the danger averse.
Neuer spent the higher a part of the final twenty years serving because the gold normal for a technology of goalkeepers whereas redefining the place. His propensity to hurry out of the penalty space and clear the ball noticed him labeled a “sweeper keeper,” and earned world recognition.
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Neuer has gained the European award for finest goalkeeper 5 instances, greater than another participant, and gained the Golden Glove when Germany gained the 2014 World Cup.
“With a purpose to have World Cup, we’d like Manuel in high efficiency and I feel he can deliver that,” Nagelsmann mentioned forward of Germany’s 2026 World Cup opener towards Curaçao.
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Photographs reveal unforgettable World Cup motion and emotion
US ahead #20 Folarin Balogun (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his group’s third purpose throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Photographs reveal unforgettable World Cup motion and emotion
US ahead #20 Folarin Balogun (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his group’s third purpose throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Photographs reveal unforgettable World Cup motion and emotion
Folarin Balogun #20 of the US scores his group’s third purpose throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Richard Heathcote, Getty Photos)
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Photographs reveal unforgettable World Cup motion and emotion
Cesar Samudio #12 of Panama fails to avoid wasting a shot from Giovanni Reyna #7 of the US as he scores his group’s fourth purpose throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Photos)
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Photographs reveal unforgettable World Cup motion and emotion
US midfielder #07 Giovanni Reyna (R) scores his group’s fourth purpose throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Photographs reveal unforgettable World Cup motion and emotion
US gamers have fun the fourth purpose by midfielder #07 Giovanni Reyna throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP through Getty Photos)
Neuer stayed true to his signature enjoying model in his World Cup curtain name. With Germany main Curaçao 4-1 within the second half, Neuer sprinted midway up the sphere and headed the ball from the middle line.
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“For a goalkeeper, you have to have distinctive qualities and he does,” mentioned
Neuer was solely pressured to make one save all sport as Germany dominated in possession and shot makes an attempt. Neuer conceded his solely purpose of the day within the first half to
Comenencia was giddy about scoring towards Neuer and later revealed that he had performed because the Germany keeper within the in style FIFA online game – an indication of how revered Neuer is worldwide.
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“He’s one of many best keepers,” Comenencia mentioned.
After the ultimate whistle, Neuer swapped jerseys with Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room.
“We spoke a little bit bit informal in regards to the sport and I spoke to him about how he feels bodily, and we joked round a little bit bit,” Room mentioned. “However he additionally mentioned, ‘You guys are good gamers, you guys did good. Maintain your head up and maintain going.’ In order that’s a pleasant second.”
Neuer is one among 4 of them are goalkeepers.
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“I imagine that ultimately, what issues just isn’t age, birthdate or enjoying time, however whether or not you deliver high quality to the pitch,” Neuer mentioned. “And that’s what coaches are there for; they determine on the squad and the group.
“In case you might help the group, and people in cost imagine that these gamers can fill the roles and really assist the squad, then it’s all the time the correct determination. And I imagine that’s precisely the case for us.”
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Photographs reveal unforgettable World Cup motion and emotion
The U.S. males’s nationwide group opened the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, powered by Folarin Balogun’s two-goal efficiency.
Relive the motion beginning with US gamers celebrating the group’s fourth purpose by midfielder #07 Giovanni Reyna on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Photographs reveal unforgettable World Cup motion and emotion
The U.S. males’s nationwide group opened the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, powered by Folarin Balogun’s two-goal efficiency.
Relive the motion beginning with US gamers celebrating the group’s fourth purpose by midfielder #07 Giovanni Reyna on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Photographs reveal unforgettable World Cup motion and emotion
US midfielder #07 Giovanni Reyna (R) scores his group’s fourth purpose throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Giovanni Reyna #7 of the US celebrates scoring his group’s fourth purpose throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Mauricio #11 of Paraguay scores his group’s first purpose throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Richard Heathcote, Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
US goalkeeper #24 Matt Freese concedes Paraguay’s first purpose scored by Paraguay’s midfielder #11 Mauricio (R) throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Photographs reveal unforgettable World Cup motion and emotion
Folarin Balogun #20 of the US scores his group’s third purpose throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Richard Heathcote, Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Folarin Balogun #20 of the US celebrates scoring his group’s second purpose with Weston McKennie #8 throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Richard Heathcote, Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
US ahead #20 Folarin Balogun (R) scores his group’s third purpose with teammates throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
US ahead #20 Folarin Balogun (C-R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his group’s third purpose throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Photographs reveal unforgettable World Cup motion and emotion
US ahead #20 Folarin Balogun (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his group’s third purpose throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Paraguay’s goalkeeper #12 Orlando Gill concedes US second purpose scored by ahead #20 Folarin Balogun throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
USA followers have fun after the US scored a second purpose throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 12, 2026.
(ETIENNE LAURENT, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Paraguay’s Argentine head coach Gustavo Alfaro reacts throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Antonee Robinson #5 of the US wins a header towards Diego Gomez #8 of Paraguay throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Damian Bobadilla #16 of Paraguay appears on as a shot deflects off him resulting in the primary purpose for the US throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
United States followers cheer after the U.S. scored the primary purpose of their World Cup match towards Paraguay whereas watching the match on the FIFA Fan Competition at LA Memorial Coliseum on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. That is the primary sport for the US in FIFA World Cup 2026 and Los Angeles is internet hosting 8 matches throughout the world event.
(Mario Tama, Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Chris Richards #3 of the US reacts throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Richard Heathcote, Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Paraguay’s defender #15 Gustavo Gomez (L) helps US midfielder #17 Malik Tillman to face up throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Antonio Sanabria #9 of Paraguay is challenged by Alex Freeman #16 of the US throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Stu Forster, Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Tim Ream #13 of the US controls the ball underneath stress from Antonio Sanabria #9 of Paraguay throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Stu Forster, Getty Photos)
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Followers gentle up the World Cup stands in unforgettable scenes
United States followers cheer within the stands throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
US actor Tom Cruise (L) and English former footballer David Beckham reacts throughout the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
California Governor Gavin Newsom (L) attends the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
US singer-songwriter Katy Perry (R) and younger singer Tius Luka (L) carry out forward of the 2026 World Cup Group D soccer match between USA and Paraguay on the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP through Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Normal view contained in the stadium as gamers of each aspect’s stroll out previous to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Photos)
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Unforgettable moments from USA’s World Cup win over Paraguay
Katy Perry performs throughout the Parade of Nations earlier than the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Harry How, Getty Photos)