Germany basically had 11 outfield players on the night.
Despite being out of action through injury for almost one year, Manuel Neuer is still widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world.
Even with the outstanding form of David De Gea, there’s one attribute where the Bayern Munich man will always top his Spanish counterpart, the ability to play as a sweeper-keeper.
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Alongside his impeccable shot-stopping and authoritarian command of his penalty area, Neuer is just as good outside the box than he is in it.
His impressive sweeping skills were shown on full display in Germany’s round-of-16 clash with Algeria in the 2014 World Cup.
The match is still remembered fondly for Neuer’s antics
The occasion was a bit of a crazy one anyway, even before Neuer just decided “f**k it!”
Germany were taken all the way to extra-time by minnows Algeria, who almost caused the shock of all shocks, coming close to knocking out the eventual champions.
Andre Schurrle spared Germany’s blushes in the 92nd minute, before Mesut Ozil doubled the scoreline in the 119th minute.
The drama wasn’t over yet however, as Algeria pulled one back in the 120th minute to keep Die Mannschaft on their toes.
Neuer might have been denied of his clean-sheet late, but his performance on the night was the standout in what was an otherwise lacklustre showing from Germany.
The Bayern man had 59 touches during the game, of which a remarkable 21 were outside of his penalty area.
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Neuer also passed the ball 32 times, more than the first goalscorer Schurrle, who passed it 21 times.
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Poor effort from Neuer, he didn’t even get out of his own half…
The high line adopted by Germany against Algeria would have left other sides massively exposed.
Thankfully for Joachim Low however, he had the best in the business between the posts.
Germany flirted with danger all night, but Neuer was always on hand… and feet… and just bloody everything, to bail them out.
Low’s side conceded just four goals on route to winning the World Cup.
The Golden Glove was bestowed upon Neuer after the tournament, rewarding his efforts for the most clean-sheets in Brazil.
Twitter was a hive of Neuer related banter after his eccentric performance…
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For those of you who loved seeing a good old sweeper keeper, then you’re in luck!
Neuer has been declared fighting-fit for the World Cup this summer after featuring in Germany’s recent friendlies, clearly doing enough to convince Low of his match-sharpness.
We haven’t seen handy work this good from a German since…
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