32-year-old Manuel Neuer has joined Germany's men's football team to make a promotion film for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, meaning that he will for sure play for his country in Russia, according to Germany's daily newspaper Bild.
Though Germany's Head Coach Joachim Loew has said that Neuer cannot play at World Cup before he plays in real matches, he never wants to give up on the experienced goalkeeper who has played for his country at the 2010, 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2012, 2016 European Football Championship.
Manuel Neuer of Germany holds the World Cup to celebrate with his teammates during the award ceremony after the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. /VCG Photo
Manuel Neuer of Germany holds the World Cup to celebrate with his teammates during the award ceremony after the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. /VCG Photo
"I believe Neuer will be playing at the World Cup. If he is in Russia, he will be my first choice for goalkeeper," said Loew to ARD Fernsehen in an interview.
Neuer has not played any match since September, 2017 but he has been doing well at the training camp in Italy's South Tyrol. His teammate Jerome Boateng believes that he will be the leading goalkeeper in Russia: "Neuer is the world's best goalkeeper. Ter Stegen is great too, but Neuer is unique," said Boateng.
Manuel Neuer at Germany's traning camp /VCG Photo
Manuel Neuer at Germany's traning camp /VCG Photo
Germany's men's football team will play two matches with the country's U20 men's football team on May 28 and 30 in South Tyrol as inside tests. Neuer will be playing as goalkeeper. If he becomes leading goalkeeper in Russia, Ter Stegen will be No.2 choice.
"Ter Stegen knows that Neuer has played several international major games as the leading goalkeeper. He (Neuer) is also the team's captain. Ter Stegen will accept being the substitute, " said Loew.
Loew will give the final 23-person list for Germany's squad at World Cup on June 4. The team will play a match with Austria on June 2 which may be the most important chance for Neuer. Germany will depart for Moscow from Frankfurt on June 12 to prepare the country's first match in Group E against Mexico on June 17.