Neuer Retires Again, Calls It 'Extremely Bitter'

Manuel Neuer experienced a sour end to his international career with Germany as they crashed out of the World Cup. The four-time champions lost 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay in what stands as one of the biggest shocks of this summer's tournament.

Neuer made his 23rd World Cup start for Germany—the most in their history—having come out of retirement to represent his country. Although he saved Paraguay's fifth penalty to take the shootout to sudden death, the 40-year-old veteran could not stop Jose Canale's winner.

The legendary goalkeeper played his 128th and last match for Germany, concluding his glittering international career far from a dream finish. "It's extremely bitter for it to end like this," Neuer told the media following the Round of 32 defeat on Monday.

Decision to call up Neuer labeled weak

Oliver Baumann, who plays for TSG Hoffenheim, had featured in all six of Germany's qualifying matches for the World Cup. He looked well-positioned to be their starting goalkeeper this summer but was ultimately demoted to second choice behind the Bayern Munich shot-stopper.

Former Germany defender Robert Huth joined talkSPORT Breakfast on Tuesday and took strong issue with head coach Julian Nagelsmann's call.

Huth stated, "I think the big one that really unsettled the squad was the Neuer inclusion. I think it was really unexpected; he came late to the table. I've obviously watched Neuer quite a bit and yes, he had some good games in the league (Bundesliga) and notably in the Champions League against Real Madrid where he was outstanding. But he also had some really, really bad games, and I don't think a couple of good games justified him being in the squad at all."

He further added, "I think it just sets a bad attitude when the coach brings in a player who has already retired. I was actually at his retirement game in Munich a couple of years ago—that's how long he has been retired from Germany. So, for him to come back surprisingly like that, it can't be nice for Baumann or for the squad. It just shows a little bit of weakness from the coach to change his mind at the last minute, and I think that kind of sentiment goes through the squad."

Another early exit for Germany

Germany had never been knocked out of a World Cup via a penalty shootout until their encounter against Paraguay. This marks the latest chapter in their fall from grace since lifting the world championship trophy back in 2014 with a victory over Argentina.

Die Mannschaft failed to make it out of the group stages in both 2018 and 2022, and have now failed to even reach the last 16. Germany would have faced France or Sweden in the next round, but it is Paraguay who will progress to contest for a quarter-final spot.

It has been a campaign to forget for Germany, whose wait for a record-equalling fifth World Cup title continues.