Germany were reliant on an energetic display from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as they advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals with an extra-time victory over Algeria on Monday.
The plucky Africans constantly got in behind Joachim Low’s laboured back line, but Neuer regularly left the confines of his penalty area to sweep up and thwart the threat.
The Bayern Munich ‘keeper made the same number of tackles as he did saves in the first half as he darted from between the sticks to make a total of 21 touches outside his area.
But the statistic is all the more incredible when compared to the efforts of Brazil flop Fred in the hosts’ World Cup opener against Croatia last month.
Germany v Algeria - player ratings
The 33-year-old Fluminense striker was among the favourites to win the tournament’s golden boot, but he managed just 20 touches during the curtain-raiser in Sao Paulo – one less than a lively Neuer on Monday night.
The Germans eventually edged past Algeria thanks to goals from Andre Scurrle and Mesut Ozil, but a brave showing from the underdogs could have seen Low’s men knocked out if Neuer hadn’t hung up his gloves for an outfield audition.
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