Neuer on verge of World Cup record for goalkeepers

Manuel Neuer is on the brink of another World Cup milestone. The Germany goalkeeper is set to make his 21st appearance at the FIFA World Cup when his side faces Côte d'Ivoire in Toronto on Saturday, a record for any goalkeeper in the tournament's history.

Record within reach

Neuer, 40, equaled France's Hugo Lloris with his 20th World Cup outing in Germany's 7-1 opening win over Curaçao on Sunday. A start against Côte d'Ivoire would see him surpass Lloris and become the all-time leader in World Cup appearances by a goalkeeper. The Bayern Munich veteran is also appearing at his fifth World Cup, matching Lothar Matthäus' German record.

Neuer has been Germany's first-choice goalkeeper since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. His debut came against Australia in that tournament, and he has remained a fixture in the side ever since.

Sweeper-keeper legacy

Neuer's defining World Cup moment came in the round of 16 against Algeria on June 30, 2014. In a performance that redefined the goalkeeper role, he frequently rushed off his line to clear danger, earning acclaim for his "sweeper-keeper" style. That match remains a highlight of Germany's eventual title run.

Reflecting on his career, Neuer said after the Curaçao match: "I can still remember my World Cup debut, against Australia in 2010. I'm savouring this as if it were my first World Cup. If you love football, you love it through and through, and that's why appearing at a fifth World Cup is really special for me."

Comeback and team spirit

Neuer's appearance against Curaçao was his first international cap in nearly two years. At 40 years and 79 days, he became the oldest German player to feature at a major tournament, surpassing Matthäus' record set at UEFA EURO 2000.

"I've been looking forward to this and counting down the days: I was raring to go. It felt good to be out on the pitch with the lads," Neuer told Magenta after the match. He also praised the team's energy: "We really enjoyed ourselves out there, and the players who came on brought a real sense of energy. The team spirit is plain to see."

Group E outlook

Germany's second Group E match against Côte d'Ivoire offers a chance to secure a spot in the knockout stage. The four-time world champions could even clinch top spot if results in the other group match between Curaçao and Ecuador go their way. Neuer expects a tougher test against the physically imposing Ivorians compared to the one-sided opener.

Should Germany advance deep into the tournament, Neuer could add to his appearance tally, potentially reaching 27 matches if the team goes all the way.