Neuer refuses to be compared to the Brazil World Cup generation

Manuel Neuer, the German national team goalkeeper, said that "comparisons are really impossible" between the German team participating in the 2026 World Cup and the team that won the title in Brazil in 2014, but stressed that "anything is possible with this team." The German team began their campaign in the current World Cup with a resounding 7-1 victory over Curaçao, the same scoreline by which they defeated Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semi-final. This is also the first time since 2014 that the German national team has won its opening World Cup match. Neuer said: "Starting the tournament like this is very special; it gives us confidence and a sense of calm. However, we still know that the 7-1 victory wasn't against Brazil in the semi-final." Neuer returned to the German national team after retiring following the Euro 2024 tournament, which was held in Germany.