Bayern Munich number one Manuel Neuer has claimed that the first match of the World Cup 2014 for the German national team will be key to their success in the competition as a whole. Germany have failed in a number of major tournaments over the last few years despite having a very strong squad. As a result, there’s a lot of pressure on manager Joachim Loew, who was even faced with pressure to resign before the World Cup. They finished third in the previous World Cup in South Africa. Neuer has recalled that one of the key towards that good result was starting the tournament in great fashion.
Germany faces a tough group this time around since they will be coming up against the likes of Portugal, USA, and Ghana in the group G. There is a potential that despite the incredible quality, Germany could struggle to even qualify for the knockout stages if they do not get a win in the opening match. Germany come into the tournament on the back of a poor form that has seen them concede numerous goals. The draw for the World Cup just made it tougher for Germany since they will be playing against Portugal in the first match of the tournament.
Neuer has already targeted three points from this match for a successful World Cup.
“I think it’s important to make a good start, hopefully with a win. It gives us power for the games to come. The first match is the first final, everything’s on the line. Football is the main sport in our nation, so the expectations are high. We aim to fulfil those expectations,” said the German goalkeeper on Bayern Munich’s official site. Germany managed to beat the likes of Australia, England, and Argentina to finish third in the previous World Cup.