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Manuel Neuer has firmly denied being at fault for Germany’s 2-1 loss to Ecuador, standing his ground despite mounting criticism from former players and the press. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper defended his positioning during the decisive moment, while coach Julian Nagelsmann publicly supported his captain amid growing scrutiny over Germany’s No.1 choice.

Neuer refuses to accept blame after costly defeat

The 40-year-old goalkeeper dismissed suggestions that he was responsible for Ecuador’s winning goal, scored by Gonzalo Plata in the 77th minute. When asked directly if he accepted responsibility for the strike, Neuer flatly denied it. The goal came when Plata got ahead of Jonathan Tah to finish from close range after a knockdown in the penalty area. Neuer appeared to hesitate as the ball crossed the box, which led to widespread criticism regarding his positioning and decision-making.

Neuer and Nagelsmann stand firm in defence of the keeper

Neuer explained his reasoning, insisting that his positioning was correct and that his actions were in line with how a professional goalkeeper should respond in that situation.

“Anyone who has played as a goalkeeper knows that’s the position I must take in relation to the ball,” Neuer said after the match. “I simply wanted to catch it — that would have been the safest option. If I had tried to grab it at chest height, it could have ended up as an own goal.”

When pressed again on whether he took any responsibility for the goal, the German captain responded emphatically: “No.”

Nagelsmann also came to his captain’s defence after the defeat, commenting: “There hasn’t been a single match where the goalkeeper truly had to make many saves. We should have defended that situation better beforehand. It’s a very difficult position for a goalkeeper to be in.”

Growing criticism over Germany’s goalkeeping choices

Despite Neuer’s confident stance, criticism continues to mount. Former Germany skipper Lothar Matthaus questioned Neuer’s performance, suggesting that he was overly cautious in the crucial moment.

“He approached it too cautiously. He was too timid — that’s not the Neuer we know,” Matthaus said, as quoted by Waz.

The criticism goes beyond one incident. Neuer has conceded four goals across Germany’s three group-stage matches, with every first shot on target finding the net. His return as the starting goalkeeper after a two-year international hiatus has reignited debate, particularly following Oliver Baumann’s strong performances during qualification and in the final friendly against the United States before being replaced.

Nagelsmann under increasing pressure

Although Nagelsmann continues to publicly back Neuer, questions surrounding Germany’s goalkeeping hierarchy are unlikely to fade anytime soon. With the round of 32 fast approaching, every decision involving the veteran goalkeeper will face intense scrutiny. For now, Nagelsmann shows no signs of altering his approach, but growing pressure from pundits and the media seems inevitable following Germany’s defeat to Ecuador.