Neuer Set To Make History As Germany's Record Holder

Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer can make history on Tuesday by clocking up a record 96th appearance in goal for Germany in a Nations League game against Spain.

Neuer equalled Sepp Maier's record of 95 appearances for a Germany goalkeeper, set in 1979, in Saturday's 3-1 win over Ukraine in Leipzig.

He can claim the record outright when Germany play Spain on Tuesday to decide their Nations League group.

"It's about time. It's 41 years since I set the record and I congratulate him," Maier, 76, told DPA last week.

At the age of 34, Neuer has given no hint of retirement.

Maier is tipping him to rack up a century of appearances for Germany with seven months to go before their opening match of the postponed Euro championships against world champions France in Munich.

Maier asked why Neuer should hang up his gloves: "There is nothing wrong with him."

The Bayern stopper proved he remains at his best by hoisting the Champions League trophy for the second time last August in Lisbon, having also won the 2013 final in London with the Bavarian giants.

Neuer made his international debut in 2009, became Germany's first-choice 'keeper the following year and has kept 41 clean sheets in his 95 appearances.

Over the last decade, he has reinterpreted the position like Russia's Lev Yashin did in the 1960s or France's 1998 World Cup winner Fabien Barthez achieved in his era – Maier is as known for his dominant presence in goal as much as his ability to leave the penalty area and act as an extra defender. (AFP)