Manuel Neuer denies blame for Ecuador defeat as criticism mounts

Manuel Neuer refused to accept responsibility for Germany's decisive goal in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, pushing back against heavy criticism from the media and former players. He defended his positioning after Gonzalo Plata's 77th-minute winner, which followed a knockdown inside the box and Plata getting in front of Jonathan Tah to convert from close range.

Julian Nagelsmann also backed his goalkeeper as questions over Germany's No.1 intensified. Neuer stood by his actions and said: "Anyone who's ever played goalkeeper knows that's how I have to position myself in relation to the ball. I simply wanted to catch it, that would have been the safest solution.

If I'd started grabbing the ball at chest level, it might have been an own goal." When asked if he took responsibility for the goal, he emphatically replied: "No." Former captain Lothar Matthaus said Neuer "goes there too tentatively.

Ecuador, Germany

manuel neuer, gonzalo plata, jonathan tah, julian nagelsmann, lothar matthaus, ecuador, germany, decisive goal, goalkeeper positioning, media criticism