Neuer: Germany have to deliver against Slovakia

Praises defence amidst criticism of attack

Posted Saturday, June 25, 2016 by Marca.com

Germany's Manuel Neuer accepted that his side are favourites ahead of Sunday's clash with Slovakia, but the keeper was under no illusions about the challenges ahead against a team which beat them 3-1 in Augsburg just before the tournament.

The goalkeeper remains aware that the previous encounter between the two sides was just a friendly, though did think some conclusions could be reached from the loss, despite the nature of that game.

"They're not to be underestimated, we know how well they play having lost to them recently, but that was a friendly so the circumstances are different," Neuer said.

"We're well prepared and we need to play decisively to settle this game."

Marek Hamsik, who was amongst the goals that day, has excelled in the tournament to date and Neuer highlighted the importance of the Napoli man to Slovakia.

"Everyone knows how dangerous he is when you let him shoot- he's scored great goals for Napoli.

"It's vital that we address the danger he poses and stop him shooting from distance, but we can't just focus on one man at the expense of the others."

Germany conceded three times in that friendly after having taken the lead through Mario Gomez, but so far in France they've maintained three clean sheets, something Neuer was quick to highlight the importance of heading into this fixture.

"We need to continue like that in the knock-outs, there's a high level of expectation around us and we know exactly what's demanded of us."

"The pressure will be different from the group phase.

Germany's attack has come in for criticism with a return of just three goals in three games, but Neuer felt that the overall displays have been satisfactory.

"Keeping a clean sheet is key, but we also know we can score- the whole team is performing really well."