Manuel Neuer focused on the task ahead
Germany keeper Manuel Neuer has said that he is excited to be playing a part in the first encounter between Turkey and Germany since the semi-finals of the 2008 European championships.
Joachim Low's side overcame Turkey in the game two years ago, which ended 3–2 after Philipp Lahm put the nail in the coffin for Germany just before full time.
Turkey, who provided a stern test for the Germans that time around, will be eager to earn their third straight win in the Euro 2012 qualifiers when the sides meet in Berlin on Friday.
"I was in Croatia during Germany's win against Turkey at Euro 2008, in Dubrovnik on holiday. Of course I saw the game on TV," said Neuer, who has made 13 international appearances since his 2009 debut, told FIFA.com. "It was really exciting and offered a
lot of goals. I was very excited when Philipp Lahm made it 3-2."
Impressed in South Africa
Following the tragic death of Robert Enke and Rene Adler's rib injury, Low chose the 24-year-old Neuer as Germany's first-choice keeper at the 2010 World Cup.
Neuer responded by letting in only three goals in seven games in the tournament, two of which were scored by Uruguay in the game for third place. The Schalke 04 captain's performance in South Africa cemented his position as number one on the German team.
"Being number one for Germany is similar to having the captain's armband at Schalke. It's nice to have them, but I am what I am and my performance is not dependent on the announcement of who is in the German goal. I focus on my job and my current focus is
now on the game against Turkey."
Given the promising start to his career and the tendency of goalkeepers to get better with age, Neuer will likely hold both positions for some time to come.
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