Loew throws support behind Neuer

Germany coach Joachim Loew has backed Manuel Neuer after the goalkeeper conceded a soft goal in his side’s 4-1 victory over Kazakhstan.

Quick-fire strikes from Marco Reus, Mario Goetze and Ilkay Guendogan had wrapped up the three points for Germany prior to Neuer’s mistake.

Neuer received a back pass and his heavy first touch saw him lose possession and Heinrich Schmidtgal finish into an open goal.

Loew was unhappy with the treatment Neuer received after Kazakhstan pulled a goal back and said the 26-year-old was one of the best shot-stoppers in the world.

“What I do not like is the way that Manuel Neuer got whistled after his mistake,” Loew told ARD.

“He belongs to (the group of) the best ‘keepers in the world and he made one mistake.

“I do not think it is sporting that he was made the subject of the fans’ irony for the rest of the game.”

Reus added his second goal after Neuer’s mistake as Germany cruised to a resounding victory in Nuremberg, moving eight points clear atop Group C.

Loew was disappointed by his side’s second-half display but felt they should have scored more goals.

“We lacked concentration during the second half,” he said.

“The first half was good and after the break we should have scored some more goals.

“But the game was already decided then. The Kazakhs stood with 10 players around their penalty area and did not want to play football.”

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Neuer apologised for the goal but said he wanted to do more than just clear the ball.

“I gave a present out today. I have to apologise to the team,” he said.

“I did not want to just kick the ball forward, but that is what I should have done.”