Neuer: We must be wary of Portugal

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has advised his team-mates not to underestimate Portugal in the first match of their Euro 2012 campaign.

Despite Joachim Loew’s side being labelled favourites for the Group B encounter on Saturday, Neuer remains wary of Portugal, and warned his side they will have to be at their best to secure all three points.

“I hope we get off to a good start, so the pressure that we impose on ourselves gets less. We want to win, but have to be modest in preparing for the game,” he said at a press conference.

“A lot has changed for Germany since 2010. Back then it was not certain that I would be the number one. Now I’m glad about the responsibility I take for the team.

“Cristiano Ronaldo? I’d say the Champions League semi-final (between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid])turned out to be a tie between us, but I suppose (Mesut) Oezil and (Sami) Khedira kept him well informed about me,” Neuer said.

Germany will also take on the Netherlands and Denmark in Group B action.