Matt Oldfield - Neuer (Ultimate Football Heroes)--Collect Them All!

Sunday, 13 July 2014

As Manuel sang the words of the German national anthem loud and proud, he tried not to look over at the famous gold trophy sitting a few metres away from him. It was so beautiful and so close. Manuel could have reached out and touched it when he walked out of the tunnel. But he didnt want to jinx it. The trophy didnt belong to them. Yet.

Come on! Manuel clapped as the music finished and the fans cheered.

The famous Maracan stadium in Rio de Janeiro was packed and ready for the 2014 World Cup Final Germany vs Argentina. Manuels team had lost in the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, but this time, Germany had made it all the way to the final. After thrashing the hosts Brazil 7-1, they were the favourites to win, but they couldnt underestimate a top team like Argentina.

We can do this! Manuel told the defenders in front of him.

Philipp Lahm, Mats Hummels, Jrme Boateng and Benedikt Hwedes they were more than just his teammates, for club and country. They were his friends. They believed in each other and worked together. Thats why they were one game away from becoming Champions of the World.

Yes, Argentina had Lionel Messi, but Germany had Manuel. In Brazil, Manuel had consistently shown that he was the best goalkeeper in the world. It wasnt just his incredible reaction saves; it was his all-round game. Manuel was no ordinary keeper. He could catch, stop, tackle and pass. He was Germanys last line of defence and also their first line of attack. His teammates trusted him and relied on him.

Jrme, watch Messi when he drops deep! Manuel called and pointed.

He never stopped moving, talking, organising. It all helped him to keep his concentration for the big moments, the moments when Germany would need their goalkeeper to save the day.

After thirty minutes, Argentinas Gonzalo Higuan had the ball in the net. But Manuel already had his arm up, even while diving down. Offside! he called out.

Manuel was right, of course. The linesman raised his flag. No goal what a relief!

In the second half, Higuan chased after a long ball. He used his speed to escape from the German defenders, but he couldnt escape from the German goalkeeper. Manuel to the rescue! He sprinted off his line to jump and punch the ball away from danger.

Thanks, Manu! Benedikt shouted, patting him on the back.

Manuel nodded modestly. He was just doing his job: being the sweeper keeper.

Argentina couldnt score past Manuel, but Germany couldnt score past Sergio Romero either. The longer the match went on, the more nerve-wracking it became, for the fans and for the players. Fortunately, Manuel was Mr Nervenstrke: Mr Strong-Nerved. Even though he was the last man, he stayed calm and focused.

In the last ten minutes, Germany had several chances to score.

So close! Manuel was groaning, putting his hands on his head.

But he didnt switch off. He had to concentrate at all times. A goalkeeper never knew when his team would need him. In extra-time, Rodrigo Palacio chested the ball down and ran into the penalty area. Manuel was out in a flash, making it hard for the striker to score. Palacio managed to chip the ball over him, but it went wide of the goal.

No more mistakes! Manuel told his defenders.

He was already preparing himself for his favourite battle penalties. Goalkeeper vs striker, one on one, the pressure, the drama Manuel loved it. He had been the shoot-out hero so many times before, for Schalke and for Bayern Munich, but never for Germany. Would this be his moment?

No, because Andr Schrrle crossed to Mario Gtze, who volleyed the ball into the net. What a goal Germany 1 Argentina 0!

Most of the players and fans went wild, but not Manuel. He punched the air and then returned to his goal-line. There were still six minutes of football left to play before he could celebrate properly.

Stay organised! he screamed out.

Lucas Biglia flicked the ball into the path of Marcos Rojo. Danger! Manuel had one last bit of sweeper keeping to do. He rushed out, lifted the ball over Rojos head and caught it on the other side. He made it look so easy.

Neuer! Neuer! Neuer!

It was the perfect way for Manuel to end a perfect tournament. At the final whistle, he ran and jumped onto the growing pile of his Germany teammates. He hugged every single one of them.

We did it! they cheered.

Back in 2009, Manuel had won the Under-21 European Championships with Mats, Jrme, Benedikt, Sami Khedira and Mesut zil. That night, they dreamt about the future. Now, that future had arrived. They had won the World Cup together.

Manuel put on a white Germany shirt over his green goalkeeper jersey. He wanted to wear the national colours and he was no different to the outfield players anyway. But soon he had to take it off because he had a special award to collect.

And the Golden Glove for Best Goalkeeper goes to MANUEL NEUER!

Manuel had kept out Cristiano Ronaldos Portugal, Karim Benzemas France, Hulks Brazil and finally Messis Argentina. He was the number one sweeper keeper, the best in the world.

Manuel raised the trophy in one big hand and punched the air with the other. What a night! He was very proud of his own achievement, but he was prouder about his teams achievement. The World Cup was the trophy that Manuel really wanted to hold. It was his childhood dream come true.

Yessssssssssssssssssss! he shouted, lifting it high above his head.

Fireworks shot up into the night sky. The party was just getting started.

The German League, the Champions League, and now the World Cup the small skinny kid from Gelsenkirchen had won them all.

When Manuel was younger, lots of people had made the mistake of doubting him. Would he grow tall enough to be a goalkeeper? Could he make it at the top level? Was his style too risky? But he rose to every challenge with nerves and gloves of steel. He was a leader, a winner, and a goalkeeper extraordinaire. It was like he had been born with a football in his hands.