- Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has announced his second retirement from international football following the national team's unexpected early exit from the World Cup.
- The decision comes after Germany's campaign concluded with a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay, following a 1-1 draw after extra time where a potential winning goal was controversially disallowed by VAR.
- Despite Neuer saving one penalty in the shootout, misses from teammates Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah sealed Germany's elimination from the tournament.
- Neuer had previously retired after the 2024 European Championship but was persuaded to return for the World Cup by coach Julian Nagelsmann, replacing Oliver Baumann as the first-choice goalkeeper.
- The 40-year-old, who debuted in 2009 and earned 128 caps, was the last remaining member of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad and will continue his club career with Bayern Munich.
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