World Cup: Germany’s celebrations knew no bounds after winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday evening. The team’s songs of triumph were clearly audible in the depths of the iconic Estadio do Maracana after the final whistle and players and coaching staff alike beamed with joy after cementing their place as a golden generation in Germany’s footballing history.

One of the pillars of the freshly-crowned world champions was without doubt Manuel Neuer. The 28-year-old custodian’s astonishing reflexes, ability to dominate his penalty area and his widely-lauded performances in fulfilling a dual function as a goalkeeper-cum-sweeper made him indispensable to coach Joachim Low.

Neuer’s role in securing a fourth World Cup title for Germany cannot be overstated and his displays were recognised with the adidas Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper at a thrilling and top-quality tournament in Brazil

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