Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made his comeback from a nine-month injury break on Saturday but was unable to prevent the world champions suffering a surprise 2-1 friendly defeat to Austria.
Neuer, who had not played a single official game since breaking a bone in his foot back in September, was handed the captaincy and looked fresh and confident but was powerless to stop Austria’s two second-half goals. It was Germany’s fifth match without a win and their first defeat to Austria for 32 years.
“It was a good comeback for him (Neuer),” said Germany coach Joachim Loew. “He made two or three good saves and I’m absolutely satisfied with his performance. He had no problem with his injury.”