Manuel Neuer has claimed that Germany were struggling to control their nerves before thrashing Brazil 7-1 in their World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.

Despite producing a dominant performance to shock the host nation, Neuer believes that it was inevitable Joachim Low's side would face a battle to manage their emotions on such a big occasion.

"Before the match, it was like what it's been for most of the matches, a bit tense, a little nervous," the Bayern Munich goalkeeper told The Times of India.

"You can plan, but what happens on a football field cannot be predicted. It was more tense since we were playing in the semi-final, and against the hosts who have such a rich football history.

"We all were eager to be on the field and try to do what we have been doing so far."

Neuer has also called for Germany to remain as calm as possible ahead of Sunday's final against Argentina.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill