Curaçao keeper Room excited to face German legend Neuer

Maunel Neuer's return into the German national team goal for the World Cup was not without controversy but his first opposing keeper at the tournament is absolutely delighted.

"I hoped that he would return because he is one of my big role models," Curaçao keeper Eloy Room told dpa.

"He is a very modern goalkeeper, he has changed the way a goalkeeper plays. He is good in every area. That makes him one of the best goalkeepers of all time.

The 2014 World Cup winner Neuer was recalled at age 40 after two years of international retirement. Germany play Curaçao on Sunday in Houston, and Neuer is expected to play after getting over a calf injury.

"Maybe it wouldn't be bad for us if someone else was in goal. But I am looking forward a lot to the duel with Manuel Neuer," said Room, who plays at Miami FC.

Asked whether he wants Neuer's shirt after the match, Room quipped "I thing Neuer wants mine." But he added that "getting his shirt would be the icing on the cake."

Curaçao, an island country in the Caribbean which is part of the Netherlands, is one of four World Cup debutants and the smallest country to ever play at the tournament.

Apart from four-time champions Germany, the team led by veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat will also face Ecuador and Ivory Coast in the group stage.

"It is very special being at the World Cup. Germany have a good team. But if you want to play on the biggest stage you have to be able to hold your own against the best," Room said.