Low: Neuer is one of the best keepers in the world

The Germany coach defended the Bayern Munich shot-stopper after his 47th minute howler prevented his country from keeping a clean sheet against Kazakhstan

Germany coach Joachim Low has backed national team keeper Manuel Neuer after the 26-year-old conceded a soft goal in his side's 4-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Kazakhstan.

Three quickfire strikes from Marco Reus, Mario Gotze and Illkay Gundogan had effectively wrapped up the three points prior to Neuer's mistake, however.

"What I do not like is the way that Manuel Neuer got whistled after his mistake," Low told ARD. "He belongs to [the group of] the best keepers in the world and he made one mistake. I do not think it is sporting that he was made the subject of the fans' irony for the rest of the game," he added.

The 53-year-old also went on to discuss his side's performance throughout the tie.

"We lacked concentration during the second half," said the retired midfielder. "The first half was good and after the break we should have scored some more goals.

"But the game was already decided then. The Kazaks stood with ten players around their penalty area and did not want to play football."

Neuer also gave his take on his part in Kazakhstan's goal.

"I gave a present out today. I have to apologize to the team. I did not want to just kick the ball forward. But that is what I should have done," said the Bayern Munich shot-stopper.