Manuel Neuer hails German defensive performance

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has hailed the performance of his defenders after beating Portugal 1-0 to begin Euro 2012.

Neuer, who had few notable saves to make throughout the match, insists that the much-maligned German defence was "solid" and singled out Mats Hummels in particular for praise.

"I didn't have much to do," he told Goal.com.

"Mats Hummels made some clearances in important situations. It was close one or two times. He was solid.

"For us, it was important that the next match will be no final for us."

The Germans take on the Dutch in Kharkiv later this week.