Slomka thanks Neuer

Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer makes a save during the penalty shoot-out against Porto in their Champions League match at the Dragao Stadium on Wednesday.Photo: AFP

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer put Schalke 04 into the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in their history with a stunning display to relieve the pressure on under-fire coach Mirko Slomka.
The 21-year-old produced several world-class saves against ten-man FC Porto in Portugal in normal time, but saved his best until last to save three of Porto's spot-kicks to seal the 4-1 penalty shoot-out win.
Having lost their last three Bundesliga matches, Royal Blues' coach Slomka was under intense pressure going into the second-leg at the Estadio do Dragoa despite his side holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg a fortnight ago.
Although Porto striker Lisandro Lopez scored in the 86th minute to level the scores 1-1 on aggregate, Under-21 international Neuer pulled off a string of outstanding saves which ultimately put his side through to the last eight.
Germany midfielder Jermaine Jones hit the crucial penalty, but Neuer had been Schalke's outstanding man-of-the-match against the 22-times Portuguese champions who played with 10 men when Fucile was dismissed in the 82nd minute.
"We had to fight until the end," said a relieved Slomka.
"We only had the chance because of Manuel Neuer's performance, not only during the shoot-out, but he made several outstanding saves during the game.
"FC Porto dominated the game, but we held the lead until the 86th minute.
"We kept our cool and deserved to go through."
Neuer became the Gelsenkirchen side's hero of the hour - emulating Schalke's then 'keeper Jens Lehmann when he starred in the UEFA Cup final 1997 second leg at the San Siro to see Schalke win their only European title.
"I was there when Schalke won the cup in 1997 and 15 of my friends were here tonight to watch this and it was a great feeling to be involved in a game like this," said the beaming 21-year-old on the final whistle.
"It was hard to keep my concentration out there.
"It's great for the team and it has been hard after losing our last three league games, we focused on the football and ignored the discussions about the coach.
"It is super to be in the quarterfinal.
"Even if I did not show it, I was very nervous before the shoot-out.
"For the team, I hope that this victory will enable us move onto better things and relieve the pressure of the last few difficult days."