| Joachim Lowe looking on the bright side |
| DATA： 2008-07-01 |
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| Germany’s Michael Ballack reacts after Germany lost to Spain in Vienna on Sunday.SD-Agencies |
“I had a quick word with every one of my players,” he said. “I told them not to feel down. Yes, we lost the final and that’s a disappointment for us all, but the fact we made it to the final is an achievement in itself.”
Lowe, 48, also paid tribute to Spain’s players. “I think today we just have to give credit to the high quality of the Spanish team,” he said.
Germany managed only one shot on target during the match in Vienna, compared with Spain’s seven, and Lowe conceded his side lacked a cutting edge. “I think the Spanish had the better chances, even though we could have done more to stop the goal.”
Lowe therefore saw room for improvement as he looked forward to the 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign. “We need to go on working because, in this tournament, we’ve not always played as well as we should,” he said. “We’ve had some good games but Spain was consistently at a high level and they deserve to be European champions. For us, it’s a success to reach the final and we’re going to go on working and fighting.”
The coach finally reserved praise for his captain, Michael Ballack, who overcame a calf injury to play. “I was glad when Ballack and the doctors who had been looking after him indicated he would be able to play. I wouldn’t like to comment on individual performances but it was good to have him there. Ballack is always very important for our team. He’s our captain and did a lot of special things in this tournament. He was a leader for our team — he represents both the team and Germany very well.”
(SD-Agencies)