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Low admits Germany "weren't that good"

26/06/2008

Head coach Joachim Low has admitted Germany "weren't that good" despite beating Turkey 3-2 in their Euro 2008 semi-final.

An injury-time goal from full-back Phillipp Lahm ended the underdogs' resistance in Basel, despite Semi Senturk's toe-poked goal levelling the scores at 2-2 with less than ten minutes to go.

The result was harsh on a Turkish side that played with great heart and competitive spirit against the Germans, who, in contrast, looked nervous and disjointed at times.

And this popular view among media pundits was not lost on Germany coach Low, who admitted his side were somewhat fortunate to have won the game - and a place in the competition final on Sunday - inside 90 minutes.

"That was a battle in which we have expended a lot of energy," he said afterwards.

"We weren't very good in the first half and in the second we weren't that good either, but we gritted our teeth and we wanted the victory.

"The Turks played really well, they chased after the ball a lot and they ran after it very well. We had heavy legs and the heat didn't do us any favours."

But he added: "It is an immense happiness that I am feeling."

In the final, Low's side will face the winner of the second semi-final between Spain and Russia, which takes place in Vienna tonight.