Löw: "We played at a very high level", 23.06.2017

Germany’s second game of the ConfedCup ended in a 1-1 draw with Chile, meaning Joachim Löw’s boys now have a strong chance of making the semi-finals. In the aftermath of last night’s draw Löw spoke to DFB about the strength of the South Americans and the final group game against African Cup of Nations champions Cameroon. Question: Joachim Löw, how did you see the 1-1 game with Chile? <p> Joachim Löw: I saw a very intense and tactical game of football. That was a game played at the highest tactical qualities and I think my team were class for the whole 90 minutes. Defensive quality and organization is also a form of quality and we showed that tonight. After going behind because of a mistake, we came back and that was a very crucial experience for the lads. We played at a very high level.

Question:Did you get the impression that your players were a bit lost out there to begin with?

Löw: No I didn’t they were lost, quite the opposite in fact. We had difficulties in the opening stages but responded to them so well after going behind. We stayed organised and our goal was wonderfully well worked. That was a blueprint for the perfect counter attack, it was sheer class. Chile created some chances too but that’s always going to happen. We solved the problems at the back and were very intelligent with a new formation at the back. The midfield worked hard too and made up a lot ground. Even more impressive for a team that has not played together all that often.

Question:What do you say to the performance of goalscorer Lars Stindl?

Löw: Lars showed how good he can be even after only one day of training in the Denmakr game. He is a refined player with a fantastic reading of the game and he knows how to use space. He was so important for us and always looked to get forward with the ball. He’s been very convincing for us so far. He is calm and self confident and shows no signs of nerves. Added to that he has a great personality and is a great footballer.

Question:This was the first time since September 6 1995, a 4-1 win over Georgia in Nürnburg when Berti Vogts was in charge, that a Germany manager did not make a substitution, how come?

Löw: Because the team was working and I had been expecting to see a sense of resilience from the boys, including covering a lot of ground and investing a lot. I didn’t have the feeling that any of the guys were exhausted and the organization showed that. Chile barely had any chances in the second half.

Question:Will you go into the Cameroon game looking to win the group or will you test out more players.

Löw: A draw will be enough to progress but it will be good for us to win he group. We go into every game looking to win and that’s the aim against Cameroon. Then we can play the semi-final in Sochi and not have to travel. But I have already planned to switch a few positions around. A break will do some players good, while the fresh legs will bring something else tour play.

23 June 2017 Originally on dfb.de. Uploaded here to prevent loss once removed from or moved on that site.