Joachim Löw: "We've got to keep things in perspective", 09.07.2014

Just one match stands between Germany and a fourth star on their shirts after "Die Mannschaft" reached the World Cup final with a resounding 7-1 defeat of hosts Brazil on Tuesday night. National coach Joachim Löw discussed the impressive semi-final win with DFB.de but warned against euphoria ahead of Sunday's final (live on ARD from 21:00 CEST).

Question: What's your reaction to your team's incredible semi-final win?

Joachim Löw: It feels very good, of course. We won and reached the final and that was our aim, but we've got to put the win into context.

Question: How did this convincing victory come about?

Löw: It was important to counter Brazil's passion and emotion with calmness and detachment, as well as to be bold and play to our strengths, and we did that well. Scoring early in the game naturally played into our hands too. Brazil were clearly shocked after we went 2-0 up and had no answers to what was happening. We exploited that feeling of insecurity ruthlessly. Every single player performed extremely well and with total focus.

Question: How would you rate this result?

Löw: There has never been a result like this in a World Cup semi-final. We know that, but it’s just one result. We've got to keep things in perspective. We know Brazil weren’t on their best form today, so we’ve got to show humility.

Question: What was the mood like in the dressing room?

Löw: It was good but not too exuberant. Of course, we're all happy with this win but nobody is getting carried away.

Question: Can you explain how the World Cup hosts suffered such a dip in form?

Löw: Perhaps the pressure was simply too great. The team may have been paralysed by the weight of expectation in their own country. We know that feeling from our own experience in 2006. For that reason, I sympathise with my fellow coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, with the Brazilian team and all the Brazilian people.

Question: How will you approach Sunday's final at the Maracanã?

Löw: That will be a completely different game and a uniquely difficult task no matter who we face. Argentina and the Netherlands are both exceptional teams with very good individual players. I'm thinking primarily of Arjen Robben when it comes to the Dutch.

Question: How will you prepare your team for the final over the next few days?

Löw: It's important that the team now have a couple of days to recharge their batteries, but we've also got to stay calm and fully focused. I'm not worrying too much about that though. I know the team are keeping their feet on the ground. Players should never feel invincible, but I certainly believe this team is completely ready to take that final step.

Question: What's your view on Miroslav Klose's World Cup record?

Löw: That record means so much to all of us. Although it's a record Thomas Müller could break again one day, right now Miro should enjoy this moment. It’s an exceptional achievement for him, and if anyone deserves it, it's Miro.

9 July 2014
Originally on dfb.de. Uploaded here to prevent loss once removed from or moved on that site