Germany 1 Italy 2: We will have more chances in the future, says Löw

Joachim Löw insists his side will have more chances to win silverware in the future after Germany suffered a surprise defeat by Italy in the European championship semi-finals.

Mario Balotelli’s first-half brace put Cesare Prandelli’s side in control, and despite making a series of changes after the interval, including the introduction of Miroslav Klose, Germany could only manage a consolation goal as Mesut Özil scored from the spot in stoppage time.

But Löw refused to be downbeat about the defeat – Germany’s missed opportunity to avenge their final loss to Spain at Euro 2008 – instead opting to praise his side for their performances in the group stage.

“We still played a great tournament and we have really moved forward. We won four games and lost one,” said Löw.

“This team has given us a lot of joy, against Portugal, the Netherlands, so we have to give them a real compliment. We have caught up with other nations and at the top of the game – there will be more chances in the future.”

Low tinkered with his starting line-up following Germany’s 4-2 quarter-final victory over Greece, with Klose and Marco Reus dropping to the bench – and the manager admitted perhaps he got his tactics wrong.

“If I look back on the team selection it’s easy to say I could have changed something,” Löw added.

“Mario Gómez scored three goals and has done well in training. I wanted Toni Kroos in the team so he could get among the Italy midfielders.

“When we conceded the first we couldn’t get back into the game for a little while. I had to make some substitutions, I had to risk everything and try something.

“We’ve had two great years, the team has developed very well, winning 15 [competitive] games in a row.

“We lost today against a very strong Italy team who have a great spine and two quick strikers.”

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Read more on: Euro 2012, germany, italy, joachim low, Mario Balotelli, mario gomez.