Loew not too concerned by shock loss

Germany coach Joachim Loew insists his side's 2-1 shock defeat at the hands of Australia is no reason to panic.

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Moenchengladbach, Germany – Germany coach Joachim Loew insists his side's 2-1 shock defeat at the hands of Australia is no reason to panic with his team on course to qualify for next year's Euro 2012 tournament.

The Socceroos claimed their maiden win over Germany here on Tuesday as they fought back from conceding a first-half goal to floor the Germans with second-half strikes by David Carney and a penalty from Luke Wilkshire.

With his side unbeaten and five-points clear at the top of their Euro 2012 qualifying group after five straight wins, Loew suffered for fielding an inexperienced side against Australia, but learned plenty from the defeat.

“It is a pity that we gave the game away after a very good first half,” said Loew.

“Of course, we would have liked to have won, but we conceded the two goals in quick succession and couldn't control the game after that.

“But this defeat is no reason for drama, the qualification matches are more important.”

Having steered his side to third at the last World Cup and with Germany set to be amongst the favourites for Euro 2012, to be hosted by the Ukraine and Poland, Loew said the friendly had served a purpose, despite defeat.

“For many years now, the worth of these friendly games has been discussed over and over again,” said Loew.

“But there are always set-backs in the years when there isn't a major tournament.

“These games are a good way to test players on the way to the next tournament.”

In the build-up to the match, Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness claimed the friendly with Australia was worthless and was held only to make money for the German Football Federation (DFB), but Loew hit back.

“I can't really understand this criticism,” said Loew.

“We have already played several games, especially for Bayern: the opening of the Allianz Arena and the testimonial game for Oliver Kahn.

“Also, Bayern are going to play the Netherlands next year in a warm-up for Euro 2012.

“I would ask maybe if that game makes sense.”

Disgruntled German fans booed and whistled their team both during the Moenchengladbach defeat and the 4-0 win over Kazakhstan in Kaiserslautern last Saturday, but Loew was philosophical about the negative reaction.

“Without the tension of an exciting three-point win, there is a spark missing from the game,” he said.

“Then people expect us to provide a spectacle, that isn't always possible and we can sometimes only offer everyday fare.

“Then the whistles follow, I think the reaction is totally normal.

“The atmosphere is totally different if Germany plays a team like Turkey in a Euro qualifier.” – Sapa-AFP

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/loew-not-too-concerned-by-shock-loss-1.1049464

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