German trainer Joachim Löw was forced to admit that the 3-0 victory achieved by his side over Austria in Vienna was more than perhaps they deserved after a disappointing performance.
In the Ernst-Happel Stadion, the Euro 2008 co-hosts were by far the better side in the opening 45 minutes and really should have had a goal for their efforts.
As it was a goal from Thomas Hitzlsperger eight minutes after the restart got the Germans back into the game and they bagged a further two from Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez as the home side pressed forward looking for a goal of their own.
“The win was of course positive for us, but the result was too high” Löw admitted after the match.
“We didn’t play football in the first half, either offensively or defensively. It was important for us to raise our performance in the second half” he added.
“During the break I had to explain a few things. For me there was too little engagement and not enough running. It was the first game after a long break, but we cannot be happy with the first half, but the improvement in the second half was good.
“It was important for us that Michael Ballack was back and we’ll need him at Euro 2008. The next 14 or 15 weeks will be decisive for improving the basics.
“The players know they have to work hard” he concluded.
Goal.com - Internationals - Löw: The Result Flattered Us