NUREMBERG: Germany coach Joachim Loew was left fuming as the world champions laboured again in their 4-0 win over minnows Gibraltar to finish 2014 third in their Euro 2016 qualifying group.
Thomas Mueller scored twice while Mario Goetze also netted before an own-goal from Gibraltar’s Yogan Santos completed the win, but the anticipated German goal bonanza failed to materialise.
Gibraltar provided little resistance, but the below-par win did little to boost Germany’s confidence after last month’s shock 2-0 away defeat to Poland before conceding a last-minute equaliser in their 1-1 draw at home to the Irish.
Poland stay top of Group D by virtue of their 4-0 win in Georgia earlier while Ireland hold onto second on goal difference from the Germans, who also have seven points, despite their 1-0 defeat to Scotland.
Germany missed the chance to finish their World Cup-winning year second in the table and their unconvincing display left Loew admitting his team are playing below the standard required.
“I am anything but happy, the team didn’t measure up the way we had wished,” said Loew, whose side managed just one goal in the second-half.
“We want to play like world champions, so from that perspective four goals isn’t enough.
“We didn’t do the things we talked about before the game and the performance wasn’t up to scratch.”
Germany face European champions Spain in Vigo on Tuesday in a friendly and Loew said he expects his players to finish the year with a good performance.
“I think a few players need the winter break to get their heads back into things and put Brazil behind us,” he admitted.
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had little to do over the 90 minutes apart from saving a superb cross-cum-shot from Gibraltar’s Liam Walker, but the captain was relaxed about the display.
“We always want to give our best, but it’s difficult when there is a bus parked at the back,” said the Bayern Munich star.
“Then it’s not so easy and the important thing is that we scored one or two goals in the first half.” AFP