Loew thanks Klinsmann after Germany triumph

The coach lifted the trophy in Rio de Janeiro after a 1-0 victory in extra time over Argentina, their first World Cup win since 1990.

“We started this project 10 years ago and what has happened today is the result of many years’ work, starting with Jurgen Klinsmann,” Loew told FIFA.

“We’ve made constant progress, we believed in the project, we worked a lot and, if any group deserves it, it’s this team.

“We’ve always played good football and I believe that over this tournament, over seven matches, we’ve shown the best performances of any of the teams here in Brazil.

“The boys have also developed a team spirit which is unbelievable.”

This German side makes history, winning their fourth star – now on a par with Italy and only one behind Brazil – and becoming the first European team to win a World Cup in South America.

Klinsmann is now the coach of USA and took on Loew in the group stage, falling 1-0 to Germany.

They nonetheless joined the eventual champions in reaching the knockout stages, losing 2-1 to Belgium in the round of 16.