Germany coach Joachim Low has conceded his side were beaten by a better side after going down 2-1 to Italy in Thursday’s 2012 Euros semifinal in Warsaw.
Die Mannschaft had won 15 consecutive games coming into the clash, however two Mario Balotelli strikes in the first half sent the Germans out, despite Mesut Ozil’s late spotkick.
“We lost today against a very strong Italy team who have a great spine and two quick strikers,” Low told reporters after the game.
“They were just a bit better – you have to acknowledge that and they were more clinical than us.
“Cesare Prandelli has changed this team around; they have more of an offensive philosophy.
“I expected Italy to play like this; if they take the lead it is very difficult, but we should have got it back to 2-1 earlier.”
Low insisted despite failing to win another major tournament, the German team had taken strides forward at the Euros and pointed to a bright future.
“We still played a great tournament and we have really moved forward. We won four games and lost one,” he said.
“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.”