The most successful manager in the history of German football, Joachim Löw has enjoyed a string of special moments during his decade-long career. Here we recap the eleven best wins in Löw’s Die Mannschaft journey.
Germany vs. Argentina, World Cup 2014
No doubt the acme of Joachim Löw’s career as Germany’s head coach, his World Cup 2014 winning side will go down as one of Germany’s best team’s ever. With the likes of Miroslav, Klose, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski, and rising stars Thomas Müller and Mesut Özil, Germany employed a positive tactical approach. However, it was Low’s substitution of Mario Götze that provided just enough versatility to open up the Argentina defense. Götze’s run and deft chest trap and lead to his one-touch finish to win the game in extra time.
Germany vs San Marino, 2016 World Cup Qualifying, 95 wins
In an 8-0 route of San Marino on November 11, 2016, in a World Cup qualifying match, Löw earned his 95th win for Germany which officially made him the country’s winningest coach of all-time. It also marked a decade since Löw took over the managerial responsibilities from Jürgen Klinsmann.
Germany vs. Spain, Euro 2008 Final
Löw’s Germany may have lost the Euro 2008 final with Fernando Torres scoring the winner for Spain. But it was what he learned in the quarter-final win against Portugal that set his tactics up for World Cup 2014. Instead of playing a conservative 4-4-2 formation he switched the team up to a 4-2-3-1, the same structure that catalyzed their attacking style in Brazil.
Germany vs. Argentina, 4-0, World Cup Quarterfinal 2010
In a World Cup quarterfinal against Maradona’s Argentina side, Löw’s Germany scored three goals in 22 minutes. The offensive clinic exposed Argentina’s porous defense but also demonstrated how dangerous Germany could be with heavy possession of the ball. Messi and Tevez were left with little motivation to kickstart a comeback.
Germany vs. Uruguay World Cup 2010 3rd place
Germany finished runner-ups in Spain, after losing 1-0 to a superior Spanish side that possessed the ball more frequently than the Germans had ever seen. However, Germany went on to win the consolation game against Uruguay 4-3 to earn third place.
Germany vs. Italy 2012 Euro 2012 semi-final
What was a loss for the German side in the Euro 2012 against Italy proved to be an important message to Löw that he needed better on-field leadership. Two years later, Löw told Götze “Show the world you are better than Messi” before he went on to score the game-winning goal in the World Cup finals.
Germany vs. Brazil, World Cup 2014
In one of the most surprisingly lopsided games in World Cup history, Germany crushed Brazil 7-1 on their home turf. Not only did it establish the largest margin of victory in a World Cup semifinal, but it also pushed Germany beyond Brazil with the most goals in the World Cup tournament all-time. And the result could’ve been worse had Germany decided to keep up their aggressive style in the second half.
2017 FIFA Confederations Cup
Löw led Germany to its first Confederations Cup title in 2017, using a squad of emerging talent including the likes of midfielder Leon Goretzka and forward Timo Werner. The victory augured well for Germany’s 2018 World Cup.
Germany vs. Italy, Euro 2012 Semifinals
Despite growing confidence, Germany went into the semifinals against Italy having lost the last seven against the Azzurri. And while this loss made it eighth in a row due to two Mario Balotelli strikes, it gave Löw yet another chance to experiment with his roster of players. He inserted both Marco Reus and Miroslav Klose on the field in the second half to a much better display.
Germany vs. France Euro 2016 Semifinals
What foreshadowed the emerging France side in World Cup 2018, Germany bowed out of the Euro 2016 semifinals against Les Bleu e in a 2-0 loss. Löw insisted however that Germany were the superior team in the fixture.
World Cup 2018, Germany vs. Sweden
With a much needed-win to stay alive in Group F at the World Cup 2018, Toni Kroos scored a dramatic injury-time winner against Sweden. But the rescue was temporary for the reigning champions. They lost 2-0 to South Korea in the next match to go crashing out of the World Cup.
