Thursday 26 June 2014 23:03, UK
Germany coach Joachim Low was pleased with the way his side played as they ended their Group G campaign with maximum points after a 1-0 win over USA in Recife.
Germany were already through, but they made sure of a 100 per cent record courtesy of Thomas Muller's second-half strike.
Low felt his side dominated proceedings and was very pleased with the performance.
"We were well organised and dominated the match," he said.
"We didn’t let USA have a chance on our goal right up to the final whistle.
"We were strong in midfield and that’s where we put them under pressure. Bastian Schweinsteiger was excellent until he ran out of steam. It was a good opportunity to give Sami Khedira a rest.
"Even during our preparations Thomas Muller was in great shape both physically and mentally. He’s a very intelligent player and it’s very difficult to defend against him. He makes everything look so easy and he’s very valuable for us.
"Now we’re in the Round of 16 and it’s a different kind of situation. It’s all or nothing and that brings with it a completely different dynamic and a different kind of tension."
Muller, who now has four goals to his name and is favourite to win the Golden Boot for the second World Cup finals in-a-row, was pleased to claim the win.
"We started strongly and showed who was boss straight away," he said.
"Four goals in three games? It feels good because it means you can rely on your own ability. I’m enjoying it a lot. I hope I can contribute to us going as far as possible and maybe even going all the way."
