World Cup 10-yr project for Germany

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP):

The World Cup title for Joachim Loew and his "golden generation" crowned a process that was 10 years in the making. With a talented crop of new players coming through, the future looks bright for Germany.

The 1-0 victory over Argentina at the Maracana that gave Germany their fourth title and made them the first European team to win the championship on South American soil, completed a circle for Loew that began in 2004, when he became Juergen Klinsmann's assistant.

The two friends began plotting how to bring the title back to Germany, and rejuvenated the team, creating an attacking, entertaining style that pleased the eye and promised success.

Germany fell short at home in 2006, finishing third, and Klinsmann stepped down to leave Loew in charge. Loew's team reached the final of Euro 2008, finished third again at the 2010 World Cup, and were semi-finalists at Euro 2012. With doubts growing as to whether Loew's Germany could ever become champions, the team pulled off the historic run in Brazil, including a stunning 7-1 victory over the hosts in the semi-final.

"It was time," Loew said after the final. "It's the product of many years of work. And it's something for eternity."

A meticulous planner who leaves little to chance, Loew made risky decisions that turned out right. He gave key midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger time to slowly nurse himself back into the team after a series of injuries, and Schweinsteiger was one of the heroes of the final. Loew reshuffled the defence when needed and returned his only true striker, Miroslav Klose, to the starting line-up.

"The coach has really deserved the title," Schweinsteiger said. "He managed to keep all players happy and that's incredible, to his credit. He really had the entire team behind him."

Forward Thomas Mueller, who led the team with five goals, said he was pleased for Loew.

"I am happy for the coach, because he was always in the final or semi-final in recent years," Mueller said.

Midfielder Toni Kroos said the team trusted Loew and his decisions.

"We knew from day one that he has good vision and a very good feeling about whom and how to play," Kroos said. "He knew exactly what he was doing and had confidence in us."

As Germany return home to celebrate the title with thousands of fans in Berlin, Loew might be contemplating his future. His contract runs through Euro 2018 and he has indicated he intends to stay on.

"We've been working for years on our own style. This title will be a shot in the arm for the future. We have players who are still very young and not many players over 30," Loew said.

Mario Goetze, who scored the match winner in the final with superb control and technique, is 22 and at the start of a promising career. Marco Reus and Ilkay Gundogan missed the tournament with injuries, but will be back. Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Andre Schuerrle and Sami Khedira are all young, while Schweinsteiger and captain Philipp Lahm are still 30 or younger despite being in the team for 10 years or more.