German coach Joachim Löw: „We are satisfied with the win. Pressure was intense and we all felt it, but then again, we should enjoy these situations, when you can compete in such a game. Regarding my ejection, I can only say that I had told the fourth official that (Austria’s coach) Josef Hickersberger and I just want to do our job, all within the boundaries of the coaching zone. Then, both of us were ejected. I never left the coaching zone. There is no rule against us giving instructions. Now, we have to wait for the decision of the UEFA disciplinary commission. We really played as a team tonight, I think that was one of the positives of the game against Austria. But we have to return to another level of play, if we want to advance in the tournament.
German chancellor Angela Merkel: “I feel reliefed that Germany have made it to the quarterfinals. There were moments during the game, when I held my breath a little bit, but all is well that ends well. The team played efficently, the final score is pleasing. We should draw new strength from this win for the challenges ahead. I thought that Philipp Lahm and Michael Ballack had a good game.”
Austrian coach Josef Hickersberger: “All the praise for our effort does not ease the pain. We are very disappointed. We wanted to reach the quarterfinals, which was a very ambitious goal. We played a good tournament, sometimes Lady Luck was not on our side. The team has found many new fans all across Austria.”
Franz Beckenbauer: “The loss against Croatia has derailed the team somewhat. There were some positive stretches tonight, but some bad ones, too. The team seemed blocked, them playing the ball looked contrained. We have to improve quite a bit for Portugal, which will offer a challenge.”
Captain Michael Ballack: “There was a lot at stake. Really, we had everything to lose, and Austria was motivated because of the great support by the home fans. It was a battle alright. I have to applaud our team – everybody pitched in for a great team effort.”
Lukas Podolski: “There’s still room for improvement. But we don’t mind right now, we are just elated about getting to the quarterfinals. Portugal will certainly respect us. I think it’s a toss-up.”
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German coach Joachim Löw: „We are satisfied with the win. Pressure was intense and we all felt it, but then again, we should enjoy these situations, when you can compete in such a game. Regarding my ejection, I can only say that I had told the fourth official that (Austria’s coach) Josef Hickersberger and I just want to do our job, all within the boundaries of the coaching zone. Then, both of us were ejected. I never left the coaching zone. There is no rule against us giving instructions. Now, we have to wait for the decision of the UEFA disciplinary commission. We really played as a team tonight, I think that was one of the positives of the game against Austria. But we have to return to another level of play, if we want to advance in the tournament.
German chancellor Angela Merkel: “I feel reliefed that Germany have made it to the quarterfinals. There were moments during the game, when I held my breath a little bit, but all is well that ends well. The team played efficently, the final score is pleasing. We should draw new strength from this win for the challenges ahead. I thought that Philipp Lahm and Michael Ballack had a good game.”
Austrian coach Josef Hickersberger: “All the praise for our effort does not ease the pain. We are very disappointed. We wanted to reach the quarterfinals, which was a very ambitious goal. We played a good tournament, sometimes Lady Luck was not on our side. The team has found many new fans all across Austria.”
Franz Beckenbauer: “The loss against Croatia has derailed the team somewhat. There were some positive stretches tonight, but some bad ones, too. The team seemed blocked, them playing the ball looked contrained. We have to improve quite a bit for Portugal, which will offer a challenge.”
Captain Michael Ballack: “There was a lot at stake. Really, we had everything to lose, and Austria was motivated because of the great support by the home fans. It was a battle alright. I have to applaud our team – everybody pitched in for a great team effort.”
Lukas Podolski: “There’s still room for improvement. But we don’t mind right now, we are just elated about getting to the quarterfinals. Portugal will certainly respect us. I think it’s a toss-up.”
