Still best team in world — Low

JOACHIM Low claimed Germany were “still the best team in the world” after they won the Confederations Cup by beating Chile 1-0 in the final.

Lars Stindl pounced on a defensive error to score the only goal of t he game midway through the first half at the Zenit Arena in St Petersburg, although Chile outplayed Low’s side for long periods.

The South American champions created and missed a string of chances and although Stindl’s goal came against the run of play, Germany head coach Low insisted victory was deserved.

“Before the match, (Chile midfielder Arturo) Vidal had said winning this cup would mean they are the best team in the world,” Low said.

“Well, this cup means that at the moment Germany is still the best team in the world. And with such a young side!”

Low controversially included just three World Cup winners in his squad for the Confederations Cup, but his experimental line-ups excelled throughout the tournament to add another major trophy to their cabinet.

“Jokingly, we could say that now we have to think about which of the players we left at home we can still add to this team next year,” Low said.

“Seriously though, we have created alternatives, by giving young players experience in such games as has happened here.

“Winning here and at the European U/21 Championship does not guarantee the World Cup next year. Germany always belong to the favourites and we will be capable of handling that.”

Chile head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said: “We played an amazing match and made a huge effort.

“We imposed our game plan for a while, created chances but football is the way it is.”

Germany head coach Joachim Low celebrates with players after winning the Confederations Cup.