Low joy as Germans shoot down Czechs
Two goals from Kevin Kuranyi had put the visitors on the winning track before Milan Baros’s 76th-minute strike set the stage for a nervy finish.
The German defence, however, prevailed to leave Low happy.
“This was a well-deserved and a very important victory,” the coach said. “We knew winning would mean a big step towards qualification. We now have two home games coming during which we will be looking to increase the distance with our rivals.”
Low, who has won seven of eight matches at the Germany helm, praised his players for a disciplined showing.
“The team played very intelligently for most parts and were like a wall in defence,” he added.
“We barely allowed them any scoring opportunities and started many promising counter-attacks. I am very pleased.”
Low also sang the praises of attacking talisman Kuranyi, who scored with a header in each half to pave Germany’s way to success.
“If he is motivated and moving a lot, then he can intimidate every defence,” Low said. “He played very well.”
The Schalke striker, who was left out of last year’s World Cup squad after a poor season with the Gelsenkirchen-based outfit, was pleased to show his ability in the national team jersey under Low, who was promoted after being assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann in last year’s tournament.
“I played well with my club so I deserved to play,” the Brazil-born two-goal hero said. “I always believed in the team and I think we deserved to win. Now we have to win some more points and then we will be qualified.”
Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner agreed the result was the right one.
He said: “Our opponents deserved to win. We did not play well enough, and their attackers and midfielders caused us problems. We did our best, but we were up against a very strong team.
“I have to say that we have not played against such good opponents for a long time. We were unable to compete.”
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