BEIJING, July 1 -- Germany performed as well as anyone could have hoped by reaching the Euro 2008 final but until coach Joachim Loew finds a little more quality it is unlikely to win its first major title since 1996. The German defense was known to be the team's greatest liability and it was torn apart by the smooth passing and control of the Spanish team.
The Germans kept running, kept trying, kept hoping but their poorer technique was ruthlessly exposed by superior opponents.
"We know what we can do and what our strengths are and we'll keep working on improving," Loew said. "The team did a great job all in all but unfortunately we lost. We just have to accept it."
Spain's players celebrate victory as Germany's midfielder Torsten Frings (L) walks by after the Euro 2008 championships final between Germany and Spain in Vienna, Austria, on June 29, 2008
Loew, of course, must do more than just accept it as he looks ahead to the start of the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
One of the most pressing questions concerns 38-year-old goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who has yet to make a decision on his international future.
Lehmann played well in the final but made several clear mistakes in previous games and it must now be time to trust in a new generation of keepers typified by Rene Adler, the brilliant 23-year-old who did not get a game here.
In defence, it is also time Loew had a look at alternatives to Per Mertesacker and Christoph Metzelder at centre-back, who were shown up in the final by Spain's quicker, more alert lone striker Fernando Torres.
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