German coach Jurgen Klinsmann insisted the squad's unflagging dedication caused the stunning last gasp win over Poland in their World Cup Group A match on Wednesday. "It was a well-deserved win," Klinsmann told a press conference after Wednesday's game ended in a 1-0 win for the hosts. "We had so many chances but the ball just didn't seem to want to go in. We kept up the tempo throughout the match, but the longer you go without scoring, the more nervous you feel." The Germans were persistently denied by the woodwork, Polish defense and resilient goalkeeper before substitute Oliver Neuville struck the winner deep in stoppage time. "At the end, when Poland were down to ten men, we really piled on the pressure and it paid off in the end. "You can't write us Germans off until the final whistle blows," former World Cup winner Klinsmann insisted.
Germany now top their Group A with 6 points ahead of Ecuador's game against Costa Rica on Thursday. "Obviously we're devastated about losing to a moment's loss of concentration in the last minute." Meanwhile, Polish coach Pawel Janas dished out praise for his players despite the defeat. All my players did well tonight," Janas said. "Every single one of them battled to the end." The Polish coach also admitted the defeat probably meant his team will exit the World Cup from the group stage. "Basically this match most probably ends our World Cup adventure. "We'll concentrate all our remaining energy on Costa Rica now, and see if we can turn in a decent display for our amazing fans, who've given us fantastic support right from the start," he added.
