Germany can compete, says Loew

Joachim Loew insists he has no plans to wield the axe for Germany's 2014 World Cup qualifiers, starting in September.

The three-time European champions were disappointingly denied a fourth crown when they fell at the semi-finals stage at Euro 2012 to beaten finalists Italy. Defeat in the last four in Poland and Ukraine fell short of the nation's expectations and Loew must now set about the task of galvanising an exciting crop of talent in time for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers later this year, starting against minnows Faroe Islands on September 6. The emergence of Marco Reus and Mario Goetze was a highlight for the 52-year-old, who says there is no reason for fans to panic and insists the future is bright for the three-time World Cup winners. "There is absolutely no reason to question everything now," Loew said. "There will be no major personnel overhaul. We have, after all, a very young team, and the youngest team in the tournament." He added: "We won all our games in a tough group. The team will stomach this defeat and continue to develop." Germany will compete with Sweden, Republic of Ireland, Austria, Kazakhstan and the Faroes in Group B in their efforts to reach Brazil in two years' time.