Beckenbauer: Loew Should Stay

Germany's national football team's coach Joachim Loew toasts with German football legend Franz Beckenbauer after he signed the prolongation of his contract until 2010 as head coach on 25 October 2007. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Former Germany great Franz Beckenbauer has urged the German football federation to extend Joachim Loew's contract beyond the World Cup finals following the team's impressive progress into the semi-finals in South Africa.

"The style of football they are playing is surprising everybody, even back in Germany," said Beckenbauer, who won the competition as a player in 1974 and coach in 1990. "They now have a good chance of winning the World Cup.

"Loew was brave enough to give the young players the chance to challenge and play in the German national team. It would be wonderful if he could continue his work.

"His contract is finished but everybody would like to have him with the team."

Loew and his players anticipate their toughest test yet against the reigning European champions having lost to the Spaniards in the final of Euro 2008, but was keen to play up Germany's chances.

"At the moment, we are capable of beating everyone," he said.

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