Germany coach Joachim Loew has stood up in defence of his team in the wake of its crucial defeat by Italy on Thursday evening, but admitted fatal carelessness.

"Twice we were careless and twice we paid the price. After that it was difficult to turn the match against a very good team," a visibly shocked Loew told reporters.

"We conceded the first goal after a cross that should never have happened and we lost our concentration. After that we let in another from a long ball where we should have closed the spaces better."

"That's all part of the development of the team. You can't get a title by just talking about it," said the 52-year-old.

"Spain had to wait a long time (to win the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008). In the second-half, we did everything we could to turn the game around. We played with real heart."

Loew, who led Germany to the Euro 2008 final and a third place at the 2010 World Cup, said other than those two concentration lapses his team fought "bravely" in an effort to get back into the match.

"The air is very thin in the semi-finals and moments of carelessness can decide a game at this level and this is what happened to us," he said.

"I think we are all very disappointed but football always continues and my players will find motivation to go after new titles."

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