"Despite our disappointment, the team didn't disappoint," said Loew, who was Juergen Klinsmann's assistant coach for two years before taking over the reins in 2006.

"It was the youngest team in the tournament and I continue to see great potential," added Loew, referring to his team's average age of 25.4 years, which was next to England the youngest at the tournament. Italy had the oldest team with an average age of 29.4 years.

Germany's World Cup defence starts on September 4 with a qualifying match against Norway.

Loew is one of the longest-serving national team coaches anywhere but ranks only third in Germany after 10 years at the helm.

Sepp Herberger coached the national side for 20 years and Helmut Schoen served in the role for 12 years.