Gunter Netzer: 'Joachim Low got tactical decisions right'

Former Germany player Gunter Netzer has heaped praise on Joachim Low for leading the national side to the World Cup semi-finals.

Die Mannschaft overcame France on Friday evening to book their place in the last four of the competition where they will meet hosts Brazil.

Low came under fire ahead of the quarter-final victory for his insistence on playing certain players out of position, but Netzer, who made 37 appearances for West Germany, says that the former Stuttgart manager made the right decisions.

"The tactical discussions about Joachim Low have probably not existed before in this form during his tenure as national coach," the 69-year-old told Bild. "They were unusual, but in response to several of his actions.

"There was the use of Shkodran Mustafi at right back in the game against Algeria. And the fact that Low has used four central defenders with Philipp Lahm ordered into defensive midfield and Mesut Ozil did not show in his best shape. But Low has made the right decisions and one can only praise him.

"For a discussion of whether Low has behaved stubbornly, I can only say that I have experienced in all great coaches - they resort to surprising measures. That they throw proven measures overboard and make some decisions that for us outsiders are incomprehensible. Joachim Low has with his changes proven his stature."

Low took charge of Germany in 2006.