'We can play better', believes Germany coach Joechim Low

Germany coach Joechim Low.

Germany coach Joechim Low said that now is the time for his team to step-up their game and warned them not to take Algeria lightly. Overawed by the elimination of several formidable sides, the 45-year old said, "Personally, I cannot remember a group stage in which so many favourites were knocked-out."

However, the German boss warned that his side are still not there yet and felt there is plenty of room for improvement. "We won our group which was our primary object, so we are happy, but we are also self-critical and know we can play better. We've not reached our limit yet and now the knockout phase begins, the decisive games are here."

Ahead of their round of 16 clash against the Arabians, Low insisted his team to remain grounded and not to feel overconfident. He said, "if anybody thinks or believes - and I think this is a feeling among the general public- that Algeria are easy opponents and we can already start thinking about the next round, then they're making a huge mistake."

"We must remain focused and on our toes because any complacency will be punished.", he added.

Germany are up against Algeria in their first knock-out round which is scheduled to kick-off in the Estadio Beiro-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre, on July 1st.