Loew snubs luck factor

Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger goes on a victory lap at the end of their Euro 2008 semifinal against Turkey at the St. Jakob-Park Stadium in Basel on Wednesday.Photo: AFP

Germany coach Joachim Loew insisted on Thursday his team's experience and the German legacy of producing results when they matter put his side in Sunday's Euro 2008 final - not luck.
A last-minute goal by defender Philipp Lahm sealed the 3-2 semifinal win over Turkey in Basel on Wednesday to put Germany into their sixth European championship final.
Over the decades, die Mannschaft has forged a legacy of grinding out results in pressure situations on their way to the finals of major tournaments.
They held their nerve to beat hosts England in the Euro 1996 semifinal in a penalty shoot-out, then a golden goal by current team manager Oliver Bierhoff against the Czech Republic gave them their third European crown.
And at the 2002 World Cup, Germany squeezed past co-hosts South Korea in the semi-final before losing to Brazil.
But for Loew, the German way is all about hard work and a fierce will to succeed, just don't talk to him about luck.
"It's not about luck," he insisted.
"What gives Germany the winning edge is the immense experience we have amassed over many decades and many tournaments.
"Over the last few years, this squad of 23 players has also taken over the mentality and bought into it.
"I think it has always characterised any German team throughout history."
Having succeeded Jurgen Klinsmann as coach after Germany claimed third place at the 2006 World Cup on home soil, Loew has now gone one better than his rival by reaching the final of a major tournament.
But while Loew is looking forward to Sunday's final against either Spain or Russia, he insists he will not be over-awed by the occasion in Vienna.
In his two-year reign, Germany have lost three times - a 1-0 friendly defeat by Denmark in March 2007, a 3-0 defeat by the Czech Republic in qualification last October and the 2-1 group stage defeat by Croatia on June 12.
"My record as national team coach is a source of pride and it's great for me to be in the final as head of the German team," said Loew.
"I was involved for the 2005 Confederation's Cup and the 2006 World Cup.
"But I have had other big matches, so I would diminish the importance of this slightly because I have already been through my baptism of fire.
"However, to be in a European final is something special and I am looking forward to it."