Germany rewards Loew

Germany coach Joachim Loew targeted a second World Cup triumph and European glory on Monday after extending his contract until 2020.

The 56-year-old, who took charge in 2006, has signed a two-year extension to lead Germany's defense of the World Cup in Russia in 2018 and to the European Championships in 2020.

If Loew - a popular figure in Germany - stays in office until then, his 14-year tenure would equal that of Helmut Schoen (1964-78) as the second-longest in national team history.

Under Loew,'s guidance, Germany won a fourth World Cup in Brazil two years ago but lost to host France in the Euro 2016 semifinals in July.

Germany has not won a European crown since 1996.

"We have visions and things that we want to tackle, so the time of the extension was just right," Loew said at a media conference in Frankfurt.

"The goal, of course, is to repeat our success story in Rio (World Cup) and we want to be European champions, which is a big goal of mine.

"When the head and the heart both say 'yes' at the same time, then there is not much to think about."

Loew, who took charge of Germany after the 2006 World Cup following two years as assistant coach under Jurgen Klinsmann, will reportedly earn $4.4 million per year.

His old deal is believed to have earned him an annual salary of around $3.5 million.

"I feel the same motivation as I did at the beginning of my term at the DFB (German FA) and I still feel their confidence," Loew said.

"It's simply great fun to work with this team and these players."

(China Daily 11/02/2016 page22)