Joachim Low insists his Germany side can leave the World Cup with their heads held high after exceeding expectations in South Africa.

The three-time champions ended their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Uruguay in the third-place play-off in Port Elizabeth.

Low said: "In the second half, when we were forced to dig deep, we saw the mental strength the team had to resist and then snatch victory. I'm pleased with that, the team deserves it. Altogether, what we've achieved, we never would have expected it eight or nine months ago."