RIO DE JANEIRO – Joachim Loew has shaped a talented German generation into an entertaining and successful team with a history of near misses. Germany needs to beat Argentina in Sunday's World Cup decider to finally make Loew a winner.
Loew's achievements and the innovations he has brought into German football will always be recognized. But unless he wins the title his tenure will be regarded as a partial success, despite the astounding 7-1 win over Brazil in the semifinals.
Loew's job is secure — his contract had been extended through the 2016 European Championship before the World Cup. But if Germany fails to beat Argentina at the Maracana and falls short of the title in Loew's fourth straight tournament in charge, he may not be able to shake off the reputation of a coach who can't win titles.
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