Low - I just wanted to coach

Low: Sent to stands

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Germany coach Joachim Low appeared baffled by the reason he was sent to the stands during the 1-0 win over Austria.

Low and Austrian counterpart Josef Hickersberger were dismissed from the dugout by referee Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez five minutes before half-time.

Gonzalez's decision followed a spot of bickering between Low, Hickersberger and the fourth official by the technical areas.

But Low felt there was little in the disagreement with the fourth official to merit the referee's decision to banish him to the stands for the rest of the game.

"I told the referee's assistant we wanted quietly to get on with our coaching work in our zone and that's why we were both sent to the stand," said Low.

Hectic

His assistant Hans-Dieter Flick felt the situation had become 'too chaotic' on the touchline and that was the reason behind the dismissals of Low and Hickersberger.

"I think both of them simply said that they wanted to keep coaching," said Flick.

"Whatever happened had to do with the fact that things were becoming too chaotic and hectic.

"I think both of the coaches tried to explain to the fourth official that they wanted to continue coaching, and then they were sent off."

Michael Ballack's stunning free-kick secured the win for Germany and Low was happy to see his team reach the quarter-finals, where Portugal now await.

Low added: "I am pleased to garner this important win in a match where we were under enormous pressure."