The German defense was known to be the team's greatest liability and it was torn apart by the smooth passing and control of the Spanish team.

The Germans kept running, kept trying, kept hoping but their poorer technique was ruthlessly exposed by superior opponents.

"We know what we can do and what our strengths are and we'll keep working on improving," Loew said. "The team did a great job all in all but unfortunately we lost. We just have to accept it."

Loew, of course, must do more than just accept it as he looks ahead to the start of the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

One of the most pressing questions concerns 38-year-old goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who has yet to make a decision on his international future.

Lehmann played well in the final but made several clear mistakes in previous games and it must now be time to trust in a new generation of keepers typified by Rene Adler, the brilliant 23-year-old who did not get a game.

In defence, it is also time Loew had a look at alternatives to Per Mertesacker and Christoph Metzelder at centre-back, who were shown up in the final by Spain's quicker, more alert lone striker Fernando Torres.

Torres simply ran around Philipp Lahm when he scored the winning goal in the 33rd minute. Earlier, he had easily beat Mertesacker, Germany's tallest player, to head against the post.

At the age of 31, captain Michael Ballack still has more to offer but he needs more creativity around him.

Torsten Frings, Simon Rolfes and Thomas Hitzlsperger were all tried in the centre of midfield but none of them had much of an impact going forward.

German newspapers and TV analysts were almost unanimous in their view that Spain richly deserved the win.

"We're still proud of you," wrote Bild newspaper. "It's bitter. The one goal destroyed our dreams. Unfortunately there was no 'happy ending' to the summer fairy tale for us."