Neid revels in the rewards of Germany’s hard work

Pia Sundhage, Sweden coach
I'm very proud of the way we played. We gave it everything at the end of the game and while we were a little unlucky, we weren't good enough in the final third. I can't fault the effort of the players and the support of the big crowd. I really wanted them to understand how much their support has meant to us. That's why I took the team around the pitch to say thank you to the Swedish people.

I can take positives from the style in which we have played throughout the tournament. I'm very happy with the chances we created. I'm proud of what we have achieved, we've scored a lot of goals, but we couldn't find our feet in front of goal tonight. There is more to come from this team.

You have to remember that Germany are a very good side. Still, we created a lot of chances, but we made the wrong decisions in the final third. When we should have taken a shot, we decided to pass the ball and vica versa, so we could have had a couple of goals. We tried our very best, but sometimes it doesn't work.

Silvia Neid, Germany coach
I've watched an intense match with two very balanced teams. We scored the first goal but couldn't get a second. They got stronger and stronger and we were lucky in the end. I'm very proud of my team for the way they played offensively and defensively. Right now I'm happy to have achieved our goal of reaching the final. It's great that we've got an extra day off, it gives us time to prepare for the final and focus on our next opponent, whoever that may be.

The key was the Italy match. We started the tournament slowly, collecting four points in the group stage. Italy were difficult opponents, but we controlled them and won the game [1-0]. Sweden are very different – more interested in playing football. The young players were delighted to be in this position and you could tell they had nothing to lose. Pressing is a very important part of the game. Our hard work paid off and got us through the game.

In the build-up to the tournament, we had a lot of fun working together, with young players who are intelligent, have goals and are willing to learn. If you get results, obviously morale grows. I would have said the same thing if we had lost because everyone has perspective in this group. Pia has done an excellent job with a great team and I'm sure they will do well in the [2015] World Cup.