Germany coach Joachim Low was a relieved man after his side held on for a crucial 2-1 victory over Russia on Saturday.

First-half goals from Lukas Podolski and Michael Ballack put the hosts on their way to an important win, but it was one-way traffic in the second half with Russia deserving more than their 51st-minute consolation from Andrei Arshavin.

"We combined excellently in the first half and a big compliment goes to the team," said Low. "In the second half, we certainly had a bit of luck in the end."

He added: "We no longer had the game under control and Russia took advantage because they are an incredibly strong team. In the end, they were very close to an equaliser."

Russia coach Guus Hiddink refused to blame bad luck for his side's failure to take at least a point away with them from Dortmund.

"We had too much fear," the Dutchman admitted. "We lacked incision in front of goal and that is why we go home empty-handed."