Germany reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a beautiful late goal against Paraguay after an even game, losing coach Cesare Maldini said.
"It was a very, very even game," he said after the two teams kicked-off the second round of the World Cup. "There weren't many scoring chances on either side."
He paid tribute to the German goal. "Most of the game took place in the midfield and suddenly there was a beautiful run on the right and a beautiful goal scored by (Oliver) Neuville."
He said Germany played their typical game. "They were very strong physically, maybe not so strong technically, but it was the typical German game."
Maldini, an Italian, said he had enjoyed his time coaching Paraguay.
"It's a great job and they are a very professional team. I'm very happy that we got to the second round with such a well-balanced and strong side."
Maldini, who was assistant coach to Enzo Bearzot for Italy's World Cup triumph in Spain in 1982 and then led the Italians to the quarter-finals of in France in 1998, was appointed Paraguay coach on a short-term contract in November until the end of the World Cup.
He said he now would return to AC Milan where he has a job waiting for him as part of their scouting team.
