The German Football Association (DFB) have named Joachim Low as the new coach of the national team after it was confirmed Jurgen Klinsmann had stepped down from the post.

After a meeting between DFB president Theo Zwanziger, Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff and Klinsmann last night, the California-based coach confirmed he would not continue beyond the end of his contract, which expired after the World Cup.

Low, Klinsmann's assistant since the former Bayern Munich and Tottenham striker succeeded Rudi Voller in June 2004, will now take over a side which finished third in the World Cup.

During the tournament, Klinsmann admitted Low had played a major part in the preparations for each game.

Now Low will take on the full responsibility for the side having agreed a contract until the end of Euro 2008.

His job will commence on September 2nd with a Euro 2008 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Stuttgart, which has already been declared a sell-out.

Klinsmann, who lives in southern California, had been urged to stay on after Germany beat Portugal in the third place match, but he said he needed to consult with his family before making a decision.

All 23 players in Germany's squad, 93 per cent of the German public, various opinion polls, and even some of his harshest critics say they wanted him to continue.