Joachim Low said he didn't have much say in choosing Germany's penalty-takers for the wild shootout that saw them eliminate Italy in the Euro 2016 quarterfinals.
Die Mannschaft had not missed a single penalty in a shootout since 1982, but they were on the edge of elimination after a trio of their squad failed from 12 yards.
Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger all missed their penalties, but Low praised his less-experienced squad members who kept their nerve.
"I had no real influence on the penalty-takers," he said. "Every player has to make that decision for himself then.
"Our takers, one to five, were found quickly. Usually, we have good penalty-takers, even though they have not scored today.
"It was great that the youngsters like [Joshua] Kimmich and [Jonas] Hector kept their nerves on such a stage.
"It was a dramatic game, right up until the last shot. I have experienced something similar in 2006 in the World Cup against Argentina.
"It was a game on a tactically very high level from both teams. But we had the upper hand. Italy are strong through their centre and we denied them. Conceding from a penalty was a bit unlucky. I can't imagine that Italy would have scored from open play."
Low reverted to three centre-backs to counter Italy's tactical approach and he felt it was essential to make the alteration.
"We talked about a back three. It was really necessary to change the team a little bit," he added.
"Italy are a different side to Slovakia. They play with two central attackers and two wingers, who are playing high up the pitch. It's too dangerous to take them on in a four versus four.
"They play from the wings into the middle, try to lay it off and then to run deep. It is easily predictable, but they are doing it well. Right after the Italy-Spain game, it was my first thought to play like this."
Sami Khedira and Mario Gomez both went off injured, and Low wasn't sure if they would be available for next week's semifinal.
"It was not positive for Khedira to have to go off after 15 minutes. He has muscular problems in his thigh. I am not sure it will be working out for Thursday," Low said. "Mario Gomez also had muscular problems, but I think he came off early enough."
"It was clear we would need [substitute] Bastian Schweinsteiger over the course of the tournament. He did well, he worked hard and it was important to have his experience on the pitch.
"You need different players in such a tournament, it is not unusual for players to pick up injuries or suspensions. Mats Hummels is suspended for the next game."