The DFB kept faith in a man who oversaw global glory in 2014 despite a horror show in Russia, a decision which still surprises a former star
Michael Ballack was surprised to see Germany coach Joachim Low keep his job following Die Mannschaft's World Cup debacle.
Germany's defence of the trophy they won in Brazil four years ago ended with a whimper, with Low overseeing the nation's first opening-round exit since 1938.
However, the German Football Association (DFB) opted to stick with Low, a decision that caught former captain Ballack – who won 98 caps for his country – off guard.