Germany's World Cup failure has helped Low's standing - Hummels

The defending champions might have been dumped out in spectacular style in Russia, but he still managed to win the respect of his players

Joachim Low is now held in even greater regard after standing up and taking responsibility for Germany's woeful World Cup campaign, according to defender Mats Hummels.

Germany went to Russia as defending champions, but they were knocked out in the group stage – their only first-round exit since 1938.

A 2-0 defeat to South Korea in Kazan proved to be the decisive result in their final group outing, sending shockwaves through world football.

Many associated with German football called for an inquest and for Low to lose his job, but the coach refused to step…