Beaten, but not bowed after the 1-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, Germany's media was already looking forward four years to the next tournament in Brazil, with characteristic German confidence.

"The World Cup dream is destroyed! Spain was simply a bridge too far for our young team. This 1-0 defeat in the semi-final was deserved," said the mass circulation Bild daily.

"But keep your heads high, boys! Because we'll be bringing the trophy back in four years from the next World Cup in Brazil."

The Die Welt daily was also brimming with confidence for the next World Cup, writing on its front page: "1954, 1974, 1990... 2014," the years Germany has held aloft the Jules Rimet trophy and the year they hope they will do so again.

"This team can do a great deal in the next few years," the paper wrote in an editorial.

Berlin popular regional paper BZ said: "Spain too strong, Jogi's boys too young," referring to coach Joachim Loew. "This young German team is one for the future."

Nevertheless, there was some disappointment at the strangely muted way the team played after putting four goals past Australia, England and Argentina.

"The Spanish, favourites before this World Cup, deserved their win... this time we lacked courage and cleverness. There was none of the 'made in Germany' football that has enthralled the whole world," wrote Bild.

"Was it too much respect for their big name players? Or did the high expectations simply get to our heroes?"

But Die Welt also chose to praise the German team for their style of play during the tournament which has won them fans throughout the footballing world.

"The disappointment over the 1-0 defeat is huge. Yesterday the Spanish were the better footballers. Let's recognise that," the paper wrote.

"And let's celebrate what this German team has given us during these wonderful days in South Africa - namely recognition and delight from the rest of the world."