MOSCOW, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Joachim Low will remain as the head coach of Germany despite their shock early exit from the 2018 World Cup, the Germany Football Federation (DFB) confirmed on Tuesday.

With the possible exception of Russia's victory over Spain on penalties, the failure of the 2014 World Cup Champions to make it to the knockout stages in Russia, after defeats to Mexico and South Korea in their qualifying group, was the biggest surprise of the World Cup finals to date and was accompanied by soul-searching and calls for change.

That change may well come but on Tuesday the DFB confirmed it will be led by Low, who only in May signed a new contract to remain in charge of "der Mannschaft" until after the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.

"I am very grateful for the belief that the DFB has shown in me and I feel, generally, that despite the justified criticism towards me, a lot of support and encouragement too."

"It was important for me, after a few days in which I did a lot of thinking, to sit down and have a face to face talk with the top of the federation," said Low.

The 58-year-old has been in charge of Germany since 2009 and until this summer had never failed to lead Germany to at least the semifinals of every major tournament they have competed in leading them to the final of the 2008 European Championships, the semifinals in the 2010 World Cup (losing to Spain on both occasions), the semifinals of the 2012 and 2016 European Championships and to the title in the 2014 World Cup.

The news Low was remaining in charge was welcomed by German goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer, who said he was "pleased that we can continue our long, successful path with Jogi Low and I have the confidence that together we will regain our strength."