Coach-of-the-Year Award Like Icing on the Cake, Says Germany's Joachim Loew

World coach of the year Joachim Loew has spent years trying to dispel the doubts about his talent and the German did it in an electrifying way by winning the World Cup. (Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d'Or award)

For eight years in charge of Die Mannschaft ahead of the 2014 tournament in Brazil, Loew had been to one World Cup semi-final, the 2008 European Championship final and the Euro 2012 semi-final to show. He had never been on the top step. (James Rodriguez wins goal-of-the-year award)

Germany were devastating in Brazil, demolishing the hosts 7-1 and then beating Argentina 1-0 in the final. (After 3rd Ballon d'Or, Ronaldo eyes Messi's tally)

"It is the icing on the cake and winning the World Cup was the cake," Loew said of his award presented in Zurich on Monday in which he beat Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Real Madrid rival Carlo Ancelotti.

Over eight years, the former assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann brought on a team praised for its attacking play.

And his tactics have been hailed by World Cup legends Pele and Diego Maradona.

Loew's image is often seen in Germany where he fronts an advertising campaign for a leading cosmetics brand, but rarely appears in the media spotlight.