Head coach Joachim Low praised Germany's "organisation" and "build-up play" as they defeated the Unites States 1-0 to win World Cup Group G in a rainswept Recife.
Thomas Muller moved level with Lionel Messi and Neymar at the top of the World Cup scoring charts with the goal which took Germany through to the last 16.
His goal was enough to earn them top spot in Group G and a trip to Porto Alegre on Tuesday to meet Group H runners-up Algeria following Germany's opening 4-0 victory over Portugal and last weekend's 2-2 draw against Ghana.
Low admitted he expected a bit more from Jurgen Klinsmann's United States, who also advanced on goal difference, but he was pleased his side edged victory with Muller's second-half winner.
He told www.dfb.de: " We knew it would be a tough match and we were ready for it.
"The USA played very well in both their previous matches, although I was expecting them to show a little more initiative.
"USA dropped relatively deep and pulled everyone a long way back. We were clearly the dominant team and our organisation was very good.
"With the exception of the last minute, we stopped them creating chances throughout the match. We showed lots of authority. We always knew it would be a fight right to the end."
Low was delighted his side progressed top, unbeaten with seven points after a tough round of matches in the group stage.
The 54-year-old added: "It wasn't an easy group. We were in a good position going into the last match but were still determined to win.
"We did a lot of things well, although obviously we have areas for improvement, our passing in the final third for example. But our organisation and our build-up play were a lot better again today."
The Germany boss also reserved special praise for Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger, who organised his side well from midfield.
"Overall our midfield was very strong. We had the match under control and applied plenty of pressure. He battled away and was very good for as long as he still felt physically strong," Low said.
"He covered a lot of ground and was also responsible for our excellent organisation. And I simply thought it was the right time to give Sami Khedira a rest."
Source: PA
