Germany coach Joachim Low had mixed emotions after watching his side complete a Euro 2016 qualifying victory over Georgia in Tbilisi on Sunday.
Strikes from Marco Reus and Thomas Muller within five minutes just before the break were enough for Germany to pick up the three points from a comfortable -- if not impressive -- 2-0 win.
The world champions had chances for more and never looked in danger of conceding, but it was still not the most inspiring of performances from a side who have struggled since lifting the World Cup in Rio de Janeiro.
Low told the Germany FA's official website: "I was happy with how we played in the first half. We combined well and looked dangerous. After the break we were a bit sloppy and made a few mistakes.
"Georgia stayed deep and made it difficult for us."
The victory saw Germany move to within a point of undefeated Group D leaders Poland, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Republic of Ireland.
Ahead of the match Germany had recorded a mixed bag of results after opening their campaign with victory over Scotland, but the three points they picked up on Sunday brought them back within touching distance of the top as they sit level on points with third-placed Scotland.
Low added: "If you looked at the table ahead of the game you would have seen that we had to win today."
Germany's goals arrived six minutes before half-time when Reus broke the deadlock as he swept the ball inside the near post.
Borussia Dortmund's Reus was denied a second moments later before Muller got a lucky rebound and netted his fifth goal in qualifying just before the interval.
Muller reiterated his manager's comments, believing they should have done better in the second period, saying: "I think the key to our success was that we spent a lot of time in their half.
"We didn't always play the right pass and we lost the ball too often. In the second half we could have made it easier for ourselves.
"I have mixed feelings because we started strongly but didn't manage to score after the break. However, it is nice to climb up the table."
Next up in qualifying, Germany travel in June to Group D minnows Gibraltar, who have yet to record a point, before a home clash with Poland and a trip to Scotland in September.
