Germany's future in the competition hung in the balance following a 2-1 defeat in their second Group B fixture against Slaven Bilic's team, but they rescued themselves with a 1-0 win over Austria to reach the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, Low admits the pressure and weight of expectation was beginning to tell after his side's setback against the Croats.

"Obviously I had these thoughts [of resigning]," he told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

"But I tried to turn them into positives and don't let these thoughts get me down.

"I try and give the team an air of optimism."

But for all his optimism, had Germany lost to Austria in their final group outing, Low admits his future would have been bleak.

"We would have had to sit down and considered how the atmosphere was and if it was worth [continuing]," he revealed.

"I cannot say what would have happened. Probably a lot would have collapsed around us."

But that scenario is a far cry from what now actually awaits Low, who is setting his sights on a testing semi-final clash with Turkey.

"After winning two or three games, the euphoria is huge and they [Turkey] are extremely convinced in their ability," Low continued.

"They have been an uncomfortable opponent throughout this tournament and have some technically strong players.

"Turks have a remarkable mentality, are self-confident and can always strike back."