SOCHI, RUSSIA – JUNE 23: Toni Kroos of Germany celebrates scoring his sides winning goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Germany and Sweden at Fisht Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Watch: Kroos goal steals the show in Germany vs Sweden [video]
WOW.
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JUNE 23: Toni Kroos of Germany celebrates scoring his sides winning goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Germany and Sweden at Fisht Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Match report by AFP, Tweets compiled by Bongani Dlamini.
Toni Kroos rescued holders Germany from the brink of an unthinkable early World Cup exit here Saturday, curling home a sensational winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win over Sweden.
The 10-man reigning champions were in deep trouble when Kroos stepped up to steer in his dramatic winner in the final minute of time added on at Sochi’s Fisht Stadium.
Before that, a Kroos error had led to Ola Toivonen giving Sweden a 32nd-minute lead and even a Marco Reus equaliser early in the second half appeared to be only a temporary stay of execution for Joachim Loew’s men.
But the rescue act from Kroos, who had endured another difficult night in the German midfield, is a huge lift to a side who saw Jerome Boateng sent off late in the game.
They now have qualification for the last 16 back in their own hands ahead of their final Group F game against South Korea on Wednesday.
There is still no guarantee that they will avoid the fate of the last two World Cup holders, with Spain four years ago and Italy in 2010 both being knocked out in the group stage.
Not since 1938 have Germany been eliminated from the World Cup in the first round. However, this result, and the manner of it, will provide an almighty boost to the Germans and is a hammer blow to Sweden, who will face off with Mexico in their last match with all still to play for.
Mexico’s 2-1 win over South Korea earlier on Saturday had ensured that Germany would be out in the event of a defeat, with a draw little better.
Germany coach Joachim Loew wielded the axe following the shambolic 1-0 loss at the hands of Mexico with which they began their defence of the trophy, with the much-criticised Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira dropped while Mats Hummels missed out due to injury.
Marco Reus, Sebastian Rudy and Antonio Ruediger were among those who came into the team. But just like against Mexico, Germany’s usual composure was not there.
Sweden should have had an early penalty when Marcus Berg was released on goal and, at the point of shooting, was fouled by Boateng.
Berg’s effort was saved by Manuel Neuer. Boateng played the man and not the ball, but there was no penalty given and no recourse to the Video Assistant Referee.
It was a warning for the Germans, who were then dealt a body blow — literally — when Rudy was left with a bloodied nose after receiving a stray boot in the face.
Ilkay Gundogan replaced him, coming in alongside Kroos, but it was the Real Madrid man who was at fault as Sweden went in front just a minute later.
His pass was pounced upon by the Swedes, who sprung forward, Viktor Claesson picking out Toivonen to control on his chest and lift the ball over Neuer with the aid of a slight deflection.
Loew sent on Mario Gomez in place of Julian Draxler at half-time, and it took just three minutes of the second half for the equaliser to arrive.
Timo Werner’s low centre from the left was behind Gomez, who got a touch but not enough to put off Reus from bundling it in.
They then set off in search of the winner, with Gomez twice coming close and fellow substitute Julian Brandt smacking a post late on.
Boateng had already walked by then, seeing a second yellow in the 82nd minute for a foul on Berg.
Watch: Kroos leaves it late to rescue Germany at the World Cup
KROOS TO THE RESCUE!#GER left it late, but earned all three points against #SWE to keep their #WorldCup hopes alive.
Watch all the goals >> https://t.co/Ortmv3vHzS pic.twitter.com/7W0NGJIqjx
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) June 23, 2018
Hope looked to be gone, but then Kroos exchanged passes with Reus at a free-kick on the left edge of the box and sent a sweet strike into the far corner.
Twitter was full of it all through Germany vs Sweden
They really are, another loss would mean they are out
This German team is under massive pressure#WorldCup#GERSWE
— Hon Thabang (@paulinho_t) June 23, 2018
Story of the game so far. It could be like this for 90 mins
#SWE defending for their lives at the moment. Second #GER attack which almost led to a goal, and certainly having to show that they have something to prove. #itvworldcup #FifaWorldCup2018 #worldcup
— David Barron (@david_g_barron) June 23, 2018
Against run of play, Sweden almost took the lead
What a wasted opportunity #WorldCup #GERSWE
— Iyalooh Dongwi (@iyallooh) June 23, 2018
A huge possibility
Sweden is good on the counter, they might punish Germany despite not seeing much of the ball #GERSWE #WorldCup
— loyal (@KayExtreme) June 23, 2018
Should have been a penalty?
VAR room right now ? #GERSWE #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FZjjWmbFDU
— Shashank Singh (@RccShashank) June 23, 2018
And Sweden take the lead
GOAL SWEDEN!!!!!! YES!!!!! #SWE #WorldCup
— Jake Leslie (@JakeLeslie23700) June 23, 2018
A lot can change in 4 years
Imagine if both Argentina and Germany don’t advance to the knockout round after playing in the final four years ago ? #WorldCup
— Diamond Ute® (@el_diamante3) June 23, 2018
They have a tendency of upsetting big guns
45 mins away from elimination
HOT TAKE #GER a half away from being eliminated from the #WorldCup #Incredible pic.twitter.com/90Cdlq6GeP
— Joel #BB20 (@JoelBBCAN) June 23, 2018
Reus restores hope
https://twitter.com/jannepaub/status/1010600312703369216
Could it just happen?
Probably the look on every German supporter pushing the team for the 2nd goal
@DFB_Team Mode now: FULL THROTTLE ? Fight guys fight!!! #GERSWE #WM2018 #WorldCup #WorldCupRussia2018 #DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/eBVbQ4lqYU
— TissyMiH (@TissyMiH) June 23, 2018
Still difficult to pinpoint clear favourites
This #WorldCup unpredictable bad! I'm loving these upsets! #TVJRussia
— Camz Loren (@CamztheDiva) June 23, 2018
Eish, Germany down to 10 men
BOATENG RED CARD!!!! #WorldCup #GERSWE
— Huksii ? (@huksiii) June 23, 2018
Breathtaking stuff
What a save.
Just WOW!!!#WorldCup— Si (@SiPuck73) June 23, 2018
What a game! Kroos gives Germany the lead and that’s how it ends.
WHAT A GAME! WHAT A GOAL! BLOODY GERMANY! #WorldCup
— James Pegram (@JPeg85) June 23, 2018
Extended match highlights are available on Fifa’s YouTube channel.
