Defending champion Germany resuscitated their World Cup hopes with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sweden. Despite going down to 10 men late in the second half, they managed a miraculous comeback. Courtesy of a stunning free kick by Toni Kroos in the stoppage time.
The 2014 winners lost their opening match to Mexico on Sunday.
Germany needed a win over the Swedes to put their qualification hopes back on track. The result gives Joachim Low’s men three points from two matches, level with the Swedes. And, d three points behind group leader Mexico who beat South Korea 2-1 earlier in the day.
Germany coach Low dropped Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira from the side that desperately needed a victory after falling 1-0 to Mexico in the opener. The World Cup winners were left on the bench for Marco Reus and Sebastian Rudy. While, s Hector came in for the injured Mats Hummels and Antonio Rudiger took the place of Marvin Plattenhardt.
The defending champions were on the front foot early, creating two gilt-edged within the first five minutes they were unlucky not to convert. Draxler and Reus got in behind the defence moments later but neither’s cross could find a teammate in the box.
Neuer came to the rescue on 13 minutes when a Rudiger giveaway allowed Marcus Berg to break in behind the Germany back line. Sweden then gave the Germans an uphill battle later through a fine finish by Ola Toivonen. He chested down a Viktor Claesson pass and beautifully chipped Neuer near the edge of the six-yard box.
Germany equalised immediately after the break through Reus. He latched onto a ball from substitute Mario Gomez to touch home from close range with his left knee.
Boateng received his second yellow for an unnecessary challenge on Berg when not more than 15 minutes was left. With a desperate Germany racing against time, Brandt fired off the post with a thundering drive from the top of the box in the 92nd minute.
However, Germany would find their winner soon after. From the ensuing free kick, Kroos tabled a short ball to Reus before dramatically curling past a helpless Olsen and into the far netting for a thrilling victory for the Germans.
FT: Germany 2-1 Sweden
Reus 48′, Kroos 90+5′ | Toivonen 32′