Ten-man Germany come from behind to clinch thriller against Sweden

Germany beat Sweden 2-1 to keep their World Cup campaign alive

sweden-germany-ap Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen, fails to save the winning goal from Germany's Toni Kroos, during the group F match at the 2018 World Cup, in the Fisht Stadium in Sochi | AP

Germany came from behind to beat Sweden 2-1 to keep their World Cup campaign alive, at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi. Toni Kroos was the villain-turned-saviour for 10-man Germany as he scored the winner in injury time. It was Kroos’s mistake that led to the first goal, but he made up for it as he scored off a stunning free-kick that curled into the top right.

It was a dramatic night, which even saw a genuine penalty call for Sweden turned down. VAR wasn’t called into action, despite it being a crucial part of the match. It was stifling to see why VAR wasn’t called into play.

Coming into the match, Germany had not lost consecutive matches since 1958. Incidentally, Sweden were one of the teams that Germany had lost against then. Germany started the attack with Draxler being denied from close range and Sweden scrambled to clear the ball even as Werner failed to turn it in. Germany looked to be overpowering and were bearing down on goal again as Kimmich sent the ball flying into the box on a couple of occasions but Germany failed to convert their chances.

Germany were pressing high up the pitch and were exposed in the 12th minute as Sweden countered. Berg tore down the pitch and looked set to lob one over Neuer, but couldn’t get his shot away amidst pressure from Boateng. Sweden complained but the referee deemed it to be a fair challenge. Replays later suggested that Boateng had fouled. Sweden continued to press from there on, but seemed to lack the speed and intensity with which Mexico played against Germany in the group F opener.

Germany’s worst fears came true when Claesson’s cross was met by Toivonen who lifted the ball over Neuer and into the back of the net. It was Kroos who gave up possession that led to the goal. Sweden came dangerously close to scoring again in the 44th minute. Forsberg attacked on the break. He sent a tempting cross into the box, which was collected by Claesson who didn't go for the shot. He instead tried to control the ball, but his first touch was bad and it was cleared by Germany.

Germany levelled in the 48th minute when Reus scored. Werner crossed into the area. It was meant for Gomez, but he failed to make contact, prompting Reus to run at the loose ball and put it away. The goal lifted Germany's spirits. They played with much more intensity and looked most likely to score again. Sweden were digging their own grave. They failed to keep possession and were utterly dismal in the final third. Germany attacked relentlessly and Sweden looked even more clueless with each passing second.

Germany were met with another downfall as Boateng was sent off in the 82nd minute following a second yellow card. That should have been enough for Sweden to capitalise, but they looked even more uncertain. Germany pressed up high and did not look like a team that was a man down. Olsen pulled off a brilliant save in the 88th minute when he deflected Gomez’s header. Brandt's screamer two minutes into stoppage time hit the woodwork. Sweden had a chance to make something out of their counter in the 94th minute, but as the case had been for the duration of the night, they looked out of place in front of goal and it led to Germany attacking down the left. Werner tore down the left but was brought down by Durmaz. Kroos took the resultant free-kick and curled over and past a poorly constructed wall and into the back of the net.

Germany just about scraped past Sweden in the end. Sweden can complain that they did not get a penalty that they deserved, but they did not deserve to win. They missed too many opportunities and did not look like a side who looked anywhere close to scoring a second goal in the second half. It was all Germany throughout. Full credit to the defending champions who took the risks despite being a man down and were rewarded eventually.