It was a late, late, real late strike from Toni Kroos that inspired Germany to snatch the win against a gutsy Sweden in the crucial Group F tie at the Fisht Stadium in Russia on Saturday evening (June 24). After near 45 minutes of frantic attacks, Germany finally stole the limelight with Kroos curling in the lay-off from Marco Reus in the dying moments of the match. And soon after the final whistle, an overwhelmed Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket team captain, tweeted with delight for the Germans.
“That’s what is called deliver under pressure ..hall mark of German football,” tweeted former Indian cricketer Ganguly moments after the final whistle blow that declared Germany’s 2-1 win over Sweden.
Four minutes into injury time, Germany had their one last chance at goal. A freekick from near the left corner. Kroos passed it softly to Reus on the edge, who laid it off for the midfielder to curl it through the defence and into the back post. The whistle blew and Germany survived with a 2-1 win as the Sweden players were left devasted on the floor.
The win now opens up the competition in Group F. Mexico with two back-to-back victories have six points and are denied an assured place in the last 16 with German victory. Die Mannschaft have three points after opening loss against Mexico. And then Sweden too have three points after opening win against South Korea. Competition is stiff, only the final round of the group stage will unveil the fate of the three teams.
