Germany in disarray gong into this because - well they lost a game. Half the back four changed and Ozil dropped, but then they do have a strong squad. Given that the German’s last game is against South Korea, Sweden probably think they need a win as well rather than a draw which would leave them needing a result against Mexico. In that case though a draw would put them both through and their would be some sort of poetic justice in that.
The Germans came out all-guns blazing creating a couple of quick chances but Sweden had a great opportunity to go ahead when Berg broke though but he went down under a challenge from Boateng. Nothing doing from the ref or VAR though.
Toivonen sensationally put Sweden ahead with a sublime finish (with a hint of a deflection) just after half an hour and suddenly Germany were in deep trouble. Berg almost added a second just before the break but Neuer saved well.
The panel of course loving the German “shambles” at half-time, inferring all sorts of internal troubles from on-field mistakes and really laying into Boateng in particular. But there’s only one goal in it.
And it took Reus just three and a half minutes to knee in the equaliser. Germany then dominated the rest of the game but with eight minutes left Boateng got a second yellow after a suspiciously long think by the ref given that VAR should not be intervening at this point. There was a bizarre explanation that he was waiting for the Swedish player to get up first. Mmm.
Gomez almost snatched a winner but Olsen saved, Brandt thumped the post and then, and then - never, never write off the Germans - with fifteen seconds to go Toni Kroos smashed in the most dramatic of winners.
Now all they need is a win over South Korea. Sweden must rely on the Koreans or get a result against Mexico who have not yet actually qualified.
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