Germany justify world champion status to rejuvenate qualification hopes

Toni Kroos curled an exquisite free kick into the top corner ten seconds from full time to rescue Germany from the brink of their darkest hour.

Sweden had intensified the misery on Die Mannschaft’s opening defeat when Ola Toivonen expertly lifted over Manuel Neuer. But Germany, world champions for a reason, placed the hopeful Swedes under more pressure than they could handle.

Marco Reus’ fortuitous bundled finish just two minutes after the restart set the tone for the second period, and though they had to be patient, Germany finally earned their rewards.

It looked unlikely when Jerome Boateng earned a second yellow card, but Joachim Low’s risks paid off.

A second loss would have made sure they failed to progress past the opening stage for the first time since 1938.

Even with ten men, amid an alarming moment, Germany showed exactly why they are of such esteemed stature.

Is this where it changes?

Germany demonstrated their intent as early as the second minute.

Sebastian Larsson had to make a vital block inside 90 seconds, and Sweden did well to weather the anticipated German storm.

Their buoyant start suggested it would be a long night for the Swedes, however once again the world champions never peaked.

Sweden grew into the game, and it didn’t come as a huge surprise when Ola Toivonen lobbed Neuer just past the half hour mark. They had already seen their penalty claim denied and matched Germany across the pitch.

Joachim Low needed to make alterations.

Mario Gomez emerged at half time, and Germany became a completely different outfit.

Their goal inside two second half minutes warned Sweden, but it was a warning they ignored.

Die Mannschaft edged closer and closer to the winner. Julian Brandt smashed the post, and Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen was forced into a number of acrobatic saves.

And when Jimmy Durmaz committed an inexplicable foul on the fringes of the box, there was an aura of expectancy before Reus and Kroos stood over the set piece.

It worked to perfection.

Kroos laid it off to Reus, the Dortmund man killed the ball and Toni Kroos bent a sumptuous strike over the Swedish wall and beyond Olsen, to send the German fans into delirium.

Nobody expected the mighty Germany to need a moment of magic to extricate themselves from the clutches of despair.

But it has been that sort of World Cup, and they are indebted to Kroos who was there to produce a flash of brilliance.

From now, you wouldn’t bet against Germany to ride the wave of euphoria that their late goal created.

There will be an undisputed craving for vengeance, especially because much of the world doubted the Germans would reignite their tournament.

Group F in the balance ahead of final matchday

Any of the four teams in a perfectly poised section can advance.

Mexico are currently in the driving seat, needing just a point against Sweden in their last match to secure a spot in the knockouts, which would also ensure they finish top of the group.

Sweden’s agonising finish against Germany leaves them outside the top two. They have to beat red-hot Mexico, and hope the Germans don’t better their result against minnows South Korea.

The Koreans are in the most precarious situation. Their knockout aspirations are hanging by a thread.

Shin-tae Yong’s men require victory over Germany, whilst hoping Mexico get a third successive win. They also need a two goal swing, leaving their aims of climbing into the top two unrealistic.

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It certainly makes for a exciting final matchday, and if the drama of this game is anything to go by, it should be a memorable occasion.