Germany was blessed by the magic right foot of Toni Kroos to score a last-minute free kick and defeat Sweden 2-1 on Saturday, keeping their hopes alive in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The Real Madrid midfielder, with his exquisite strike to the left post of goalkeeper Robin Olsen, turned around the result in a match where the reigning world champions flirted with elimination due to a poor delivery that allowed Sweden to take the lead in the first half.
Germany, who had suffered a 1-0 defeat against Mexico, earned their first three points in Group F, sharing the same amount as Sweden. Mexico, who earlier defeated South Korea 2-1, tops the group with six points. The Asians have been eliminated.
In the 31st minute, forward Ola Toivonen put the finishing touch to a lethal Swedish counterattack that was born after a bad delivery from Kroos. The goalscorer controlled the ball with his chest and, faced with Antonio Rudiger's tackle, finished with his right foot over goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Joachim Low's team, with four changes compared to the starting eleven that fell to Mexico, woke up at the beginning of the second half. Timo Werner dribbled down the left, crossed low, and Marco Reus kneeled to equalize 1-1 at the 47th minute. The goal put an end to Olsen's unbeaten streak, who had gone over 500 minutes without conceding a goal for the national team.
After the equalizer, Germany faced a situation identical to the first match. Relentless pressure on the opponent, followed by several wasted goal opportunities. And an opponent ready to settle the match on the counterattack.
The situation worsened for the four-time world champions in the 81st minute when defender Jerome Boateng was sent off for a second yellow card. The Bayern Munich defender will miss the final match against South Korea.
But another ending was written. First, Julian Brandt hit a left-footed shot against the right post of Olsen. And Kroos brought down the curtain with the free-kick at 94 minutes. (D)