Swedish tempers cool down after Germany say
PONTUS JANSSON and John Guidetti revealed that Germany apologised to Sweden in Sochi on Saturday night after their over-exuberant celebrations following their late 2-1 win.
Two members of Germany’s World Cup party were captured goading the Swedish bench after Toni Kroos’ free-kick, in the final minute of stoppage time, made the difference. Their celebrations provoked scuffles between the two benches once the final whistle had blown.
Germany’s dramatic victory brought the World Cup holders back from the brink of likely elimination and means there is everything to play for in Group F, with all four teams retaining hopes of qualification.
Janne Andersson, the Sweden head coach, complained about Germany’s conduct after the final whistle but Leeds United’s Jansson, one of those who led the protests, said Germany had apologised.
“That’s how it is in football, especially when it ends like this, with a goal,” he said when asked about the incident. “There were a lot of emotions from them and from us, also. Some of them said too much.
“That’s a normal reaction from us. We were angry of course. I like to see that. Maybe bad from them but that’s how it is.
“I haven’t had anything said to me personally but some of them said sorry to us after the game. It was disrespectful at the time, to celebrate like that. But if they said sorry, it’s OK,” the 27-yearold defender added when asked about the incident.
“For them it is was a really important goal, of course. But you should celebrate in your own half, not be disrespectful to your opponents. That’s how it is.”
Guidetti, the former Manchester City and Celtic