GERMANY ON THE ROPES
The unpredictable World Cup could take yet another twist when Germany face Sweden and attempt to avoid an embarrassing outcome that could prematurely end their title defence.
Mexico play South Korea in Saturday’s middle game, and if Mexico earn at least one point and Germany lose to Sweden in the evening, the World Cup will have new champions. A loss to the Scandinavians would send the World Cup champions out at the group stage for the first time since France in 2002.
Germany found themselves in this position with a 1-0 loss to Mexico in their opener, which was fairly one-sided and drew heavy criticism at home for coach Joachim Loew’s squad. The debate has focused on the German line-up and the role of Marco Reus. He didn’t enter until the 60th minute in the loss to Mexico, but he immediately improved Germany’s attack.
His health was of question before the World Cup because of a knee injury that caused him to miss more than half of last season with Borussia Dortmund, but Reus said he is able to start and play a full match.
“I really have no say in this. All I can do is make it as hard as possible for them to do without me,” Reus said.
Sweden head into the Group F match coming off a win in their opening game for the first time since they hosted the tournament in 1958.
The Swedes have been on a roll with upsetting France during qualifying and a win that eliminated Italy in the play-offs. But Germany are unbeaten in their last 11 games against Sweden, and Sweden’s last win against the nation was a 3-1 victory in 1978.
If Sweden manage to beat Germany, it would be the first elimination in group play for Germany since 1980.