Fate of Germans in their hands
This Mannschaft is by no means perfect, but at least it can fight, and that’s an essential asset to win a World Cup.
Germany’s 2-1 win over Sweden could turn out to be the cornerstone in the defending champions’ Russian campaign, a memorable event that brought players together following their disastrous start.
After their opening loss to Mexico, Germany got back on track with a stoppage-time winner from Toni Kroos against Sweden, and now need to finish the job against South Korea to avoid being eliminated in the first round of the World Cup for the first time since 1938.
In a wide-open Group F topped by Mexico with six points, the Germans have their fate in their own hands again. They will qualify if they beat South Korea at Kazan Arena by at least two goals. “Now it’s all about beating South Korea,” Kroos said, urging his teammates not to get carried away by the euphoria and excitement that enveloped the German squad after the Sweden game. Despite the turnaround, there are many inadequacies that need to be addressed by Germany coach Joachim Loew ahead of the final game. Julian Draxler and Thomas Mueller were mediocre up front against Sweden, and the pairing of Jerome Boateng and Antonio Ruediger was shaky during a nerve-racking contest that took
Ban emotional toll on Germany.
CONFIDENCE BOOST
The improbable win, however, boosted the players’ confidence ahead of a third World Cup encounter with 57th-ranked South Korea. Germany won their previous two matches at the tournament, in 1994 and 2002.
“We came through against the odds. This could be a turning point for us in this tournament,” Mueller said.
Germany’s comeback also gave more leeway to Loew, who was slammed for being too conservative in his choices and relying too much on his old guard of world champions.
Loew made four changes that paid off against Sweden — notably dropping play maker Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira to make room for Marco Reus, Jonas Hector, Sebastian Rudy and Ruediger. Although Germany remained too vulnerable to counter attacks, the changes allowed for a better-balanced team that fought hard until the end and overcame Boateng being sent off with eight minutes left.
Rudy suffered a broken nose against Sweden, while Boateng is suspended for the South Korea game, meaning Loew will be forced to make more changes. But he has a deep bench, another trump card at the monthlong tournament.