LOW HAILS GERMANY FOR HOLDING NERVE
ROLLERCOASTER RIDE FOR HOLDERS GERMANY AS HARD-WORKING SWEDES GO SO CLOSE
Germany coach Joachim Low praised his players for keeping their nerve during a “rollercoaster ride” as a late 2-1 win over Sweden reignited their World Cup hopes on Saturday night.
The defending champions’ chances of making the knockout stages looked slim as, after Marco Reus’s goal cancelled out Ola Toivonen’s opener, Jerome Boateng was sent off for a second booking
However, Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos scored deep into five minutes of added time, with a cracking strike, to put them back on track in Group F.
“Something I did appreciate today is that we didn’t lose our nerves and break out in panic after conceding a goal. We kept a level head,” said Low, who revealed that midfielder Sebastian Rudy broke his nose after being accidentally caught by a boot.
“We never lost hope. Obviously the goal we scored in stoppage time was a bit lucky but it is always a result of our belief in ourselves.
“I was very pleased for him (Kroos) because he was involved in the mistake which led to Sweden’s goal.
“Of course this was a thriller, full of emotions and a roller coaster ride right up to the final whistle. We have to play against South Korea in order to be sure we make it to the next round and then everything is open, we will take it as it comes.”
Germany’s wild celebrations at Kroos’s winner were criticised by Sweden coach Janne Andersson, who felt he and his backroom staff were disrespected. “Some of the Germany leaders on the team celebrated by running in our direction and rubbing it into our faces by making gestures,” he said.
“That really got me really annoyed and angry. There were many people on our bench who were very annoyed. People behaved in ways that you don’t do.”
However, Low played down suggestions their actions had been inflammatory. “I didn’t see any aggressive gestures directed at the Swedish bench at all,” he added. “I didn’t witness that because after the final whistle we fell into each others’ arms and hugged each other we were so elated.”
Toivonen gave Sweden the lead in the first half, when Kroos gave away possession in the centre-circle.
Seconds later, the onetime Sunderland loanee chested down Viktor Claesson’s cross and, with his second touch, cleverly lobbed a shot over Neuer and inside the far post, under pressure from Michael Rudiger.
The 31-year-old had a miserable time with the Black Cats in 2015-16, making 14 appearances and scoring once, albeit arguably played out of position as a No 10. He went into the World Cup having scored just twice, both in the French League Cup, for relegated Toulouse last season.