Swedes move on from hurt

A last-minute loss to Germany was hard enough for Sweden to accept. A questionable celebration by German players near the Swedish bench added to the disappointment. And a wave of racist abuse aimed at midfielder Jimmy Durmaz followed on social media.

The Swedish team has gone through some turbulent times at the World Cup, but coach Janne Andersson and captain Andreas Granqvist said the players have moved on from bitter feelings and are ready for their final Group F game against Mexico.

“We were incredibly disappointed after the match,” Granqvist said. “But we’re very well prepared for the match tomorrow against Mexico.”

Sweden still have a chance to progress. Mexico lead the group with six points but are not yet safe. If Germany defeat South Korea and Sweden beat Mexico, three teams would finish with six points, so best goal difference would prevail.

Andersson said he was “saddened” by comments on social media, including by some senior members of the football association, that were abusive toward Durmaz. The player, born in Sweden to ethnic Assyrian parents who emigrated from Turkey, came on as a substitute on Saturday before conceding the free kick that led to Germany’s winner. The team and Durmaz issued a joint statement condemning the abuse.

“It’s important we’re able to move on after that,” Andersson said. “We don’t need to discuss it any further. I believe it’s important to help each other, to support each other in football.”

Said Granqvist: “We’ve let it go and are focusing on the match tomorrow, but it did have an impact on us to some extent.” He said the team reacted well to the incident. “We’re a very tight squad. We stick together, we fight together. We do everything for each other on and off the pitch.”