Oh they were close, so close to being knocked out. Do these
guys know when they're beaten? You bet not.
The Germans were on the front foot as you expected, with
Andreas Granqvist and Mikael Lustig doing their utmost best to
stop Timo Werner and co. Germany living on the edge, as Jerome
Boateng felled Markus Berg from behind in the penalty area. No
penalty according to referee Szymon Marciniak. Thirty minutes
had passed, when Toni Kroos saw the World Cup trophy flash
through his eyes. A stray pass fell to Albin Ekdal, who picked out
Toulouse forward Ola Toivonen, whose deflected effort came off
Antonio Ruediger and into Manuel Neuer's unguarded net.
Minutes after, Ilkay Guendogan's deflected strike was tipped
away by Robin Olsen, and Granqvist prevented Thomas Mueller
from turning it in. Manuel Neuer fought back in time to be fit for
the tournament. On the stroke of halftime, Markus Berg's
perfectly diverted header clawed by an elastic Manuel Neuer.
They were hanging by the thread, Loew's men. First half ended
1-0. You probably sensed a fightback.
Marco Reus justifying the faith in his manager (and team
doctor), as he turned in via his left knee Timo Werner's cutback.
Justification for dropping Mesut Oezil. Sweden didn't have any
attempt until about quarter of an hour left. Manuel Neuer again,
after losing his balance, tipping away substitiute John Guidetti's
header. If you've ever looking for elite mentality and true grit,
look no further than the Germans. Jerome Boateng's clumsy hack
on Marcus Berg earning a a second yellow card, and reduced
the Germans to ten men. Mario Gomez's 88 minute header
tipped over by an imperious Robin Olsen. Oli Kahn eating his
nails out. Julian Brandt on for left back Jonas Hector, and his
well struck effort cannoned off the woodwork with three
minutes of stoppage time to go. Not their day?
Back from the dead. That's what it felt for every German in
Sochi, and around the globe. Toni Kroos' freekick right at the
death winning it, and tearing up that return ticket to Berlin. Goal
coming in at the 95' minute. Tournament of late goals
http://thefooteemag..com/2018/06/world-cup-2018-group-f-toni-kroos-tears.html