Germany’s World Cup title defence seemed to be in tatters until Toni Kroos’ late winner earned a 2-1 win against Sweden in Group F on Saturday.
Despite Joachim Low’s side dominating possession, Ola Toivonen gave the Swedes a shock lead in the 32nd minute at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.
Marco Reus then equalised three minutes into the second half but a winner did not seem forthcoming while Jerome Boateng’s sending off for a second booking in the 82nd minute only compounded their misery.
However, Kroos redeemed himself for his part in Sweden’s goal by scoring spectacularly from a free-kick deep into stoppage time.
