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Sochi witnessed the most dramatic finish of this World Cup as Germany mounted a stunning comeback to beat Sweden 2-1 and in turn, keep their hopes of defending the title alive. Toni Kroos scored a 95th-minute winner to send the German faithful into a frenzy.
Ola Toivonen had given Sweden the lead in the first half, courtesy of a sloppy loss in possession from Kroos. Marco Reus made it equal on the night just after the break. Germany threw the sink at Sweden in search of that elusive winner but the Scandinavian side were defending resolutely.
The night then got worse for the Germans as Jerome Boateng was sent off for two bookable offenses in the second half. It wasn't looking pretty for Low and co at that moment. But Toni Kroos stepped up to take a freekick from an extremely acute angle, and found the back of the net with a sumptuous effort.
As expected, there's a lot to be discussed from this game. So without further ado, let's take a look at the five key talking points that emerged from Germany's sensational 2-1 win over Sweden.
Score: Germany 2-1 Sweden
Goalscorers: Germany - Marco Reus 48', Toni Kroos 90+5'
Sweden - Ola Toivonen 32'
#5 Sweden's perfect start
Despite Germany dominating the ball in the first half, notching up over 75 percent possession, it was Sweden who created more meaningful chances. The Swedes had four attempts in the first half as Germany's high defensive line played into their hands.
Against a pristine German attack, Sweden defended narrowly and looked to hit their opponents on the counter. Emile Forsberg and Viktor Claesson took advantage of Germany's advancing fullbacks and put the duo of Boateng and Rudiger under pressure.
On one such attempt, Sweden's quick counter-attack forced Toni Kroos of all people to commit a mistake which led Ola Toivonen to chest a brilliant cross down and dink it expertly past the standing Manuel Neuer. It was the perfect first half that Sweden would have hoped for.
#4 Germany's change of strategy in the second half
Joachim Low had to change something to spark a second-half comeback. And it was his substitution at the break that changed the complexion of the game. Julian Draxler went off and on came Mario Gomez. Germany struggled to get behind Sweden's low block in the first half and missed a focal point up front.
Gomez provided exactly that. Timo Werner was shifted to the left who then had a hand in both the German goals. His pace gave right back Mikael Lustig nightmares and was key in getting past him and putting crosses into the box.
Low made quite a few changes after the loss to Mexico but shifting Werner out wide paid the most dividends. This again brings up the exclusion of Leroy Sane. How good the youngster had been on the left flank against a retreating, low on confidence Mikael Lustig!
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#3 Jerome Boateng's disastrous performance
The Bayern Munich mainstay will hope to erase this game from his memory as soon as possible. With Mats Hummels missing the Sweden clash through an injury, Boateng had to be the leader of Germany's back line. But with Kimmich and Hector - the fullbacks joining in the attacks left him exposed and far from settled.
All it took was just a long ball to Marcus Berg and Ola Toivonen to test the central defenders and Manuel Neuer.
On one such instance, Berg got behind the German defence and was through on goal. Boateng tripped him, and he lost balance, shooting straight at Neuer. The referee failed to see the foul and Boateng survived to see the second half. But not for long.
First, he tripped Sebastian Larsson on one of Sweden's counter attacks and received a booking. With eight minutes to go, Boateng then clattered onto Berg and was given the marching orders for his second bookable offense. Both fouls could have been avoided as Boateng now faces a suspension in the all-important clash against South Korea.
#2 Toni Kroos' redemption
There are very few days that Toni Kroos fails to turn up for club or country. Yesterday was turning out to be one such game where what could have gone wrong for the midfielder went wrong.
He committed a big error in the build-up to Sweden's goal. Kroos was also unable to find his usual passing range, which further frustrated him.
Ilkay Gundogan's arrival helped him settle, but Kroos was still far from his usual best. Timo Werner then won a free-kick right on the edge of the box but from a very acute angle. It was the last roll of the dice for Germany as the champions were looking down the barrel of yet another painful result.
Werner set it up for Kroos who curled it past the brilliant Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen with whipping pace. It was a stunning finish to a game that decided the fate of the Germans in their favour. Kroos stepped up when it mattered the most and once again proved his legendary status. Your move, Luka!
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#1 Tough road ahead for the reigning champions
Toni Kroos' late winner helped Germany to extend their stay in Russia. The victory will settle the nerves in a dressing room that looked down and out after the defeat against Mexico. Germany's preparations have not been perfect going into the World Cup, and it is reflecting in their performances.
The Erdogan Gate and the controversy over Leroy Sane's exclusion has brought negative scrutiny on the German squad.
This along with their unconvincing performances in two group games has raised serious questions over how long this side can go and over the future of Joachim Low and many of his trusted players.
The defence looked susceptible to counter attacks and the attack toothless at times. Though Germany will now be the favourites to beat South Korea and advance into the knockout stages, this side has a lot of questions unanswered going into the business end of the competition.
