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WORLD CUP 2018, GROUP F: TONI KROOS TEARS UP RETURN TICKET WITH LAST-GASP FREE KICK

Toni Kroos celebrates. (c) Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

      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 Sweden captain Andreas Granqvist'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? 
    Group F shaped up perfectly now, anything other than a win for Zlatan's Swede brothers, and it could be curtains. Korea Republic against an utterly determined German side who know an win could send them through at Sweden or Mexico’s expense. Don't you just love this game?
 

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