Germany shows the grain of the World Cup, now has the chance to move forward

KAZAN, Russia – This Mannschaft is by no means perfect, but at least she can fight, and it is an essential asset to win a World Cup.

Germany's 2-1 win against Sweden could be the cornerstone of the reigning Russian champions' campaign, a memorable event that brought the players together after their disastrous start.

After losing to Mexico, Germany took over with a Toni Kroos striker against Sweden and must now finish the job against South Korea to avoid being eliminated in the first round of the Cup of the world for the first time since 1938.

In a largely open Group F, dominated by Mexico with six points, the Germans have their fate in their hands again. They will qualify if they beat South Korea in Kazan Arena by at least two goals.

"Now, it is about beating South Korea," Kroos said, urging his teammates not to get carried away by the euphoria and excitement that enveloped the team. German after the match of Sweden.

Despite the turnaround, Germany coach Joachim Loew has to face many shortcomings before the last match. Julian Draxler and Thomas Mueller were mediocre against Sweden, and the clash between Jerome Boateng and Antonio Ruediger was tough during a scary match that had an emotional impact on Germany.

The improbable win, however, boosted players' confidence ahead of a third World Cup encounter with Korea's 57th place. Germany won its two previous matches at the tournament, in 1994 and in 2002.

"We went through all odds and that could be a turning point for us in this tournament," said Mueller.

The return of Germany has also given Loew more latitude, which has been criticized for being too conservative in his choices and relying too much on his old guard of world champions.

Loew made four changes that paid off Sweden – including dropping playmaker Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira to make way for Marco Reus, Jonas Hector, Sebastian Rudy and Ruediger. Although Germany remained too vulnerable to counterattacks, the changes allowed a better-balanced team that fought until the end and beat Boateng eight minutes late.

Rudy had a broken nose against Sweden, while Boateng is suspended for the match against South Korea, which means Loew will be forced to make more changes. But he has a deep bench, another asset during the tournament of one month.

Rear center Mats Hummels could come back after missing the previous match with a neck injury and partner with Ruediger in the heart of the defense.

NEU LEADER

Having recovered from the left foot fracture that threatened to ban him from the tournament, German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was a leader off and on the pitch.

Neuer was at his best against Sweden, making a decisive stop to deny Marcus Bergen's effort just before half-time and, as usual, igniting quick attacks from behind with his long throws and his precise shots. Neuer was also one of the key speakers at the crisis meeting that followed the defeat against Mexico.

BRANDT AN OPTION

Julian Brandt, the 22-year-old winger of Bayer Leverkusen, is one of the most talented young German players and has been included in the Loew World Cup team at the expense of Leroy Sane. He lived up to expectations in Russia with two solid appearances as a substitute. He came late against Sweden and hit the woodwork. It would be surprising that he did not have another chance against South Korea.

CAPTAIN OF SOUTH KOREA

With its already slim qualifying chances, South Korea took a blow when captain Ki Sung-Yueng was sidelined with a left calf injury.

The Swansea midfielder is the most experienced player in South Korea, with 104 appearances with the national team.

South Korea has lost its last four World Cup matches, but it remains a glimmer of hope. The team could progress if it beats the four world champions and Sweden loses to Mexico.

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