It was so near yet so, so far for Sweden.
After 94 minutes, everything was rosy in Sweden’s garden. They were tied one apiece with the reigning world champions and they knew well that a draw would be enough to effectively eliminate Germany from the competition and enough to secure their progress to the last 16.
When Toni Kroos stood over a free-kick at the edge of the Swedish box, it was going to be their last throw of the dice. Survive this and the Swedes were home and hosed.
But Toni Kroos broke their hearts with a curling beauty and that kept the Germans alive and turned Sweden’s world upside down with one explosive swoop
Inevitably, this was tough to take for Sweden. Henrik Larsson’s face told that much in the ITV studios.
It must have been even tougher to take for the Swedish players and management when the delirious German bench celebrated wildly in front of them, making gestures and mouthing, as the Swedish manager is claiming they have done.
“They celebrated by running in our direction and rubbing it in our faces by making gestures,” said Janne Andersson of the German reaction at the final whistle.”
“They mock and show signs against us. Then you should not do that, then I get pissed off, “he continued on Sweden’s TV4.
Templers flared after the final whistle and just beside the substitute’s bench.
The Swedish players looked aggrieved.
Their manager didn’t look pleased.
You can click here to view some footage of the incident.
