Germany 2-1 Sweden: Kroos' late winner gives World champions hope (Match highlights)

Germany 2-1 Sweden: Kroos' late winner gives Germany lifeline (Match highlights) | Russia 2018 world cup

Kroos celebrating his late winner Germany 2-1 win over Sweden

Germany left it late to beat Sweden today in their World Cup Group F match

The World champions were playing for survival against Sweden as a loss or draw would have eliminated them from the tournament.

The Germans went all out to get the win from the start of the game but they were wasteful in front of the goal with Reus, Wenner and the rest firing blank, Sweden took a cue from Mexico's performance by sitting back and playing on the counter to cause their European opponents all sorts of problems on the break.

Sweden striker Marcus Berg was through on goal in the 13th minute but Manuel Neuer saved brilliantly to stop the striker, replays show that the 31-year old striker was impeded by Jerome Boateng in the box, Swedish players protested but the referee denied them the penalty.

Germany kept on piling the pressure with a possession of 73% to no success.

In the 32nd minute, Ola Toivonen surprisingly puts the Scandinavians into the lead with a brilliant lob after a fine chest control.

The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Sweden, Germany were on the brink of elimination.

Mario Gomez replaced Julian Draxler at the beginning of the second half and he had an immediate impact, Die Manshafft got the equalizer three minutes into the half, Marcos Reus bundled in a Mario Gomez's cross to level the score. Germany were back in this.

Sweden continue to defend gallantly, goalkeeper Olsen as Germany were unable to get the second.

Jerome Boateng was sent off in the 82nd minute after receiving a second bookable offence for a clumsy tackle on Marcus Berg.

Germany kept on looking for the win and got their reward in the 95th, Timo Wenner was brought down by Jimmy Durmaz in the 95th minute at the edge of the box. Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos stepped up to score a fantastic goal to give the World champions their first win of Russia 2018.

Watch the full match highlights below: