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World Cup | Qualifiers
Oct 16, 2012 at 7.45pm UK
 
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4-4

Match Analysis: Germany 4-4 Sweden

:Headline: Match Analysis: Germany 4-4 Sweden: ID:50201: from db_amp
Sports Mole takes a closer look at tonight's thrilling 4-4 draw between Germany and Sweden.

Sweden completed a remarkable four-goal comeback against Germany to ensure a share of the points in the World Cup Qualifying Group C clash in Berlin this evening.

Germany led 3-0 at the break and went further ahead when Mesut Ozil scored in the 55th minute.

However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mikail Lustig, Johan Elmander and Rasmus Elm struck in the second half to cap a famous night for Erik Hamren's men.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how the game unfolded.

Match statistics

Germany
Shots: 11
On Target:
Possession:62%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 5

Sweden
Shots: 5
On Target: 4
Possession: 38%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 10

Was the result fair?

Yes. As good as Germany were in the first half, any team that fights back from four goals down deserves what they get. Germany went to sleep in the second half and Sweden took full advantage. There's no doubt who the better team was, but that is of little consequence now.

Germany's performance

Rather 'Jekyll and Hyde'; they were brilliant in the first half with crisp passing and sharp movement around the opposition area. Toni Kroos, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil completely ran the show. They took advantage of the relative inexperience in midfield to overload the Swedish defenders. Marco Reus was a constant threat and Miroslav Klose was in clinical form. However, they were guilty of switching off before the job was complete. Having taught a footballing masterclass in the first half, they were now learning lessons of their own. Their defence was at sixes and sevens at the back once Zlatan Ibrahimovic ignited Sweden's fightback.

Sweden's performance

Like Germany's, but in reverse. They were weak in midfield in the first half and were completely overrun. The introduction of Alexander Kacaniklic and Kim Kallstrom at half-time certainly changed the game. Pontus Wernbloom and Samuel Holmen were withdrawn, but didn't take immediate effect. Ozil made it 4-0 to Germany in the 55th minute, but no-one could have predicted what was about to come. Ibrahimovic scored a fantastic head with around 30 minutes remaining and Sweden just kept going forward. Mikail Lustig then clawed another back three minutes later. Johan Elmander converted a good left-footed shot beyond Manuel Neuer and all of a sudden the comeback was really on. As it so often happens in games of this nature, it was a last-gasp equaliser that gave the visitors their share of the spoils. Rasmus Elm was the man who will give the travelling fans a smile on their face as they make the long trip home.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Marco Reus: The Dortmund man was brilliant in the first half, although he did go missing in the second. His supply line had been cut by the Swedish midfield and was eventually withdrawn and replaced by Lukas Podolski. His first half performance will make every opponent sit up and take notice.

Referee's performance

There was not an awful lot for Pedro Proenca to preside over. The game was played in a good spirit.

What's next?

Germany: Joachim Low's men travel to Kazakhstan for their next game in March. Given how tonight turned out, you can't guarantee anything. But anything less than a win is surely unthinkable.

Sweden: It's the Republic of Ireland next for Sweden. This was a big result for them but it will be wasted if they don't take three points at home.

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