The theatrical swish of Toni Kroos’s boot in the 95th minute had an extraordinary ripple effect. Beyond the overwhelming relief that cascaded through Germany, the effects were felt in Sweden and Mexico.
Until the stoppage-time second that Kroos struck, Mexico had qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup. Sweden were not far behind. And suddenly the dynamics across Group F jolted. The Mexico team were on the bus at the time, heading for Rostov airport, feeling serene and satisfied by the way they had collected maximum points from their opening two matches. But now they prepare for their final game here knowing that if they stumble against Sweden, the chances are they will be eliminated. It is quite the change of mindset, but a draw would suffice.
“This has become the group of death,” said Javier Hernández. Seven teams picked up six points from their opening couple of games but El Tri are the only one for whom that has not been enough. Mexico being Mexico, and this group being the joyous, optimistic band of dreamers that they are, there is not a hint of anxiety that they might freeze or slip up. Positivity breezed through the team as they warmed up.
“It’s a great opportunity to break through the ceiling,” Hernández said. “We are going to enjoy the match as we enjoyed our previous matches. We are highly confident. I like to focus on all those people who are so excited and we want to make them look in the mirror and think what they can achieve.” Mexico’s dynamic striker, chasing the goal that would allow him to become his country’s outright most prolific scorer in World Cup history with five, felt so good he burst out laughing when someone suggested that Mexico had become Diego Maradona’s favourite team at this tournament.
If the feelgood factor is rocketing in the way Mexico conduct themselves as well as the way they play, Sweden are not in a position to be so lucky. For a nation who tend to operate with a cool and even temperament, it has been a turbulent few days within the Swedish camp. Emotions have swirled furiously since their World Cup mood lurched so forcefully the moment Kroos’s free-kick whooshed into their net.
Take the blow of such a late defeat, add the disgust at the provocative celebrations on the Germany bench, and then the hurt of racist insults aimed not just at Jimmy Durmaz, the Sweden-born winger of Turkish descent, but by extension at the entire group who see themselves as a tolerant and close-knit squad, and there has been a lot of emotion to process ahead of a decisive game in Group F.
Janne Andersson, their coach, is certain that it has made them stronger. “There is a lot of energy and emotions,” he said, “but we want to be positive and concentrate on the right stuff. Mentally we are very, very strong. We believe in what we do.” That said, preparations for this game have challenged them to the core. There was sadness and shock within the group when Durmaz, who conceded the foul which led to Germany’s winner, received reprehensible racist abuse on social media aimed at him and his family. The story escalated when officials from the Swedish league waded in on Facebook, with the shocking suggestion that they hoped neither Durmaz nor Isaac Kiese Thelin, a Sweden-born striker whose father is Congolese, would play for the national team again.
Andreas Granqvist, Sweden’s captain, explained the squad reaction was profound and unified. “When we heard, the squad were annoyed,” he said. “Threats of violence and racism, as one we feel that is unacceptable. We come out of this much stronger as a group. It was good to make a joint statement. We gave Jimmy all the support he needs. He is a very strong person and focused on what is ahead. We will be together, and we stand up for what’s right together.”
Sweden have also been trying to refocus on football with cool heads, given how explosive the mood was at the end of the Germany game. They couldn’t shake that easily either. “I would have been dead emotionally if I didn’t respond,” Andersson said. “That was scornful. It had nothing to do with football. Unsportsmanlike behaviour is not OK.”
For all their disappointment, Sweden take encouragement from the way they played, from coming so close to a pivotal result. As Andersson said: “We showed we are able to play against the reigning champions all the way, with the exception of the final 10 seconds. That made us stronger.We expect to come into the game and perform to our top level. We really have to call the shots.”
Juan Carlos Osorio promised Mexico would continue to play with the attacking ambition that has captured the imagination at the tournament. “One of our greatest virtues is to be brave and always courageous. To go and play. That won’t change.”
