Germany apologizes to Sweden after 'rubbing in win' in World Cup game

World
Europe

The German squad at the World Cup apologized over the weekend following a skirmish with the Swedes in their Group F game.

Swedish boss Janne Andersson had accused the German staff of "rubbing our face in it" when they celebrated their last-minute victory on Saturday night.

Midfielder Toni Kroos scored a stoppage-time winner, saving Germany with a brilliant kick in the 95th minute, which ended the game 2-1.

The German players and touchline staff hailed the victory, much to the disgruntlement of the Swedes who felt the German team was mocking them.

"That got me really annoyed and angry,” Andersson was quoted by the Mail Online as saying. "Some of the group leaders of their team celebrated by running in our direction, rubbing it in our faces by making gestures."

The German team apologized for their actions on Twitter. /Twitter Photo

In the thrilling game, Sweden were leading Germany 1-0 after Ola Toivonen’s goal in the 32nd minute. The current World Cup holders were staring a second defeat after their first game loss against Mexico.

Germany's Marco Reus however sorted out the imbalance with a goal that lead to a draw, and Toni Kroos’ goal helped Germany win in extra time, sparking celebrations as well as the furious confrontation on the sidelines.

The Swedish coach said, "All I am saying is people behaved in ways you don't do. You cheer together, maybe, when you win, and you leave the opponents to feel sad－you don't react in the way they did, and that's the end of it. "

Forward John Guidetti told ESPN, “You shouldn't celebrate in front of our bench the way they did－that's disrespectful."

"You can celebrate with your own fans. Don't celebrate in front of our bench like that. That's why they apologized, because they knew they did something wrong."

The Germans will play with South Korea in their final group stage game, and could still face an early exit depending on the result of Mexico versus Sweden in the other Group F game.