Mexico Beats South Korea, Germany Reignites Hopes

Title holder Germany revived hopes to get to the Round of 16 after defeating Sweden 2-1 in Group F in stoppage time on Saturday while group mate Mexico beat S. Korea also 2-1 to take a giant step toward the next round; in Group G Belgium humbled Tunisia 5-2.

A last minute goal from Toni Kroos gave Germany a dramatic win over Sweden on Saturday to reignite hopes of qualifying for the World Cup last 16, Reuters reported.

Having lost their opening game to Mexico, the Germans looked to be heading for a draw until Kroos curled in a superb strike from wide on the left on the 95th minute to secure victory for the four-times world champion. They are now level with Sweden in Group F on three points, behind leader Mexico which has collected six points.

Mexico built on the momentum from its stunning victory over world champion Germany by overpowering South Korea 2-1.

Carlos Vela put the team ahead from the penalty spot in the 26th minute at Rostov Arena, which had been taken over by Mexico’s sea of fanatical supporters.

All-time top scorer Javier Hernandez sealed victory in the second half, finishing off an unstoppable move from breakout player Hirving Lozano.

It was Hernandez’s 50th goal for his country and his fourth strike at a World Cup, taking him level with Luis Hernandez as Mexico’s leading scorer in soccer’s global showpiece tournament.

Korea’s talismanic forward Son Heung-min struck a scorching consolation goal in stoppage time from outside the area. The hapless Koreans, who have no points after two matches, can still theoretically qualify for the next round but they need to beat Germany and hope Mexico wins against Sweden.

Two goals each for Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard helped Belgium to a 5-2 thrashing of Tunisia and put the team firmly on course for the World Cup knockout phase.

Despite topping Group G with six points and a goal difference of plus-six there is still the slimmest of chances Belgium might yet not qualify, though even a heavy defeat in its final game against England would be extremely unlikely to derail them.