World Cup

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Attendance: 44,287

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 23, 2018 at 7pm UK

Germany
2-1
Sweden

Reus (48'), Kroos (90+5')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Toivonen (32')

Germany's Thomas Muller urges fans to stand by team

By Mark Langshaw, Reporter

Published: June 20 2018 | 16:36

Last updated: June 21 2018 | 20:03

Germany forward Thomas Muller calls on the national team's supporters to rally behind them ahead of their vital World Cup clash with Sweden.

Germany forward Thomas Muller has urged supporters to stand by the team despite their disappointing start to their World Cup campaign.

The world champions crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat to Mexico in their group opener and will be all but eliminated from the tournament if they lose their second match against Sweden.

The Germany national team has incurred the wrath of supporters since the Mexico defeat, but Muller has called for unity ahead of the Sweden game.

"Whenever Germany lose or play badly, there are 1,000 reasons. And no matter how many questions there are, we will never make everyone happy," The Mirror quotes him as saying.

"We are self-critical enough to deal with it. But what is important is that we look ahead.

"We have two major tasks. We have to win. The heat is on. But we will definitely not win them through self-hate and self-demolition.

"Both this squad and the coaching staff want nothing more than success. I really wish that people don't lose their trust in us. You will ask questions, but I would ask you to stay with us."

Germany will take on Sweden on Saturday.