Germany play Sweden in a World Cup Group F match on Saturday.
Where: Fisht Stadium, Sochi
Capacity: 48,000
When: Saturday June 23, 20:00 local
Key stats:
*If Germany lose to Sweden and Mexico earn at least one point against South Korea then the reigning world champions will have been eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 1938.
* Sweden are top of the group along with Mexico on three points. The Germans and Koreans are without a point.
* Four-time winners Germany have made it to the second round in every World Cup they have competed since crashing out early 80 years ago. Germany were banned from taking part in the 1950 World Cup following World War Two.
*Germany coach Joachim Loew will have a full squad to choose from with left back Jonas Hector, who missed their opening defeat by Mexico with a flu, fit again.
*The Germans won the title in 2014 and proceeded to win all 10 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
* They have managed only one victory – a 2-1 over Saud Arabia – in their last seven matches.
*Sweden defender Victor Lindelof, who missed their opening win over South Korea due to illness, has returned to training.
* The Swedes have had their share of big wins to qualify, finishing behind France and ahead of the Netherlands in their group. They beat Italy 1-0 over two legs in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.
Previous meetings: The sides have met four times at a World Cup, with Germany notching three victories and Sweden’s only win coming back in 1958 when they, as hosts, reached the final.
In total they have clashed 36 times, with the Germans claiming 15 wins to Sweden’s 12.
