Germany's match-winner Toni Kroos has criticised former internationals and pundits for putting the boot into the defending champions after their shaky World Cup start. Kroos' stunning free-kick five minutes into added time in Sochi sealed a 2-1 win to keep alive Germany's flagging hopes following defeat to Mexico in their opening Group F match.

Detractors proved wrong
Following the dramatic win on Saturday, Kroos rounded on those who had heavily criticised Joachim Loew's squad after their woeful first-half display against Mexico. The Real Madrid midfielder told broadcaster ARD after the Sweden game that the team deserved criticism after their disjointed performance in their tournament opener, adding: "Many people would have been happy if we had gone out.