Mitch Freeley

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus has hailed the impact of Toni Kroos on the Germany side after the Real Madrid midfielder scored a stunning stoppage-time winner to hand his country a 2-1 victory over Sweden, comparing the player to German legend Franz Beckenbauer. 

Matthäus was a guest of beIN SPORTS Arabic for the Germany Vs Sweden game and gave his insight in the aftermath of a last-gasp goal that kept Die Mannschaft’s World Cup defence back on track. The former Germany captain was quick to point out the significance of the goal for his country. 

Former #GER captain @LMatthaeus10 was in our studio when @ToniKroos curled in the winner...#beINClub #beINRussia #beINFWC #GERSWE #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/uCpmeoHoIr — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) June 23, 2018

“This goal (from Kroos) is as important as the goals in the World Cup final in 54, 74, 90 & 2014. Because it would be a big shame if Germany was to go out in the first round. “

Germany was stunned when Ola Toivonen chipped Sweden into the lead against the run of play. However, the 2014 winners did make a breakthrough minutes into the second half when Timo Werner picked out Marco Reus who scored from close range. 

Die Mannschaft was dealt a major blow when Jerome Boateng picked up his second yellow card for a rash challenge on Marcus Berg on the 82nd minute. However, Kroos stepped up for his country, curling in the winner from outside the box in second-half stoppage time. Matthäus was quick to praise the leadership skills of the player. 

.@LMatthaeus10: 🗣️ "We had @beckenbauer, now we have @ToniKroos."#beINClub #beINRussia #beINFWC #GERSWE #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/GzZcdkVBGk — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) June 23, 2018

“This shows Toni Kroos is a leader in the team. He made the mistake before the goal for Sweden but he came back because he has so much confidence he has won the Champions League four times. These titles make the difference “ added Matthäus who captained Germany to their 1990 triumph. 

Whilst the 57-year old left the best till last when praising Kroos, comparing him with World Cup-winning captain Franz Beckenbauer.  “We had the Kaiser Franz Beckenbauer, now we have King Toni Kroos! I’m very happy for him.”

You can watch Live & Exclusive coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.