3 changes Germany could make for the Sweden game
Joachim Löw could shake up his team for the match against Sweden on Saturday.
Germany got off to a disappointing start to their World Cup title defense as Joachim Löw's side were beaten 1-0 by Mexico.
Many of the German stars simply didn't show up for the match, and Löw could make a few changes for the match against Sweden on Saturday in order to bounce back.
First of all, it's almost certain that Jonas Hector will replace Marvin Plattenhardt in the line-up. Hector was expected to start at left-back against Mexico, but missed the game due to illness.
Plattenhardt didn't do enough to convince that he should be starting again, and Hector should be back at the left-back position on Saturday.
In the midfield, Ilkay Gündogan could start instead of Sami Khedira who didn't have a good game against Mexico. The Juventus midfielder gave the ball away too often, was overrun by the quick Mexicans and didn't live up to his defensive responsiblities as he made too many runs forward.
Gündogan is a more technically gifted player and a better passer of the ball than Khedira, and with him and Toni Kroos in the centre of the park, Germany should be able to dominate the game against Sweden. Another option is the more dynamic Leon Goretzka who impressed at the Confederations Cup last year.
Finally, Marco Reus could be in the line-up after starting the match against Mexico on the bench. After the 0-1 defeat, Reus accidentally revealed that Joachim Löw had told him he would be on the bench for the first game to save his strength for what could be a long tournament. And after playing 30 minutes against Mexico, it seems plausible that Reus could be in the starting eleven this time around.
The Borussia Dortmund star could possibly replace Mesut Özil who started off well against Mexico, but faded out eventually. Reus impressed in Özil's position against Saudi Arabia in Germany's last test match before the World Cup, and although Reus probably can't match Özil's vision and ability to open up a defense, the Dortmund star is quicker and more dangerous in front of goal.
Another possibility is that Reus could start on the left instead of Julian Draxler, but Joachim Löw has said that he believes a lot in the Paris Saint-Germain player and trusts him to make a difference in Russia which makes it likely that he will be in the starting eleven once again.
Neither Thomas Müller or Timo Werner impressed against Mexico, but they should be given the chance from the start again. Müller has valuable experience and is very trusted by Löw with the young Julian Brandt being the best alternative. Werner should get the nod ahead of veteran striker Mario Gomez once again as he could hurt the Swedish defense with his pace.
To sum up, this is how Germany potentially could line-up against Sweden:
Manuel Neuer - Joshua Kimmich, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Jonas Hector - Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gündogan - Thomas Müller, Marco Reus, Julian Draxler - Timo Werner.
If you want to see how we think the German players performed against Mexico, you can check out our player ratings.