Half-time report: Toivonen goal puts Sweden ahead

Ola Toivonen scored in the 32nd minute against Germany to put Sweden 1-0 up at half-time in Fisht Stadium.

An early exit threatens Germany after Ola Toivonen scored a 32nd minute goal for Sweden in Fisht Stadium.

Ola Toivonen scored in the 32nd minute against Germany to give Sweden a 1-0 lead at half-time. Germany created multiple chances with Julian Draxler being denied twice from close range in the first seven minutes. But Sweden seemed to have come prepared for the game, as they almost scored a goal on two occasions after exploiting Germany's positional weakness in the midfield.

One such chance resulted in Jerome Boateng pushing a goal-bound Marcus Berg inside the box, but the referee waved off Sweden's appeals for a penalty. Joachim Low, who made four changes to his starting eleven, received a blow when Sebastian Rudy had to be substituted in 32nd minute due to a broken nose.

Sweden took the lead in emphatic fashion few seconds later, as Viktor Claesson crossed to Ola Toivonen who lobbed the ball over Manuel Neuer. Ilkay Gundogan tried a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the final minutes of the half, but Sweden's keeper saved twice to keep the ball out.