The Dortmund star heaped praise on Toni Kroos for scoring the winning goal that helped their side silence their critics with a 2-1 win over Sweden
Marco Reus said Germany had proven many of their own fans wrong by bouncing back from potential World Cup elimination to put their campaign on course with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Sweden .
Die Mannschaft were heavily criticised in their own country after slipping to a 1-0 defeat against Mexico in their Group F opener, which made victory against Sweden vital if Joachim Low's men were to remain in control of their own destiny.
They achieved that victory in dramatic style, recovering from Ola Toivonen's first-half strike for Sweden and turning the game on its head through goals from Reus and Toni Kroos – the latter a 95th-minute free-kick that sent Germany's fans and players into jubilant celebrations.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Reus was asked whether he felt that some Germans were willing their team to lose in order to prompt a shake-up in the ranks, and he said: "I think it is indeed something that we have an impression of.
"Many people in Germany were looking forward to us bowing out of the tournament. But I think we have shown a team spirit, despite Sweden going ahead.
"Of course that was a setback and we had to digest that first, but we came back immediately and could have scored one or two more, but it was that final finish, that final determination was missing.
"Right now, that's firmly in the past. We set out to win and achieved it."
Reus heaped praise on Real Madrid midfielder Kroos, who he teed up for the sensational winning goal in the dying seconds.
Asked about his feelings after seeing the ball hit the net, Reus said: "Of course, pure elation. We've seen a couple of times at this World Cup in the last five minutes and particularly in stoppage time quite a number of goals.
"The fact that in the last 10 minutes we were trying to keep up pressure, we were really eager to win this match and the fact that Toni Kroos put it away like that is just incredible.
"He's shown that talent on previous occasions but it shows in this case it was practically the last opportunity to win the match so I pay my respect to him for doing what he did."
A win over South Korea will now likely see Germany through to the last 16 though all four sides in Group F are still in with a chance.
CR7team
75
People come and go. Sun comes and leave a night, Birds migrate, Fans criticises their team players Whatever. But, as for me, I will remain faithful in supporting Germany. They win or they loss, I will remain a Germany fan. And the hope of winning will never depart from me. Germany...
amazingfcb
39
there are two types of critic... those who seek to break you down and constructive ones that will build you up. it's importance to note the difference. certainly I am furious with the team despite the win. when you have so much quality in your Arsenal and you know what the team is capable of, it's embarrassing to see the guys struggle so much in all areas. we couldn't even get it right in one area,its not even so much about the issues we face defensively or otherwise but the players just seem devoy of confidence and inspiration. at times I wonder if they wanted to be out there playing they were lazy on the ball and that is not the classic German mentality I know,the reason I love die mannshcaft... I think if we get the players to address their attitude I believe everything will start to fall in place. #germany
Đaiveed ♥
36
I never expected anything like that, because I knew that they were going to win even when they were down by 1-0 in the first half I still had faith and hope in the Team... Germany is a very Great team and they don't go out easily it's simply not their thing they played this game with experience and maturity they showed their capability and ability basically this game could have been won by four goals..i just loved the way Werner was just running in and making crosses amazing crosses all the players were effective they were needed for the nights Victory and to kroos who scored that stunner ✌ u were amazing that's how Germany are suppose to play!!! with this win you can be rest assured that Germany are gonna make it to the round of sixteen and certainly progress higher than that!!! 😂 haters shouldn't underestimate Germany they are a Team of great possibilities