KAZAN, Russia, June 26, 2018 (News Wires) - Marco Reus has no intention of allowing South Korea to get in the way of Germany progressing to the last 16 on Wednesday now that the World Cup holders have already saved their skins once. Reus was a substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Mexico, but given a starting role against Sweden he bundled in a 48th-minute leveller to drag Germany back into the game. With seconds on the clock in Sochi, Germany secured a vital 2-1 win thanks to Toni Kroos's superb curling shot, with Reus setting it up in a set-piece move. It meant Germany avoided the ignominy of becoming the sixth team to crash out as World Cup holders, but they are not safe yet. Four years after Spain became just the fifth champions sent packing after a disastrous group-stage campaign, Joachim Low's pre-tournament favourites could still be stopped at the first round for the first time since 1938. While the exuberant, post-match celebrations by Germany's coaching staff upset Sweden, they belied the champions' desire to show the rest of the world that their business in Russia is far from over. However, the Germany team that won all 10 of their qualifiers with a whopping 39-plus goal difference has yet to convince many they deserve a place in the last 16, let alone the World Cup final. Germany's path to the second round is littered with obstacles. Although South Korea sit bottom of the group without a point following defeats to Mexico (2-1) and Sweden (1-0), all four teams can still qualify. Germany will go through if they win by two or more clear goals against South Korea, who can qualify if they beat Germany and Sweden lose, and finish with a better goal difference than both teams. If Germany and Sweden draw their games, the team in the higher-scoring game will finish second. If the matches finish with the same score, Germany will finish second because they beat Sweden. After missing out on Brazil four years ago when Mario Gotze's extra-time winner against Argentina handed Germany their fourth World Cup title, Reus arguably has more reason than most to make sure Die Mannschaft avoid an early departure. The Borussia Dortmund forward missed Brazil 2014 with torn ankle ligaments, Euro 2016 with a groin problem and Germany's 2017 Confederations Cup triumph with torn knee ligaments. "Of course, we played badly against Mexico and we had to face criticism, but we've been talking a bit too long about it in my opinion," Reus told reporters late Monday. "We have to do our duty and win the game, preferably not by just 1-0 but higher." On top of that, Korea have no intention of making Germany's task any easier. "Germany played aggressively in both of their opening matches but I think we can get a good result," said midfielder Ju Se-jong. "I expect them to come out strong and try to score as many goals as possible, which could allow us some space at their back. We'd have to take full advantage of that with our quick counter-attacks through Seungwoo or Seonmin." Brazil faces Serbia Brazil may have been one of the big disappointments so far at the Russia World Cup, but the pressure is on their opponents Serbia in their final Group E match in Moscow on Wednesday. Brazil, whose only defeats by the Balkan side came against the old Yugoslavia in 1930 and 1934, need just a draw to secure qualification for the last 16. For Serbia, who will want to be masters of their own fate, a win would guarantee their progress, although a draw could see them through if the Swiss are beaten by Costa Rica by more than one goal in the other group game. Brazil come into the game under fire at home after poor performances in their first two games. They were subdued in their 1-1 draw against Switzerland and had to wait until injury time to finally secure the goals and the win against a limited Costa Rica side. Full back Fagner believes the pressure is a result of their own spectacular showing leading up to the tournament, a period in which they lost only one match in 21, scoring 47 goals and conceding just five. "I believe that because of all we did in the qualifiers and friendlies there is a huge expectation that we win our games," Fagner told reporters at Brazil's training camp. "Our opponents prepare well to neutralize us, but I think as games go on we will create chances either with plays from the professor (coach Tite) or through our own improvisations. Each result and win generates more confidence." Brazil are expected to be unchanged from the side that beat Costa Rica, although their biggest opponent may be themselves. The five-times World Cup winners have been criticized at home with striker Neymar bearing the brunt of the opprobrium. The most expensive player in the world and a constant presence on billboards, television and social media, Neymar has not lived up to the hype and broke down in tears after the last-gasp win over Costa Rica. Fagner brushed off suggestions that the pressure was already having an effect on Tite's side and said it was a natural reaction to – and maybe even a welcome consequence of – their own high standards. "We have created an expectation and that leads to pressure. We know we can get better, and that leaves us enthused because we know over the tournament you get better each game," he said. Sweden seek win over Mexico Sweden have moved on from the off-field issues that dominated the headlines after their defeat by Germany and are determined to beat Mexico Wednesday for a place in the last 16, coach Janne Andersson said Tuesday. The Scandinavians conceded a goal in the 95th minute in their Group F match on Saturday, with winger Jimmy Durmaz later subjected to racial abuse on social media for giving away the free kick that led to Toni Kroos's goal. Sweden were also incensed by the reaction of two German team officials to the goal, accusing them of "rubbing it in". FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the pair. "We are coming into Wednesday's game expecting to perform at the top level. We have everything to gain and we are mentally strong ahead of the match," Andersson told a news conference. "We have a good feeling within the squad. We showed that we were able to play against the defending champions all the way with the exception of the final few minutes." Sweden, who have rallied behind Durmaz, can qualify with a victory or a draw against Mexico if Germany lose to South Korea. If Sweden and Germany both win, Andersson's team could advance on goal difference. However, the 55-year-old coach is not taking Mexico lightly, with "El Tri" having already beaten Germany and South Korea. "They are a good team and we have great respect for them," Andersson added. Wednesday's matches all times CLT: 4:00pm South Korea vs Germany 4:00pm Mexico vs Sweden 8:00pm Serbia vs Brazil 8:00pm Switzerland vs Costa Rica
