Germany AXE Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira from starting XI for vital Sweden clash
Boss Joachim Low has sensationally axed the pair after their performance in their 1-0 World Cup opening defeat to Mexico
GERMANY boss Joachim Low has AXED Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil for their crucial World Cup clash against Sweden.
The pair were both criticised for their performance in the 1-0 opening defeat to Mexico.
Anything but a win against the Swedes leaves the defending champions on the brink of a shock early exit.
Germany legend Lothar Matthaus, who won the World Cup in 1990, slammed Arsenal ace Ozil for his lack of passion.
And under pressure Low has also seen enough as he opts for four changes to the team that endured Mexico defeat.
Hummels is out of the starting XI after picking up a minor injury in training.
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Marvin Plattenhardt is also left out with Marco Reus, Sebastian Rudy, Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger and Jonas Hector coming in.
Germany's FA general manager Oliver Bierhoff defended both Khedira and Ozil earlier this week.
He said: "I wouldn’t pin this criticism on just Ozil and Khedira.
"There were several players who underperformed.
"It was more than just those two. I’m all for judging players toughly.
"But when it gets unfair, it’s unfair."