Schuerrle treble helps Germany beat Sweden in goal fest

Stockholm: Andre Schuerrle grabbed a second half hat-trick as Germany fought back from 2-0 down to sink Sweden 5-3 in a thrilling World Cup Group C goalfest on Tuesday.

Nothing much was on the game because group leaders Germany had already secured automatic qualification for the 2014 finals in Brazil and second-placed Sweden were certain to progress to next month`s playoffs. The hosts, without suspended captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, took the lead when Tobias Hysen calmly slotted Sebastian Larsson`s inch-perfect pass through the legs of keeper Manuel Neuer after six minutes. Alexander Kacaniklic latched on to Kim Kallstrom`s ball over the top to put the home team 2-0 up before Mesut Ozil pulled one back for Germany before the break. Halftime substitute Mario Goetze levelled eight minutes into the second period before Chelsea winger Schuerrle twice punished defensive errors by the Swedes. Hysen reduced the deficit with a first-time shot following Larsson`s quick free kick but the night belonged to Schuerrle who curled in his third goal with 14 minutes left.