Toni Kroos has hit back at former Germany internationals and pundits for their criticism following the team’s shaky start to the World Cup.

Kroos hit a stunning free-kick deep into stoppage time to seal Germany’s 2-1 win against Sweden on Saturday to keep their knockout hopes alive. The defending champions were beaten 1-0 by Mexic in their opener.

Speaking to ARD broadcaster, Kroos said: “Many people would have been happy if we had gone out.

“Anyone who speaks up, those experts, and anyone who writes about it can feel they have addressed things, but it gives me the feeling that it’s more fun to analyse or talk or write badly of us.

“I’m not talking about the fans who go to the fan miles (fan zones in Germany).”

If Germany are to reach the last-16 stage, they must win by a margin of two goals against South Korea on Wednesday. Anything less, and they will be relying on the outcome between Mexico and Sweden.