SOCHI, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Defending champions Germany are on the brink of elimination from the World Cup as they were lagging behind 1-0 against Sweden in the second round of the Group F actions on Saturday.

Sweden have capitalized on their counterattacks against Germany, with Ola Toivonen opening the scoring in the 32nd minute.

Germany were under pressure after losing the opening match to Mexico, who notched up a second consecutive victory with a 2-1 win over South Korea earlier Saturday.

If Germany lose the match against Sweden, they will exit from the ongoing World Cup. Enditem