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 goal fest 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. Half-time 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.
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