World Cup 2018: The best player from each group - Round 2

Group F

A goal in his first start at the World Cup for Marco Reus

Group F saw both the favorites to get out of the group - Germany and Mexico - get their hands on 2-1 wins over Sweden and the Korea Republic, albeit in contrasting fashion. While Mexico were in the driver's seat for the entirety of their contest, Germany had to be rescued by a last-gasp beauty from Toni Kroos.

The best player of the group came from the best match of the group - maybe even the best match of the tournament so far and was responsible for scoring the opening goal and assisting the second - Marco Reus.

After being left out of the opener in place of Julian Draxler, Reus returned to the team but not in a traditional role. He was moved to the right with Muller playing as the second striker, and Draxler retaining his role on the left.

It may have taken a decade due to injuries but Finally an accomplished world cup performance #MarcoReus pic.twitter.com/Bt0szLAY6x

— SALAM RASAQ (@AdewaSalam) June 23, 2018

After it looked like things might turn disastrous for Germany despite them knocking repeatedly on Sweden's door with much futility, respite came in the 48th minute when Reus put the ball into the Sweden net after a lot of pinball in their box.

Just as things looked like heading for a draw, leaving Germany with a lot to do on the final day, Kroos struck home a wonderful free-kick with Reus playing the role of provider. In a well-executed training exercise, Kroos passed the ball to Reus who stopped it at his foot, with Kroos knocking it into the goal with trademark German precision.

With all the teams in the group still capable of going into the next round, the state of things remains highly interesting.