2018 World Cup: Swedes reject racism after team's group stage win

Swedes have rallied against racism in the days following their team's win against Mexico which saw them qualify for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.

As Sweden defeated Mexico 3-0 in their final group match on Thursday to qualify for the knockout phase of the World Cup,  Swedes took to social media to celebrate the impressive win and to reject racism.

Sweden's chances of reaching the round of 16 took a hit in the match prior when a last-minute German strike sealed a 2-1 defeat. 

Substitute Jimmy Durmaz gave away the stoppage-time free kick that led to German Toni Kroos's stunning late winner in the Group F clash, which led to a stream of racist attacks on the 29-year-old's Instagram account as soon as the goal was scored. 

Durmaz, who was born in Sweden to Assyrian parents who had emigrated from Turkey, took a strong stand against racism in the days following.

Following the Mexico match, a hashtag which translates as #WeAreSweden was used on Twitter as Swedes celebrated their side's progression and to reject racism.

The rallying cry gained traction before the Mexico clash when Sweden's sports minister, Annika Strandhall, posted an image of herself wearing a jersey bearing Durmaz's name.

The Swedish team started a training session last Sunday by uniting behind Durmaz as he read a statement from his cellphone.

Sweden's sports minister Annika Strandhall. Source: AFP

"I am a footballer at the highest level, being criticised is something we live with, but being called 'fucking immigrant' and 'suicide bomber', and having death threats made against me and my children is completely unacceptable," Durmaz said.

"I am Swedish, and with pride I wear our shirt and our flag. I want to thank the fine, wonderful people who spread joy. It warms us all. We stand united, we are Sweden."

The statement concluded with the entire squad shouting "Fuck racism!" before applauding and jogging out to begin their workout.