FIFA World Cup, 2018: Defending Champions Germany Knocked Out After Shocking Defeat

Jun 27, 2018 at 10:58 PM

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FIFA World Cup, 2018: Defending Champions Germany Knocked Out After Shocking Defeat

Reigning champions Germany were knocked out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on a stunning afternoon in Group F in Russia. They experienced a shock 2-0 defeat against South Korea.

The four-time winners Germany are knocked out from the group stage for the first time since 1938.

Mexico edged through at Germany’s expense, despite a 3-0 defeat to Sweden. On the other hand, Sweden out of nowhere topped the group after an excellent show in their last group clash.

Germany were heading out anyway at 0-0 in injury time. But things got even worse when Kim Young-Gwon’s strike was eventually given following a VAR referral.

With Germany reeling and Manuel Neuer upfield to find the net, it got even worse. Son Heung-Min rolled the ball into the empty net and made it 2-0.

Germany
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Joachim Low made a big call before the match. He dropped Thomas Muller and recalled Mesut Ozil. And, used a 4-2-3-1 formation that included Leon Goretzka on the right. His men almost fell behind to a shock South Korea opener on 19 minutes.

Woo-Young’s free-kick seemed harmless enough but Neuer inexplicably fumbled it.

At the other end, the holders huffed and puffed but to little effect, Joshua Kimmich, and Ozil’s crosses coming to nothing. Germany limped to a goalless conclusion of the first half. Goretzka almost put Germany in front two minutes after the restart. But an excellent stop from the Korean goalkeeper kept it 0-0.

That left Germany with 40 minutes to find the one goal they needed to qualify at Mexico’s expense.

Meanwhile, Seon-Min then had a glorious chance to end Germany’s hopes. But he took far too long in the area when all he needed to do was shoot either side of Neuer.

Germany
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

In the dying minutes, Mats Hummels should have been their savour three minutes from time. But his free header from inside the area bounced over.

Then, the drama happened. Young-Gwon poked the ball past Neuer to make it 1-0. And, then Son tapped home with Neuer well out of his goal to end the dream of the defending champions.

FT: South Korea 2-0 Germany
Young-Gwon 90+2′ | Son 90+6′

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