World Cup: Germany crash out of tournament as South Korea win 2-0

World Cup: Germany crash out of tournament as South Korea win 2-0
Copyright REUTERS/Pilar Olivares
By Jordan Jones
Share this articleComments
Share this articleClose Button
Copy/paste the article video embed link below:Copy to clipboardCopied

The result means Germany are out of the World Cup.

ADVERTISEMENT

A below-par Germany bowed out of the FIFA World Cup, just four years after winning the competition, after a late 2-0 defeat to South Korea.

Goals from Ju Sejong and Son Heungmin gave the Koreans a shock victory. The result now means that the reigning World Cup holders finished bottom of their group.

German nerves showed in the first half when Manuel Neuer fumbled a routine save as Woo-young hit a free-kick at the Bayern Munich shot-stopper.

In the earlier moments of the second half, Kimmich found Leon Goretza who saw his point-blank header saved by Jo Hyeonwoo. Moments later, Timo Werner dragged his shot wide after a neat passage of play.

The South Korean defence remained resolute. Germany were finding clear-cut chances hard to come by. Joshua Kimmich crossed in once again, but Mario Gomez's header was straight at the goalkeeper.

As Germany began to throw bodies forward, Son Heungmin almost scored on the counter-attack, but his effort whistled just past the post.

Mats Hummels had a glorious opportunity to score, but he headed it over from Mesut Ozil's cross. Toni Kroos then forced Jo Hyeonwoo to dive down to make a save.

In stoppage time, substitute Ju Sejong found the ball at his feet and he prodded it home past Manuel Neuer, after VAR judged him to be onside, following Kroos' touch.

German keeper Neuer was off his line and Son Heungmin was there to score in front of an empty net.

Five takeaways from the match

Uncreative Germany

They had most possession in both halves but had nothing to show for it. A few chances at Jo Hyeonwoo's goal, but only Leon Goretzka's chance forced him into any real save. Possession doesn't win you games, goals do.

Wrong players?

Much was said about the absence of Manchester City's Leroy Sane, who wasn't named in the squad. Would Germany have faired better with more exciting players?

Patient Korea deserved their victory

They may have been under the cosh for a majority of the game, but Korea were deserving of their victory. It came in dramatic fashion, but they were the side that forced more out of the opposition goalkeeper.

The hosts are out

Only Brazil, who won the World Cup in 2002, have then got past the group stages. Other than that, Germany join France of 2002, Italy of 2010 and Spain of 2014, of Group winners who have been knocked out at this stage, after winning the competition.

@2ahtnamas

What now?

ADVERTISEMENT

The German method was praised when they won the competition, but what does the future hold for Germany?

It's the first time in six tournaments, that Joachim Low hasn't reached the semi-final stage of a major tournament. Will he still be in charge?

Share this articleComments

You might also like

This is how the internet reacted to Germany's crushing World Cup loss

Upset in Germany as team head home from Russia

Euro 2024: Three months to go