Germany, the reigning defending world champions have been knocked out of the World Cup, following a 2-0 defeat to South Korea in the final Group F game. A Son Heung-Min winner has knocked the Germans out of the group stage, for the first time since 1986.
South Korea Shock Win Knocks Germany Out Of The World Cup
First-Half
The opening 15 minutes saw Germany move the ball a lot quicker than in their previous games. However, they were unable to find a decisive pass or finish, to open the scoring. As for South Korea, they really failed to get going and were resorted to very few moments of possession.
In the 18th minute, a free-kick from Jung Woo-young was spilt by Manuel Neuer. But the German keeper managed to push away the ball. A moment which epitomizes the German’s World Cup campaign so far.
As the first game reach the half-hour mark, Germany regained control of the game but continued to fail to break down South Korea. Despite passing the ball around well, Germany lacked any authority in the final third.
In the 38th minute, from a corner Mats Hummels saw his tame effort easily gathered. An in-swinging ball from Toni Kroos found Timo Werner at the back post, who then found Hummels whose effort was tame.
Another frustrating first 45 for Germany in the World Cup once again, as they headed into the break goalless. However, they were still qualifying for the knock-out stages at this point, due to Sweden being held 0-0 against Mexico.
Second-Half
Two minutes into the second-half, Germany had a huge chance. Joshua Kimmich’s cross found the head of Leon Goretzka, whose effort was saved by Cho Hyun-Woo in the South Korea goal.
Moments later, Mesut Ozil’s cross was volleyed wide by Werner inside the box. By this point, the Germans were heading out, as Sweden took a 1-0 lead against Mexico, meaning that the Swedes leapfrogged the Germans into 2nd place.
With an hour now played, Germany recorded 71% possession whereas South Korea recorded 29%.
Then as the game hit the 62nd minute mark, the Germans defense of the World Cup looked over. Sweden scored a second to make it 2-0 against Mexico.
South Korea continued to defend well, as Germany bombarded forward looking to keep their World Cup defense hopes alive, as they were still crashing out the tournament with Sweden 2-0 up.
With fifteen minutes to play, Germany needed to find a single goal to advance. Sweden now led 3-0 against Mexico. In the 77th minute, South Korea managed to break from a German corner. Son Heung Min’s effort from the edge of the box shaded the left post.
A huge chance for Germany came in the 86th minute, Hummels somehow headed Ozil’s cross agonizingly wide.
In the 91st minute, Kim Young-Gwon scrambled the ball past Neuer from a corner, giving South Korea a 1-0 lead. However, the goal went through VAR, as Gwon appeared to be in an offside position. However, the ball deflected off of Sule.
In the 96th minute, with Neuer stranded in the midfield, Ju Se-Jong’s clearance found Son through on goal, as he tapped into an open goal, making it 2-0 to South Korea.
World Champions Collapse and Crash out
“Yesterday’s heroes, have become today’s men” the reigning, defending world champions are out. A nightmarish campaign, sees the Germans head home following an almighty collapse in a 2-0 defeat. However, despite a historical win, South Korea head home as well.
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