Germany dumped out of the World Cup

The result makes Germany the fourth defending Champions to be eliminated at the group stage of a World Cup tournament in the 21st centuty after France in 2002, Italy in 2010 and Spain in 2014 suffered the defending champions’ curse.

Joachim Low’s side went into the game needing to match or better Sweden’s result against Mexico, but they failed to break down Korea’s dogged resistance and were undone at the last as Kim Young-gwon and Son Heung-min netted, while the Scandinavians romped to a 3-0 victory at Ekaterinburg

If World Cup-winning head coach Low thought his problems were behind him after a superb second half in Germany’s 2-1 win over Sweden in their second Group F game, he was wrong, and the inclusion of Mesut Ozil in the front four did little to inspire his turgid team.

Korea, with nothing to play for but pride, gave everything they had in hot conditions in Kazan and got their reward in stoppage time when Kim struck from close range and had an offside decision overturned by VAR before Son raced clear of the German defence and rolled the ball into an empty net.

The result ensures Sweden finish as winners of group F with 6 points. Mexico finish second also with 6 points but with an inferior goal difference. South Korea leave the World Cup with three points while reigning world champions, Germany accompany the Asians out of the tournament bottom of the group with 3 points and the most inferior goal difference.