World Champions Germany crash out of the World Cup in dramatic fashion after a 2-0 defeat to South Korea in Kazan on Wednesday. Germany dominated possession but lacked dynamism in their play and their build-up play was too slow – lacking real urgency. The favourites by many prior to the World Cup failed to impress. They only needed a win to qualify but were frankly not good enough to break the South Korean rear guard.

In a game where anything but a win would have sent them home, Germany lacked the cutting edge and fell to a Young-Gwon Kim goal in the 94th-minute and a 97th-minute goal from Heung-Min Son to ensure the Germans will be catching the next trip to Berlin in total shame and disgrace. The victory was not enough to ensure South Korean qualification to the second round but it moved them to third on the log ahead of Germany. Germany finished rock bottom in the group.

Mexico also escaped elimination despite an electric start to the tournament after suffering a 3-0 defeat to a rejuvenated Sweden team. Mexico’s qualification hanged on the balance but they were dealt a massive favour by South Korea disgracing the Germans. Sweden grabbed goals from Ludwig Augustinsson, Andreas Granqvist and an own goal from Edson Alvarez. Therefore, Sweden and Mexico finished top and runners-up in the Group respectively.

Ade Thompson