Germany are out of the World Cup. You have not read that wrong, the reigning world champion have been knocked out in a match that, while short on action, was never light on in excitement and intrigue.
South Korea have defeated the reigning world champion 2-nil, in a finale that was as gripping as the final historical scoreline suggested.
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To sum up the historical nature of this match, Germany were knocked out in the group stage for the first time in their history. Germany have come bottom of their group, and also lost to an Asian opponent at a World Cup for the first time in their history.
Germany recalled the likes of Mesut Ozil and Sam Khedira for their date with destiny, and Germany dominated possession, territory and shots, but went into the half-time break locked at nil-all. With Mexico and Sweden also sharing a nil-all scoreline, Germany’s passage through to the round of 16 was still in their hands.
The second half was edge of the seat stuff, if only for the impact of the changing in fortunes, as Sweden took an iron fist grip on their match with Mexico. The message to Germany was clear: they needed to score.
Germany would continue to attack, while Korea remained resolute, and goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo continued his imperious form in this tournament, keeping Germany at bay.
Mat Hummels and Mario Gomez will have numerous sleepless nights thinking about the raft of chances they could not put away, as the minutes ticked away, and the chances piled up, without reward.
In fact, Germany had their chances, again finishing a match with in excess of 20 shots on goal, but nothing to show for it.
Korea remained strong, and a late go-ahead goal from a stoppage time corner ended the Germans’ tournament, but not without controversy. Kim Young-gwon had the ball at his feet all on his own in the six yard box and buried the ball, only for the referee to see the linesman’s flag and blow offside.
VAR intervened in the most crucial circumstances so far in this tournament, and the world held its breath, as the referee went over to that little sideline screen.
The replays were clear: the ball had come to the Korean’s feet via Germany touches only, and the attacker was indeed onside when it mattered. The referee momentously walked over to the halfway line, and pointed to the middle, his decision overturned, and the Koreans had a vital, damaging, and historical lead.
A late Son Heung-min goal into an empty goal sealed Germany’s fate, the circumstances even more farcical as Manuel Neuer was up in the attack, in scenes akin to the finish of a hockey match.
Germany will leave the world cup acrimoniously, bottom of the group, continuing the curse of reigning champions who have failed to progress beyond the group stage that has plagued so many champions in world cups this century (see also France, Italy, and Spain).
As for Korea, they have beaten a champion, and must wonder to themselves when might have been had they taken earlier chances against Sweden and Mexico.
History in so many senses here in Kazan, the end story being that Germany are out in the group stage, as the reigning world champion, and this world cup is suddenly and marvellously, wide open.
As for Germany, the playing future in the national team for many players will be up to question, while Joachim Low’s tenure will almost inevitably come to an end. For Germany, in so many ways, this will mark the end of what for so long has been a wonderful and successful era. The post-mortem will be long.
For now however, Korea will enjoy their moment in the sun, as the darkness is cast across the German footballing landscape.
South Korea 2
Germany 0
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