Champions Germany were sent crashing out of the World Cup after suffering a stunning 2-0 defeat by a tenacious South Korea on Wednesday that saw them eliminated in the first round for the first time in 80 years.
Germany would have progressed with a win at the Kazan Arena but just could not break through the Korean defence.
Stoppage-time goals from Kim Young-gwon and Son Heung-min finished off Joachim Loew’s sorry Germany side, who finished bottom of the group on three points.
They have won four World Cup titles and also finished runners-up four times and entered this year’s tournament heavily backed to retain their title.
Instead, they will head home after a stunning failure, having been unable to break down the South Koreans and after a shock 1-0 loss to Mexico in their opening group match.
Sweden won the group after thrashing the Mexicans 3-0. Both Sweden and Mexico advanced to the last-16.
While South Korea’s goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo produced a number of fine saves, it was Kim Young-gwon who broke the deadlock in added time when he found himself alone in front of goal after a corner and he poked the ball home from close range.
Moments later Son sprinted to retrieve a long ball and score, with Germany keeper Neuer having left his charge to try to help his side get a goal.
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