‘DISAPPOINTMENT’
Defending champs Germany finish last in their group
MOSCOW — Four titles, eight World Cup finals and an unblemished record that dated back to World War II. For the first time in 80 years the second round at a World Cup won’t feature Germany.
And, for the third time in three World Cups, the defending champions were eliminated in stunning fashion after finishing bottom of Group F, courtesy a stunning 2-0 loss to South Korea.
“The disappointment of us being eliminated is huge,” German coach Joachim Low said.
“We didn’t deserve to move into the Round of 16. We were eliminated, not because we didn’t want to win, but because we never had a chance to take the lead (today).”
With Sweden pounding Mexico 3-0 in Group F’s other fixture Wednesday night the Germans needed just to beat a South Korean side playing for nothing more than pride.
But the AFC qualifiers showed up in Kazan with a determination to defend deep and deny the snakebitten champs the clear cut chances they’re known for producing.
“This is a huge disappointment,” Low repeated. “We’ve prepared really well. We were ready to take on the role of defending champions who would be hunted down.
“We didn’t manage to display our top-class play on the pitch. We had a number of goal-scoring opportunities but we didn’t manage to calm down and take the lead.
“We have not been putting on a performance that we’re normally able to do. We have to accept that situation. We have to admit this is a defeat.”
Low admitted his side didn’t look sharp in tuneups against Austria, a 2-1 loss, and Saudi Arabia, a 2-1 win.
“We were convinced once the tournament started things would work out,” Low added.
“I’m not blaming my team for a lack of activity or loss of intention.”
He called fears of Germany entering a “dark” period of football exaggerated.
“No, I don’t think so. Until recently we’ve been the most consistent for a decade. We’ve had a long period (of winning),” Low said.
“I think we have young players who are very talented and have the potential to go forward ... This has happened to other nations before. We just have to draw the right conclusions.”
The South Koreans exit this tournament with a result that might be their country’s biggest since topping Spain in the 2002 quarterfinals.
It’s important to remember they fell to Germany in the semifinals that year.