Germans out of Cup
South Korea make history
Germany crashed out of the World Cup yesterday after a stoppage-time VAR-assisted goal from Younggwon Kim and a late second by Son Heungmin earned South Korea a famous 2-0 win.
The Germans needed to beat Korea by two clear goals in their final group F match at Kazan stadium to advance to the last 16.
But Joachim Loew’s men wasted a series of chances in a tense match that saw a pale version of the world champions become the fourth holders of the title this century to be sent packing at the first hurdle. Germany’s team of superstars could only look on in shock in the final minutes of the match as US referee Mark Geiger called for the video assistant referee to intervene after the unmarked Kim had bundled his shot past Germany ‘keeper Manuel Neuer from a corner early in stoppage time.
The goal was awarded because Toni Kroos’ touch had played him onside, and minutes later Germany were 2-0 down after Neuer ran up the pitch in a desperate attempt to get a goal.
A long punt upfield saw Tottenham forward Son chase a clearance to fire into an empty net. Germany, four-time champions who competed in the past 16 World Cups, fail to make it past the first hurdle of the tournament since 1938.
Germany coach Joachim Loew caused a surprise by leaving midfield attacking stalwart Thomas Mueller on the bench for the first time since 2012 after his underwhelming previous displays.
But by the end of a frustrating opening half, Loew was left desperately studying his options.
Germany suffered the first of several scares after South Korea won a free-kick on the quarter hour when Sami Khedira’s boot connected with the head of Jung Wooyoung.
From 30 metres out, it should have been fodder for World Cupwinning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but after fumbling Jung’s dipping drive Neuer scrambled desperately to clear as Son raced to pounce.
Germany spurned a series chances soon afterwards.
Marco Reus, who hit a crucial leveller in the 2-1 win over Sweden, saw his drive deflected and Mesut Ozil saw his effort deflected off a Korean boot and out for a corner, after which goalkeeper Hyeonwoo Jo smothered desperately when Goretzka’s header found Hummels trying to pounce on the loose ball. Germany resumed with more urgency after the interval, but despite edging closer when Loew introduced Mario Gomez just before the hour the big Stuttgart striker headed straight at Jo from Kimmich’s cross. of
Striker Timo Werner then met another Kimmich ball from the left byeline with a right-foot volley that skewed agonisingly wide of Jo’s upright.
Germany urgency was not matched by their normal efficiency and soon legs started to tire. Loew played his final card when he introduced Mueller for Leon Goretzka.
But the late changes failed to spark Germany into life as Korea hung on for a win that, unfortunately for the impressive Asians, saw them bow out after Sweden beat Mexico 3-0.
Sweden surged into the last 16 with their deserved win over Mexico side, who still qualified ahead of the Germans after the holders’ loss to South Korea.
The Swedes went through to the knockout rounds as unlikely winners of Group F, taking the beaten Mexicans with them.
Second-half goals from defenders Ludwig Augustinsson and Andreas Granqvist plus a comical own goal were reward for a physical display from Sweden, who made it to Russia by beating Italy in the playoffs.
They and Mexico, who were ragged throughout, will next play the two teams that emerge out of Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia in Group E.
Mexico came into the game at the Yekaterinburg Arena in the driving seat in a group where all four teams, including South Korea, could qualify, but they appeared the more nervous.
It took them less than 30 seconds to make their mark on Sweden, Jesus Gallardo earning a yellow card for clattering into Ola Toivonen almost straight from kick-off.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa handled outside the box and then flapped at the resulting free-kick.
On 12 minutes Marcus Berg clipped wide from close range with a bicycle kick.
There was more drama on the hour, as Hector Moreno brought down Berg in the box and skipper Granqvist held his nerve in front of the massed ranks of Mexicans to bury his penalty adding misery to their night.
● Brazil beat Serbia by a solid 2-0 after goals from Paulinho and Thiago Silva. Switzerland drew 2-2 with Costa Rica after Swiss Yann Sommer scored an own goal— AFP