Defending champions Germany have been eliminated from the 2018 World Cup after losing to South Korea in Kazan.
Kim Young-Gwon’s 92nd-minute goal, awarded after a video assistant referee decision, left four-time winner Germany on the brink of elimination.
Then six minutes into stoppage time, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the opponents’ half, South Korea gained control of the ball, launched it forward and Son Heung-min tapped into an empty net to score the second and seal Germany’s fate.
It is the first time since 1938 that a Germany or West Germany side has not advanced beyond the first section of the tournament, as Joachim Low’s side finish bottom of Group F.
Eighty years ago, Germany lost 4-2 in a replay against Switzerland to go out in the first round when it was a straight knockout tournament, but their 2018 exit was the first time Germany had ever failed to make it through the group stage.
Wasteful Germany’s missed chances cost them
With Sweden winning 3-0 against Mexico in the other Group F game, and it being goalless in Kazan, Germany knew they had to score in a frantic finish.
However, the VAR review showed the ball had deflected into Kim’s path off of a German player – Toni Kroos – and the goal was given.
With Germany desperately looking for a goal to get back in the match, Neuer joined the attack.
But he was caught out as a long ball left Tottenham forward Son with the simple task of walking the ball into the net to spark jubilant celebrations among the Asian side, even though their elimination had already been confirmed.
South Korea’s goalkeeper Cho Hyeon-woo made a fine one-handed save from Leon Goretzka’s header and Timo Werner volleyed wide from near the penalty shot.
Mats Hummels headed over the top when unmarked six yards out in the closing stages, before South Korea’s two late goals.
It means Germany’s hopes of becoming the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil’s victories in 1958 and 1962 ended in embarrassing fashion.
