Germany, the defending World Cup champions, suffered a 2-0 loss to South Korea today meaning for the first time in team history they've failed to advance past the Group Stage in the World Cup.
Germany are the fourth of the last five reigning champions to go out in the group stage, and their performance in the 2018 World Cup was among the least inspiring of all the perennial powerhouses. After getting smoked 3-0 by Mexico in the opening match, the Germans bounced back with a 2-1 victory against Sweden before falling 2-0 to South Korea today.
South Korea scored both of their goals during stoppage time, the first of which was initially disallowed for offside but that decision was overturned after a video review. That goal was huge for Mexico, as they would advance to the knockout stage despite losing to Sweden. South Korea tacked on an empty netter moments later to seal Germany's fate.
As a result of today's stunning loss, and Sweden's 3-0 victory over Mexico, the Swedes finished #1 in Group F and will take on the runner-up of Group E in the round of 16. Mexico, having beaten Germany and South Korea, will take on the winner of Group E in the next round.
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