KAZAN ARENA, Russia: Holders Germany sensationally crashed out of the World Cup on Wednesday (Jun 27) in one of the biggest shocks in the tournament's history - failing to make it past the opening round for the first time since 1938.

In a stunning reverse by the footballing superpower who have reached either the final or semi-finals of every World Cup since 2002, the Germans stumbled to a 2-0 loss to South Korea that left them rooted to the bottom of Group F.



A stoppage-time VAR-assisted goal from Kim Young-gwon and a late second by Son Heung-min earned South Korea the victory.



Germany's midfielder Leon Goretzka (centre) vies for the ball with South Korea's defender Kim Young-gwon (left) and goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo (right) during the World Cup Group F football match. (Jewel SAMAD/AFP)

Germany went into the game knowing that a win by two clear goals would have seen them into the last 16. But instead it was Sweden and Mexico who advanced after the Swedes romped to a 3-0 win over the Mexicans in Yekaterinburg.

"The disappointment of us being eliminated is just huge," said Germany coach Joachim Loew, who is now under pressure to quit despite signing a contract extension until 2022 last month.



"It's too soon for me to answer, it will take a few hours to see things clearly, the disappointment is very deep in me," the 58-year said when asked if he would resign.

"It is a really, really bitter evening for us," defender Mats Hummels added. "The situation is very difficult to put into words."

"We had plenty of opportunities, we broke our necks trying out there today," he added.

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.

South Korea's defender Kim Young-gwon runs to celebrate his goal against Germany during the World Cup Group F football match. (Roman Kruchinin/AFP)

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's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (centre) jumps to stop the ball as he vies for it with South Korea's forward Son Heung-min (left) during the World Cup Group F football match. (SAEED KHAN/AFP)

It means Germany, the four-time champions who had competed in the past 16 editions of the World Cup, fail to make it past the first hurdle of the tournament for the first time since 1938.

Loew caused a surprise by leaving midfield attacking stalwart Thomas Mueller on the bench for the first time since 2012 after his underwhelming displays against Mexico and Sweden.

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 yards out, it should have been fodder for World Cup-winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but after fumbling Jung's dipping drive Neuer scrambled desperately to clear as Son raced to pounce.

Germany spurned a series of 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.

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 famous win that, unfortunately for the impressive Asians, saw them bow out after Sweden beat Mexico 3-0.

