Germany joins Spain and Italy as the third consecutive reigning champion to be eliminated from the competition after the group stages. The Reigning Champions suffered an early departure from the competition after losing to South Korea 2-0 in their last action of the group stages. They team tipped as one of the favorites in 10Bet latest odds to lift the accolade failed to rediscover the form and passion that drove them to success in competition last four years as both on and off the pitch marred their performance.
The opening game defeat to Mexico showed signs of a possible disaster but the Die Mannschaft failed to correct their errors both on and off the pitch. The German team had to rely on a 95th- minute winner from Toni Kroos against Sweden on Saturday to give the reigning world champions a lifeline, but their horror show against South Korea on Wednesday ensured that they never made it to the knockout stages of the competition, a feat happening for the first time in 80 years. The Die Mannschaft in honesty got what they deserved as a winner against South Korea who are almost certain to exit the tournament after suffering losses to Sweden and Mexico would have ensured they made it to the next round. The performance at Kazan Arena on Wednesday afternoon was a shadow of the 7-1 mulling of Brazil in the 2014 edition of the FIFA world cup as the Germany lacked the performance credited to them.
The exit dents Joachim Low’s impressive managerial stint with the team. The German tactician prior to this have never lead the team to anything short of a semi-final spot in his 12-year managerial era. Low despite his selection coming into the game could do nothing as his team sank out of the competition. The German team which are usually known for their dynamic and energetic display began the encounter in a slow and low tempo manner with South Korea looking dangerous on the break and in the central third. The reigning champions throughout the game failed to pressure their opponent in the final third with sluggish display from teammates. The Introduction of Mario Gomez after hour mark seemed to give the reigning champions a target man to concentrate on but the failed to make things happen despite huge spells of possession. While Reus and Kimmich were closed down by the Korea defenders, Mesut Ozil failed to display his quality in game. The Arsenal man was unable to release the wide players with his trademark creative through ball in the final third. Matt Hummel’s late miss when he connected with his shoulder as he tried to head for goal was the height of it. This was shameful and embarrassing, but the shocker almost close in the game. The Korean were finally rewarded in injury time as both Kim Young-Gwon and Son Heung-Min to condemn the reigning champion who could only blame themselves for a shambolic performance in the world football tournament. Joachim Low’s will need to regroup before their continental games in 2 years’ time.
