World Cup Report: Korea stuns everyone, eliminates Germany

Jun 27 2018, 11:38 pm

Just when you think this World Cup couldn’t get any more dramatic and unpredictable, this happens.

Not only is Germany going home, they’ve finished last in their group.

Germany’s going home

A win against South Korea would have put Germany through. A draw would have eliminated them.

And a loss… well, a loss was unthinkable.

Germany had everything to play for, but couldn’t beat Korean goalkeeper Jo Hyeonwoo, who played the match of his life. They eventually lost 2-0, giving Korea the biggest upset in a tournament of upsets.

The defending champions dominated this match, directing 26 shots at goal – compared to just 11 attempts by Korea. They also controlled possession, holding the ball 70% of the time.

Yet, it was Korea that opened the scoring in stoppage time, courtesy of Kim Young-gwon. The goal was initially called offside, but VAR overturned the call.

This was the reaction in Germany:

This was the reaction in Mexico:

Sweden grabs first in the group

Mexico thought their World Cup was over.

After looking so good in their first two matches, beating Germany and South Korea, Mexico faced the prospect of a three-way tie if they lost to Sweden.

And boy, did they lose.

Three second-half goals gave Sweden a 3-0 lead, which lifts them to first in the group. Mexico didn’t find out until after the match that they’d be going through to the knockout round, given the result between Korea and Germany.

The goals came from Ludwig Augustinsson (50′), Andreas Granqvist (62′), and an own goal from Edson Alvarez (74′).

It was after the match that Mexicans watched as Korea shocked Germany. Wonder if they’ll build a statue for the Korean goalkeeper in Mexico City?

Switzerland advances

Switzerland just needed a draw in their match against Costa Rica to advance, and that’s exactly what they got, as the match ended 2-2.

Blerim Dzemaili scored first to put the Swiss on top in the 31st minute.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC captain Kendall Waston got Costa Rica on the board early in the second half, heading home a corner to make a bit of history. The goal was not only the first for Costa Rica at Russia 2018, it was the first-ever by a Whitecaps player at a World Cup.

Switzerland scored in the 88th minute, but it didn’t stand up as the winner, as a Costa Rica scored again to level the match three minutes into stoppage time.

Brazil wins their group

After a draw against Switzerland in their opening match, Brazil’s in a groove again, winning two in a row, including Wednesday’s game against Serbia 2-0.

Paulinho (36′) and Thiago Silva (68′) scored the goals for the Brazilians.

The win secured Brazil’s spot atop Group E, with Switzerland joining them in the knockout round. The tournament is over for both Serbia and Costa Rica.

Brazil will take on Mexico in the Round of 16, while Switzerland faces Sweden.

Thursday’s games

Japan, Senegal and Colombia all have a chance to advance to the knockout round with a win in Group H, whileĀ England and Belgium will decide first-place in Group G. Poland, Panama, and Tunisia will play for pride.

  • Japan vs Poland (7 am PT /10 am ET)
  • Senegal vs Colombia (7 am PT /10 am ET)
  • Panama vs Tunisia (11 am PT /2 pm ET)
  • England vs Belgium (11 am PT /2 pm ET)
See also
Rob WilliamsRob Williams

+ Offside
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