FIFA World Cup 2018: Holders Germany knocked out of tournament
Defending champions Germany have been knocked out of the group stage after South Korea stunned the holders 2-0. Kim Young-gwon scored the opener in injury time. Interestingly, VAR ruled Kim's goal legitimate after the official had called it an off-side. Son Heung-min then doubled the lead, four minutes later, to send Germany crashing out. Sweden and Mexico qualified for the knock-outs.
South Korea pull off a miracle
Sweden top group after thrashing Mexico 3-0
Sweden topped Group F after defeating Mexico 3-0 as they put up a fantastic performance. Ludwig Augustinsson scored the opener in the 50th minute, before Andreas Granqvist netted the second from the penalty spot. Edson Alvarez then scored an own goal next, as Mexico were outplayed. Granqvist became the first Swedish player to score 2+ goals in a single World Cup since Henrik Larsson.
Curse of the champions continue
Germany became the third successive champions to bow out of the World Cup in the group stage itself. 2006 winners Italy were stunned in 2010. In 2014 World Cup, holders Spain were knocked out in an unconvincing manner. And now, Germany crashed out after mustering one win from three games. What's worse is that they finished at the bottom spot.
Stat attack Group F final match-day
This is only the second time, after 1938, in World Cup history that Germany have been eliminated from the 1st round itself. Mexico defender Alvarez's own goal against Sweden is the 7th at 2018 World Cup. In 2018 FIFA World Cup, Germany couldn't manage to score a goal till the half-time even in a single game.
