- Germany crash out of World Cup 2018 as holders to continue the worrying trend
- Italy failed to get through the groups in 2010 before Spain did the same in 2014
- France, who won in 1998, failed to get through groups in the 2002 tournament
This time there was no late saviour and for the first time in 80 years Germany have crashed out of the World Cup at the opening stage.
Joachim Low’s team dominated – with 70 per cent of possession – but were unable to find the goal they needed to beat South Korea in Kazan as Sweden beat Mexico in Ekaterinburg.
As they chased the goal they needed to survive they conceded and their title was gone as Kim Young-won fired high past Manuel Neuer following a corner in the second minute of stoppage time.
Winning the World Cup is quickly becoming a poisoned chalice with Germany now the third-straight holder to exit the competition at the group stage, joining Italy and Spain.
Germany were supreme as they lifted their fourth title in Brazil four years ago, but a defeats to Mexico and South Korea, coming either side of a narrow win over Sweden, saw them heading home from Russia at the earliest stage.
Joachim Low’s men have suffered the embarrassment of finishing bottom of Group F with Sweden the surprise winners and Mexico also heading through to the round of 16. Both of them have six points to show from their three group games.
UK MAIL
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