Reigning champion Germany shamed with early elimination from World Cup

World Cup holder Germany was humiliated with a group-stage elimination after a late 2-0 defeat to South Korea.

Germany would have been dropped from the competition even if Young-Gwon Kim and Heung-Min Son didn't score in added time due to Sweden's comprehensive 3-0 bashing of Mexico.

Wednesday's results mean Sweden pinches top spot in Group F, with Mexico finishing second. Germany wound up bottom of the quartet courtesy of an inferior goal difference to South Korea.

Germany was vulnerable defensively throughout the opening three matches, but was particularly porous when Joachim Low directed his team upfield for a concerted, desperate push in Kazan. Working as a makeshift frontman, Mats Hummels did come close on a couple of occasions late to add to Germany's eventual tally of 28 shots, but Kim and Son were on hand to exploit the gaps, sending Germany packing.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

There was a favourable incident for VAR, too, when Kim's goal was correctly awarded following suspicions of offside. If Germany had gone up the other end and scored, Mexico would have then been heading home while Die Mannschaft took the spot behind Sweden. 1-0 to South Korea, and technology.

South Korea's second strike was easy as Son tapped into an unmanned net after goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had joined Germany's fruitless attacks.

This is the second time Germany has left the World Cup in the opening round since the 1938 edition.

Prior to the match, president of the German Football Association Reinhard Grindel said Low was already set for a contract extension even if the national team's campaign concluded early. It may be time for both parties to re-think.