FIFA World Cup 2018: Defending Champions Germany crashes out after shocking 0-2 defeat to South Korea; Sweden thrashes Mexico 3-0

World Champions Germany spectacularly crashed out of the Group stage of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2018 as Video Assistant Referee helped South Korea to a 2-0 scoreline to finish

World Champions Germany spectacularly crashed out of the Group stage of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2018 as Video Assistant Referee helped South Korea to a 2-0 scoreline to finish Die Mannschaft’s hopes of retaining their crown.

This continues the trend of reigning World Cup champions failing to make it to the knockout rounds in recent editions, with Germany becoming the third successive champions after Spain (winners in 2010) and Italy (winners in 2006) to be eliminated from the group stage.

Buoyed by their last-gasp 2-1 victory over Sweden on Saturday, the Germans needed the three points for their qualification hopes to be secure, however, a much-changed side from Saturday failed to break down the South Korean resistance.

Sweden reached the last 16 of the World Cup finals on Wednesday in Yekaterinburg with a 3-0 win over Mexico. Sweden won Group F with six points while Mexico finished second also with six points.

Switzerland knocked out Costa Rica with a thrilling 2-2 draw, which was enough for them to progress to the round of 16 in their Group E fixture at Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Wednesday.

With this, Switzerland progressed from the group stage to the knockout stage in the last four of the five World Cups in which they appeared. Although Costa Rica was eliminated from the tournament, they were off to a bright start. Switzerland will now lock horns with Sweden next week.

Five-time world champions Brazil eased past Serbia with a fantastic 2-0 win, in their Group E match to progress to the round of 16 at the Spartak Stadium on Wednesday. Brazil finished the top of Group E with seven points in their kitty and will face Mexico in the knockout round.

Meanwhile, Serbia finished at third place, with just three points and are eliminated from the tournament.

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