Germany became the third successive defending champion to crash out of the FIFA World Cup in the group stages. Spain were eliminated in the first round in 2014 while Italy had bowed out of the group stages in 2010.
This was also Germany's worst World Cup performance since 1938. This is only the second time in 80 years that they were knocked out in the first round.
Germany were overwhelming favourites coming into the World Cup in Russia. However, questions were raised when they were humbled after by Mexico in their tournament opener. Germany, though, fought back in their next match against Sweden and when Tony Kroos hit that magical free kick, the world sat up and applauded the world champions for their magic.
Up against South Korea, the number-one ranked Germany were expected to have an easy ride. The Koreans had lost both their matches against Mexico and Sweden. But in a shocking turn of events, Germany lost to South Korea, ranked a lowly 57th.