Geez....FOX in Brazil has no class either.
3
Ultimately Germany will be in a better place than Argentina because falling out at the Group stage will make Germany take retooling seriously. Argentina slid through and may not work on redeveloping their team which they so desperately need. Poor Messi.
3
This South Korean victory might help Kim Jong Un consider unification with the South. This is huge not only for the two Koreas but also the entire Asia. It will go down in history as a turning point for Asian soccer.
1
German team seemed to go through the motions without any real desire to win. Fortunately, South Korea put them out of their misery. They really had no place in the round of 16.
4
This is not sport nor a game. It is a multi million circus of highly overpaid professional entertainers and greedy officials, designed for the brainless of all countries who pay for it.
4
Not a fan mysdlf. But it's great to see people all over the world having FUN
1
A bit resentful perhaps? Your comment could probably be applied to many professional sports like tennis, golf, etc.
3
A little less focus on Germany and a little more focus on the outstanding play by South Korea would have made for better article.
6
I’ve seen SK play outstanding football before, but this was not a game I would qualify as such. They surely deserved a tie or possibly the win today, but the reason the article is on point is that Germany came in to the tournament as a favorite to win it all. No such expectation was had of South Korea.
3
Hmm. I just lost a fiver to a friend, I had them down to reach the last four. Curses!
Still, kudos to South Korea. Neuer, mate, where did you go?
1
The worst German team! No Pace, No creativity, and No power. All qualities that made germany THE germany we known for so long.
2
Does it matter? Really? Russia will cheat, bribe, dope, hack its way to the winners box. Thankfully the Americans crashed out early. Perhaps Germany decided they had no heart and there was no joy to compete in the land of second rate thieves and murderers.
1
Americans did not crash out early. They didn’t even qualify to go!
3
this is one of the many things I absolutely can't stand about the World Cup. It's the corrupt leaders the phony the world is one vibe, slow monotony of most soccer matches but mostly it's the screwy mediocrity producing rules where in teams like South Korea go home because of odd inter divisional results.
2
At least those silly ads ask Americans to support Germany because they gave us the frankfurter can now end
4
This is a reminder that soccer needs a functional team much more than individual excellence. Something did not work in the German team and there was no drive, no joy and no desire for the team to win. The naivety of Ozil and Gundogan posing with Erdogan further harmed an already listless team. It painfully brought up the question of what players in a national team play for.
14
Yes, it was not the smartest thing for them to do, but how is that really the reason for the team’s bad performance?
1
the 2018 version of die Mannschaft was too slow & lacked originality in the attacking third of the field. While technical precision is always important, the recipe for defeating them was to close at a frenetic pace, launch lightning-fast counterattacks & defend the small spaces. When denied time & space on the ball, the German squad had no player capable of creating magic (a la Iniesta) or even beating a defender one-on-one to create his own space to shoot.
4
The SK goalie, Jo Hyeon-woo, was awesome. Hopefully his performance during this WC will lead to prosperous opportunities. He deserves it unlike the rest of the squad.
12
In all the years of my rooting for the German men’s soccer team at the World Cup, I have never seen such a poor effort from this team starting with Mexico. They were never a factor in their games.
11
Germany had a lack of bright striker.
4
As a soccer fan, I was sad to see Germany go because their game almost always deliver perfect technique and efficiency.
In addition, they showed enormous sportmanship after their defeat against Mexico and I respect that a lot.
But putting that aside, I am enjoying this World Cup immensely. It has been full of drama and upsets, but it has also been entertaining, with good refereeing, fair play, sportsmanship and blow-your-mind results.
10
I’ve watched Son playing for Tottenham, and he is just a joy to watch. What a great game this was. Congratulations to the South Korean team.
39
Just a stunning series of events today. Really.
South Korea played a magnificent game and withstood waves of Germany offensive charges and broke through in counters. Watching the games with a diverse group in a University town and again realized just how beautiful and unifying football (soccer) can be. I would hope that more Americans could come around to enjoy the sheer delight and passion of the game.
41
Germany played without energy or urgency. They seemed to prefer to let the other team set up its defense before they attacked. They acted as if they were just better than the other teams player by player but they sure couldn't prove it. Congratulations to Korea, a very fine side, but they beat a has-been team.
8
Agree with some.Sane for Man City is a great player.Missed him.
4
So what was that Times article couple days ago about having too many teams in the World Cup. Germany is out, Argentina barely made it, Italy didn’t even qualify.
7
Germany lost because Italia was there to bring out their best. Also, Germany to true aficionados really never was considered to win this World Cup. As usual the non soccer international press got it wrong, again. Brazil is next.
2
While certainly no one predicted this cataclysmic capitulation for the world’s #1 ranked team with seemingly robotic efficiency of an unstoppable juggernaut, the warning signs were there. I remember seeing Thomas muller joking with the referee midway through the second half while deadlocked against an organized Swedish side, and thinking where was the passion? Their entitlement and hubris was a familiar story among so many previously successful World Cup teams—if there is anything to take away from this shock it is heavy is the head that wears the crown...
15
Leaving Sane off the team hurt them, as well as Low's blindness to Mueller's poor form the last couple years (especially Euro 2016). There were no players who could dribble and open up the middle, so it was all go down the wing, cross and pray. Fairly easy to defend, and dreadfully dull to watch.
They all stood around today waiting for the ball...it was really a sad display.
12
Golly, gosh, dilly, dilly --- do you think the FIX is in FIFA?
Who do the bookies want for champions?
1
It was horrible team from the first game. Slow, lethargic with no sense of urgency, even in front of Korea knowing that they need a win. Time for Muller, Ozil, Khedira and few others to retire.
8
The football World Cup is an international stage where teams from all over the globe meet each other and compete according to established rules. Although rare exceptions occur, overall countries treat each other with respect. When Germany was beaten by Mexico, only the most stupid German fan would throw racial epithets at Mexico. It would generally be considered as uncivilized behavior.
Football is also truly international, and I recognize many star players from third world countries that have played in Holland, Germany, the UK and Spain. So it gives all countries the chance to shine and be noticed, countries large and small. Rich or poor, powerful or powerless, irrespective of race, every country is, again, treated with respect. One wishes that such an attitude would carry over to all walks of life, and to all countries.
17
That's true during the World Cup.
What about the bananas thrown at African players in the Italian and Spanish leagues, and the antisemitism (Anne Frank pictures) displayed in matches in your country, the Netherlands, and in Italy?
4
Also, the ape noises the Italian and Spanish fans make at African players. (I thought I'd mentioned that, I see I left it out.)
2
perhaps the headline should really be about South Korea -like - "South Korea played a brilliant game with energy and passion and won the day, Germany is now heading home."
46
While generally I would agree with you, S. Korea didn't play all that well either. Toni Kroos nutmegged his own guy and delivered a perfect pass to Young-Gwon Kim in stoppage time that sent Germany home. (Kroos did something similar in the last World Cup final, only he got bailed out by Gonzalo Higuain). Other than that (and the open goal that ensued) both sides looked flat, pedestrian, and unimaginative.
So some credit to South Korea (who have played far better in the past) but this was really more about Germany's shocking underperformance. Kein Kampf.
10
I very much enjoyed watching Germany eviscerate Brasil at the last World Cup. Now, let's make way for MEXICO! Vamos El Tri!
8
You write: “But even with a dozen players considered among the best in the world at their positions” ... shocking! Did the Germans really sneak on an extra player?
6
This was a real thrill for me, to watch South Korea beat Germany. Congratulations guys!
14
So many old players in that German team. They need all new legs. This, plus Merkels naivety on immigration having caused Brexit and is destroying the EU, will cause an identity crisis in Germany. The older volk in charge are out of touch.
6
There is no "identity crisis" in Germany because of a football game. Unlike many of the fans from Mexico and Sweden, who put on a shameful display in the wake of Germany's defeat, most German football fans simply acknowledged their sadness that the party was over, were thoroughly honest about the utter failure of Die Mannschaft to display much hunger, and have continued on with their lives. They did not shout anti-homosexual epithets during the matches (unlike many of the Mexican fans during their match against Germany) and have, in fact, handled themselves with gravity and grace even in defeat.
As for Merkel "causing Brexit" and "destroying the EU," that doesn't even warrant a serious response.
8
There's no "identity crisis" in Germany because of Merkel's generous refugee policy. Refugees and immigrants make up a tiny proportion of the population.
And a football loss certainly won't cause an identity crisis. Almost all German fans have responded to the loss with honesty about the team and graciousness.
I agree with Philippe, your comment about Merkel "causing Brexit" and "destroying the EU" is too silly to respond to.
2
Germany was chaotic on defense and lacked execution on their finishes. They deserve their fate. Mexico is lucky, but that’s part of the game. Viva Mexico!
10
Go South Korea! Upsets like this make the game interesting. In my inexpert opinion the S. Korean goalkeeper was amazing. And yes, I enjoyed watching German tears. Sorry, Germany, but what's that called? Oh yes, Schadenfreund. I had a nice dose of it today.
20
actually, it's called Schadenfreude ;) A 'freund' is a friend, which makes me wonder if your wonderful word creation would describe a friend who still feels Schadenfreude for the beloved friend after a less than stellar performance
9
A strong blow for all "we are the best in everythng" style people in Germany, and there are a lot of them, mainly in the east of Germany. I am glad it came this way - I hate this Trump-style primitive nationalism.
12
many east germans would probably say the exact same things about west germans. But yes, lets slap on the stereotypes and hate on each other..as if there wasn't enough of that in the world (especially after you seem to despise that kinda thing yet appear to fall for it wholeheartedly)
1
Sorry JS, I follow German politics and Christoph is right. The ultra-nationalist tendencies are much stronger in the East.
1
Germany has been overrated for the past few years. Apart from Kroos, they've looked old and cumbersome. The last cup they won against the Argentinians, who never manage to win a final, and against the Brazilians, who were missing their star striker and star central defender. Their streak of luck appears to be over. Belgium, Portugal, and Croatia are much more impressive to be performing so well against richer neighbors with much bigger populations.
11
Jogi Low made a mistake typical of most long-serving national team coaches: he put his trust in players that in the past brought him glory, while discounting the fact that many of them are now four years older and no longer playing with the same fire they had when they were younger and hungry for success. Muller, Ozil, Khedira, Hummels, Kroos, et al. were great four years ago and are still good players, but were no longer the best player's at Low's disposal. Meanwhile, players like Can and Sane were not even on the team. And Neuer may once have been a great goalie, but he was recovering from major injury and had not played competitively in months.
20
The Germans play consistently excellent soccer, but their unsportsmanlike display during their game with Sweden makes me happy to see them go.
Watching the VAR replay, the first goal was clearly onside--the linesman's error would have become infamous, at least outside of Germany, which defeated the US in 2000 with the aid of an uncalled handball.
20
As a dual Swedish/US citizen, I appreciate your calling out the Germans on their unsportsmanlike display during their game against Sweden - and I also appreciate your reminding people about the uncalled handball against the US in the 2002 World Cup!
12
Germany crashing out in the group stage is shocking. No doubt complacency and lack of urgency played a huge role, but so did team selection. When the majority of your team comes from Bayern who barely break a sweat in winning their domestic league every year and lose in Champion's League whenthey can't score in the clutch. Looks and sounds familiar. The good news is that Germany have the best players, and that helps a lot. Had they played the U21 World Cup Champion B-side, they'd at least be in the final 16.
10
I've been watching the World Cup since 1974. And yes, Germany is the machine that can always be counted on. But this time, everything was different. A team that is not. The players did not burn for their game.
At the 2014 World Cup, the German team has played its opponents against the wall right from the start. With the team spirit and fun in the common game.
Maybe now the era of coach Jogi Löw is over and it needs a reboot. The era Klinsmann and Loew started in 2006 and now ends.
There are enough world class players in Germany. Forming them into a team is an art.
We in Germany are used to a very high standard and get upset when things are not going so well. But, what we saw today ...
Pity
31
In 2002, South Korea co-hosted the World Cup with Japan. The country was engulfed by a frenetic energy I haven't seen since: a sea of cheering fans in red on the streets—and buoyed by this show of heart, the South Korean team stunned the world by making the semi-finals. Its performance was, to put it mildly, improbable. Guus Hiddink, then manager of the national team, is literally a national hero in South Korea, his name known by young and old alike.
In the semi-final round, South Korea's Cinderella run ended with a heartbreaking loss to Germany. Today was a vindication. The South Korean national team has not been formidable since 2002—and this year was no different. It was never about advancing, but avenging 2002. You’re welcome, Mexico—and better luck next time, Germany. Now we're even.
67
Germany cannot expect to advance in every tournament or even to win the title always.
At times their Officials behave in a way, as if they have a natural privilege to the Title.
Other nations also know how to handle a ball, which was demonstrated during todays Game.
The poor performance at the pre-tournament games against Austria and Saudi Arabia, as well as
during the game against Mexico and the „lucky“ result against Sweden, foreshadowed the desaster
in form of a deserved victory by South Korea, and it was at least to me not a big surprise.
Now the the disappointment of the Nation is too big to describe. Wait for tomorrows headlines in the Press.
Such „Pain“ is avoidable with a bit of modesty from the beginning and the comprehension that the ball is round.
After all Soccer or Fussball is a Sport, even though it turned into a monster industry with decadent tendencies.
Note the unbelievable amounts Star Players are being „traded“.
16
We Germans are 'crying'; well, a little bit perhaps. Let's remember that, the higher one goes, the more painful the fall, Germany having been world champion in 2014. But this is football; let the best win, however much luck may be involved. As they say, luck favors the prepared mind. Humility in losing is a just equalizer in a healthy competition. Let the games go on, as we applaud their efforts and beauty, a win being secondary to it's spirit of camaraderie, and an example of what solidarity can do to a divided world where pettiness 'a la Trump' has become so pervasive.
69
Good sport, sir!
2
They should have counted Schurrle and Sane into the lineups in the first place...
12
Especially Sane. There was no speed on the wings.
1
Jogi Loew shoulda retired after the last World Cup. Khedira and Ozil have no business being in the first 11 in 2018. Muller too has been diabolical. Can’t say I’m unhappy though! G’wan Brazil!
4
it's too good and too thrilling, and too exciting. TV commentators aren't able to even make sentences now... South Korea finally made it, and Germany should go home for the first time in World Cup history. it's glorious that we can go home along with the defending Champion.
30
what does that have to do with the excruciatingly boring experience of having to endure 90 minutes of keep-away kickball? Soccer has a limited following in the US for a good reason....it's as interesting as watching paint dry. Soccer players fake injuries to try and get opposing players tagged with yellow and red cards. American football players sustain brutal injuries and yet they keep playing. Sorry, keep-away kickball just doesn't cut it here in the US.
5
As an American soccer fan, I'm going to make several points. First, right now NFL football on TV is my favorite sport to watch. The games are made for TV, not for the fans in the stands who have to endure promo noise, TV time-outs, etc. Sure, brutal injuries, and that's a real problem the NFL needs to deal with.
Yes, soccer players do much faking. No question about it. A guy gets a little push in the chest and he falls and grabs his face as if his eyes were gouged out. I hope the soccer authorities, when not focusing on lining their own pockets, can figure out how to fix this. Experience with the video ref should help (again, if the authorities focus on the game, rather than their own pockets).
All that having been said, for a team sport, 90 minutes of more or less continuous action, showcasing individual skills and team play is really tough to beat. Sure beats the NBA and MLB.
24
American football is too slow (2 seconds of play and five minutes of wandering around the field making high fives) and is moronic. Watching humans intentionally sustain brain injuries is idiotic, cheering them on is immoral.
8
Spoken like someone truly ignorant of the game. BTW, American Football is made for TV manufactured, fake drama with all of America’s isolation, jingoism, racism and love of violence on vivid display.
I’ll take “kickball” any day over American “football”.
4
I bet Germany wishes they could have pocketed some of those 7 goals from the the last WC vs Brasil. Seeing Germany lose, especially this early, is almost as good as seeing Brasil win. What a performance by S Korea.
21
It was a pity that Germany had many chances but could not score. I do not know whether goalkeeper did well or Germany has a problem with mental
3
Germany got shut out by Korea AND Mexico. As a matter of fact, Germany scored only a couple of goals in 270 minutes (plus injury times) against three teams that are not among the world's top defensive squads (no disrespect to Germany's three opponents intended). And their defense was a step behind on every counterattack it faced. Germany's play in this tournament was hardly the stuff of champions.
I do believe its problems run deeper than what's on the surface, though. From the external criticism directed at Germany's immigrant players like Boateng, Ozil and Gundogan in recent months, to some German players' outspoken criticisms of their teammates after the Mexico game, there were clearly tensions beneath the surface. Add to that poor squad selection by Low - not picking the best players at his disposal - and poor tactical decisions by the coach and very poor performances by the players in all three games - and elimination is not really a surprise.
6
Great news! This clears the way for the US team!
Oh, wait...
46
We Americans are Mexicans this World Cup.
4
Kind of ironic that Germany loses in stoppage time and Sweden advances after they beat Sweden in stoppage time on Sunday.
That's soccer, I guess.
Congrats to Mexico, our neighbor to the south, who advances to the round of 16.
Good luck to the "El Tri"!!!
18
Was watching here in Germany. Oo, those last minutes were painful.
23
Germany failed to make use of their brilliant ball possession into goals... They should have counted Schurrle and Sane in the lineups before setting foot in Russia.
8
Congratulations to S.Korea. They deserve this victory!!!
75
4 of the las 5 champions have been eliminated in groups stage
3
Meanwhile, the USA WNT has won 3 World Cups (never finishing lower than 3rd) and won 4 Olympic Golds(1 Silver) since starting in 1996! That's some team to maintain that level of play...
22
Agreed. To bad the woman don’t get the same recognition.
2
Nice revenge for S.Korea for 2002
23
Wow...wow..wow...wow...
12
Germany was never really successful at containing counterattacks on russian soil...
58
I said the same before the start of this world cup: Never Germany was successful in anything on Russian soil. As the Romans in never were successful in the barbarian forests :-)
2
Poor, shameful and unnecessary reference to a dark Episode of World History, where millions of Russians and Germans lost their lives unnecessarily, including 4 of my relatives of the last Generation. Shame also on the many "Recommenders".
I dont mind a Portion of "Schadenfreude" about the early Exit of the Germans, but yr remark goes too far and puts a questionmark on your intellect.
2
How was this NOT a breaking news alert on my mobile app?
I love the NY Times but I am extremely disappointed at the lack of World Cup coverage. You should have live scores and standings on the top of the home page!
45
What a drama!
6
Löw and behold, Germany crashed out!
17
In like a Löwe out like a Lamm
4
That game wasn't even in Stalingrad.
24
Feels like karma for Brazil....
11
When will it dawn on soccer fans that every match outcome is largely random? In a game that contains at most a handful of scores, skills become secondary to pure chance.
16
Tell that to for example Juventus Turin, who are italian champions for 7 years in a row.
26
That is clearly not true. If that were the case there would be no repeat champions and the same handful of countries wouldn't tend to advance every tournament. This is no random game of chance.
30
Chance does play a role in soccer, a bit more than other sports due to as you mention, the low scoring. But skill and conditioning are so much more important, which can be seen in the most rigorous and skillful teams constantly topping leagues and winning cups. Although this world cup has been a bogey in terms of results, upsets based on chance are still rare.
20
Wir nicht sind die weltmaster! I was in Frankfurt for the mud bowl win in the seventies, and Wir Sind Die Weltmaster was the scary newspaper headlines, after the win.
5
Hi,
"Weltmeister" means world cup winner.
So nothing bad about that
5
It is weltmeister, and simply means world champion. Why is that so scary?
9
No. Weltmeister means world master.
3