Korea eliminated from World Cup, despite 2-0 win over Germany

The Korean national football team celebrates after scoring a goal in their 2-0 win against Germany in the 2018 FIFA World Cup at Kazan Arena in Russia on Wednesday.

Korea finished its 2018 World Cup campaign with a stunning 2-0 victory against defending champion Germany at Kazan Arena in Russia on Wednesday, though they failed to advance to the tournament’s knockout stage.

Despite a scoreless first half, Korea played beyond all expectations, as they managed to shut down Germany’s many scoring opportunities.

Throughout the match, Korea managed to create chances, but struggled to convert them into shots on goal.

But the Taeguk Warriors finally broke the silence one minute into stoppage time, as Kim Young-kwon scored off of Son Heung-min’s free kick. Though the referee first ruled the goal offside, it was quickly changed thanks to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

Once Kim scored, Germany’s goalie, Manuel Neuer, got on the field in a last-ditch attempt to score. However, Neuer’s leave from the net worked in Korea’s favor, as Son finally scored a goal just three minutes after Kim’s goal to extend Korea’s lead.

For Korea to advance to the knockout stage, the team had to win against Germany by at least two goals, and Mexico had to defeat Sweden. Despite high expectations that Mexico would win, Sweden defeated Mexico 3-0 to advance to the knockout stage as the winner of Group F.

Korea finished third in Group F, and Germany left the World Cup in last place in the group. Sweden took first place and Mexico finished in second.

BY KANG YOO-RIM[kang.yoorim@joongang.co.kr]