KAZAN, Russia, June 27-- Germany have suffered their first group stage elimination since 1938 as two late goals from a resilient South Korean side forced a 2-0 stunner over the defending champions in Russia World Cup here on Wednesday. The Germans needed a win to go past the group stage but the fighting South Koreans clinched whatever chances they had to make the Germans' efforts in vain. Both South Korea and Germany entered the match with a few changes made to their starting lineup after losing a couple of key players to injury or suspension in the previous two Group F matches. For South Korea, Jung Wooyoung started in place of injured captain Ki Sungyueng in central midfield, while coach Shin Taeyong retained the 4-4-2 formation. In the German side, star striker Thomas Mueller, who was not in top form in previous matches, was kept on the bench, while teammate Sebastian Rudy was also not in after breaking his nose in the match against the Swedes. The South Koreans tried to take the initiative from the very beginning, but the Germans, as the stronger side, soon took control and pressed high. But it was South Korea that made the first serious threat at the goal when the Asian side were awarded a free kick opportunity in the 18th minute. Jung Wooyoung pushed the shot at the goal but was parred by German keeper Manuel Neuer, who continued to bat the ball further away, making Son Heungmin's attempts to follow with a shot to no avail. |