Advertisement

South Korea causes upset of World Cup to knock out No.2 Germany

Two-time winners Germany is out of the Women’s World Cup in one of the biggest shocks in the tournament’s history.

The world No.2-ranked Germans were held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea at Suncorp Stadium to finish third in Group F and miss the knockout phase for the first time.

The 2003 and 2007 world champions only have themselves to blame.

They had 16 minutes of second-half added time to find a winner in Brisbane but hardly looked likely.

South Korea stunned the Europeans in the sixth minute with a goal to 35-year-old midfielder Cho Sohyun.

It was looking dire until inspirational German captain Alexandra Popp headed home the equaliser on 42 minutes.

It was 1-1 at the break, but Morocco had taken a 1-0 lead in Perth against Colombia to move into second in the group.

As it stood at that point, Germany was in danger of an almost unthinkable exit and so it transpired.

In the second half Popp thought she had headed home but VAR ruled her offside.

Popp hit the crossbar with another effort just on the hour mark and found the breadbasket of the goalkeeper with another in the 73rd minute when she could have scored.

Germany pressed forward but apart from two shots at the death by substitute Sydney Lohmann, did not really challenge.

The world No.17 South Koreans had a dream start to the match when Sohyun was left unmarked and slotted home a through ball from defender Lee Youngju.

Minutes earlier, forward Casey Phair had a clear shot that was deflected onto the post by Germany goalkeeper Merle Frohms.

Germany’s defence was rattled as South Korea went forward in waves of well co-ordinated attacking raids.

Popp stood tall to score her 66th international goal and fourth in this World Cup with a textbook header from a pinpoint cross, but it was the last goal Germany would score at the 2023 World Cup.

-AAP
Advertisement
Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter.
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.