The match between South Korea and Germany at the 2018 FIFA World Cup was one of the most shocking and memorable upsets in World Cup history.
Here’s a breakdown of that iconic game:
- Date: June 27, 2018
- Venue: Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia
- Score: South Korea 2 – 0 Germany
The Context and Stakes
- Germany: As the defending champions and four-time World Cup winners, Germany entered the tournament as one of the favorites. However, they were in a precarious position going into their final group stage match. After losing 1-0 to Mexico and securing a last-minute 2-1 win against Sweden, they needed a win against South Korea by at least two goals to guarantee qualification for the knockout stage, or a win coupled with a favorable result in the other Group F match (Sweden vs. Mexico). The pressure was immense.
- South Korea: Considered heavy underdogs, South Korea had lost their previous two matches (1-0 to Sweden and 2-1 to Mexico) and were virtually eliminated. They still had a mathematical, albeit slim, chance to advance if they won convincingly and other results went their way, but more realistically, they were playing for pride and to potentially cause an upset.
The Match Itself
- German Dominance (but no goals): Germany dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the game. They had over 70% possession and 26 shots, but struggled to break down a resolute South Korean defense. Mesut Özil, Toni Kroos, and Leon Goretzka all had opportunities, but either missed the target, were denied by superb saves from South Korean goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, or found their efforts blocked.
- South Korean Resolve: South Korea, while largely on the back foot, defended brilliantly, holding their shape and frustrating the German attack. They also looked dangerous on the counter-attack, especially through the pace of Son Heung-min.
The Dramatic Ending
The game remained 0-0 deep into stoppage time, with Germany desperately pushing forward, knowing a draw would not be enough.
- Kim Young-gwon’s Goal (90+2 minutes): From a corner kick, the ball bounced around the box. Kim Young-gwon eventually fired it into the net from close range. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but after a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review, the decision was overturned. Replays showed that the ball had come off a German player (Toni Kroos) before reaching Kim, making him onside. The goal stood, sending shockwaves through the stadium and around the world.
- Son Heung-min’s Goal (90+6 minutes): With Germany throwing absolutely everyone forward, including goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who had ventured deep into South Korea’s half, the Taeguk Warriors launched a rapid counter-attack. Ju Se-jong cleared the ball long, and Son Heung-min, with an empty goal ahead of him, chased it down and calmly slotted it into the net, sealing the 2-0 victory.
The Results after the Match
Meanwhile, the match between Mexico and Sweden, played simultaneously at the Central Stadium in Yekaterinburg, ended in Sweden’s 3 – 0 victory.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sweden | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 |
| 2. | Mexico | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 6 |
| 3. | South Korea | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 4. | Germany | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
The Impact and Significance
- For Germany: The result was catastrophic. It marked the first time in their history that Germany was eliminated in the first round of a World Cup since the group stage format was introduced. They finished last in Group F, a truly historic and humiliating exit for the defending champions.
- For South Korea: While South Korea also did not advance from the group (finishing third), the victory was monumental. It was a moment of immense national pride and a demonstration of their fighting spirit. They eliminated the reigning champions, providing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets and earning widespread praise for their performance.
This match is etched in World Cup lore as a testament to the unpredictable nature of football and the “David vs. Goliath” potential for upsets on the world stage.
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKjV2SQfKrw (Match Highlights)