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After a 2-0 defeat at the hands of an average South Korean side, Germany became the third successive title holders to go out in the group phase.
Die Mannschaft were widely expected to hit their straps against South Korea after Toni Kroos’ 94th-minute lighting bolt gave them a last-gasp win over a dogged Swedish outfit, but Joachim Lowe’s men instead put on their meekest display in recent memory.
The Bundestrainer, an institution in his homeland, will also find himself under the microscope for his poor team selection. Lowe reinstated Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira, after dropping the pair against Sweden, while Leon Goretzka was brought in for Thomas Muller on the right-hand side.
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Though Ozil, alongside Reus and Werner, helped to improve Germany's pressing and occasionally won the ball in good positions, Khedira and Goretzka often appeared laboured and hindered the approach play.
Since Germany’s seemingly never-ending conveyor belt of talent is still producing stars such as Joshua Kimmich, Niklas Sule, and Leroy Sane there is probably no need for another reboot at the grass-roots level.
However, this was, in all likelihood, the last stand for many of the heroes of 2014 — including Jerome Boating, Mats Hummels, Thomas Müller and Mesut Ozil — at an international tournament.
#1 Worst: Toni Kroos
Arguably the most technically-gifted central midfielder in world football today, Kroos is the heartbeat of the current German team.
The 28-year-old's forward passing and decision making are usually impeccable, allowing him to dictate games with ease and grace.
However, in this match, Kroos was unusually ponderous, often taking too many touches in his own half during build-up play.
The Real Madrid man also committed a few uncharacteristic turnovers and played an errant pass towards the end of the game, which resulted in the corner that ultimately led to South Korea's first goal.
#2 Best: Cho Hyun-woo
Undisputedly the man-of-the-match, South Korean goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo made a number of acrobatic stops to keep the Germans at bay and earn a well-deserved clean sheet. His finest moment was an incredible save from a flicked Goretzka header in the second half.
Only 26-years-of age, Hyun-woo impressed in all three of his games at the World Cup and could find himself playing in Europe next season.
#3 Worst: Leon Goretzka
Deployed on the right-hand side of a 4-2-3-1, Bayern Munich-bound Goretzka, a box-to-box midfielder by trade, looked like a fish out of the water and was completely bereft of ideas.
The 22-year-old's off-the-ball movement also left a lot to be desired as he often drifted into the most clogged areas of the pitch and failed to coordinate his runs.
Goetzka did have a chance to score early in the second half from a Joshua Kimmich cross, but his headed effort was thwarted by the brilliant Cho Hyun-woo.
After five seasons with Schalke, the Bochum product has established himself as one of German football's brightest talents and is poised to be a key part of the national team for years to come. However, he'll want to forget his first World Cup outing as soon as possible.
#4 Best: Kim Young-Gwon
Kim Young-Gwon combined with Yun Young-sun, who was one of four changes made to the Korean team, to repel a number of Germany's attacks.
Even though they were bailed out by Hyun-woo on a few occasions, South Koreas centre-backs were impressive and gave a good account of themselves.
Young-Gwon also put his side in front at the death, after he capitalised on a scramble to finish past Neuer with aplomb.
#5 Worst: Timo Werner
A striker who usually excels at attacking open spaces, Timo Werner was effectively nullified by South Korea's low block. His interplay was lacklustre, and he never got himself into good shooting positions.
One of the bright spots on an exciting RB Leipzig team, Werner was touted as one of the potential breakout stars of the World Cup.
However, with the exception of the second half against Sweden, the 22-year-old frontman had a dismal tournament – much like most of his teammates.
What is your opinion about Germany's early exit from this year's World Cup? Sound off your opinions in the comment section below!
