Women’s World Cup: Germany suffer shock exit after South Korea draw

Germany have exited the Women’s World Cup at the group stage for the first time ever following a 1-1 draw against Group H rivals South Korea

Morocco’s shock 1-0 win over Colombia has propelled them into the runners-up spot in the group, with the two-time champions finishing in third.

South Korea had already been knocked out after losing their opening matches against Morocco and Colombia.

Germany were expected to dominate the group with 17th-ranked South Korea being the only other team in the top 20. They started the tournament in style by thrashing Morocco but a shock defeat against Colombia left them level with the Moroccans going into the final group match.

An early goal by Cho So-hyun gave South Korea the lead before captain Alexandra Popp’s equaliser just before half time.

At that point, Germany were heading through as group runners-up, but Morocco’s strike just before half time in their match meant that Germany had to win.

Popp came close to giving Germany the lead after the restart. She saw a goal disallowed for offside before sending a header onto the crossbar.

Germany continued to attack and it was Popp again who headed wide. Sydney Lohmann had two chances late on but sent the ball wide before firing inches over the bar.

“Everybody would have thought that was it when Popp scored, but we kept fighting and kept playing,” said South Korea manager Colin Bell.

“I didn’t know that Germany would be out. I only found out four or five minutes after the match. I lived there and played football there. I am surprised and also sad that they didn’t get into the last 16.

“They tried everything so you have to credit them for that.”

Surprise Group F runners-up Jamaica were awaiting Germany in the last-16 had they won but they will be heading home early after eight successive appearances in the quarter-finals or better.

Instead, Colombia will face Jamaica on Tuesday with Morocco meeting tournament hopefuls France.

Cover Photo: Germany Football Fan Scarf” by wuestenigel is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .